What Comes With NBA 2K23 Current Gen? A Deep Dive
NBA 2K23 on current-gen consoles (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) offers a robust basketball gaming experience with a range of features and content, even if it doesn’t boast all the bells and whistles of the next-gen version. While it may not feature the cutting-edge graphics and expansive open-world environments of its newer counterparts, the current-gen edition provides a solid and enjoyable basketball simulation with plenty to offer players. It comes with multiple game modes including MyCareer, MyTEAM, and The Jordan Challenge, providing a diverse playing experience.
The core gameplay is centered around realistic basketball simulation, with improved controls and AI, allowing for strategic play on both offense and defense. Current-gen players also have access to key modes and bonuses, making it a compelling option for those not on next-gen hardware. Let’s break down what you can expect when diving into NBA 2K23 on a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
Game Modes & Core Features
MyCAREER Mode
This mode allows players to create their own basketball player and experience their rise to NBA stardom. Players can customize their player’s appearance, skills, and playing style, and navigate through the various challenges and opportunities of a pro basketball career. While The City is exclusive to next-gen, current-gen’s MyCareer experience provides a detailed and engaging single-player campaign.
MyTEAM Mode
MyTEAM is the trading card-based mode, where you can build your ultimate fantasy team by collecting and using cards of real NBA players and legends. Players can acquire cards through gameplay or by purchasing packs with MyTEAM Points or Virtual Currency (VC). It offers various challenges, game types, and rewards, adding significant replayability. Current-gen MyTEAM provides a similarly deep team-building experience, ensuring you don’t miss out.
The Jordan Challenge
A fan-favorite, The Jordan Challenge mode returns in NBA 2K23. This mode allows you to relive 15 pivotal moments from Michael Jordan’s legendary career. You’ll get to play these iconic games, recreated with historical accuracy, and experience the magic of Jordan’s dominance. It’s a great addition for both older fans and those new to the game, on both current-gen and next-gen consoles.
Other Modes
Besides those mentioned, there are classic quick play options, online multiplayer, and MyGM/MyLEAGUE, which allows for a deep dive into team management. These traditional options still add to the well-rounded gaming experience on the current-gen platform.
Bonuses and Editions
While specific bonus content often depends on the edition you purchased, here is a breakdown of potential bonuses:
Virtual Currency (VC)
Many editions of NBA 2K23 come with varying amounts of VC. This currency can be used to upgrade your MyPLAYER’s attributes, purchase clothing and accessories, and acquire MyTEAM packs. Higher-tier editions typically include significantly more VC.
MyTEAM Packs & Cards
Bonus MyTEAM packs are frequently included, providing an immediate boost to your card collection. These packs often contain player cards of different rarities, giving you a head start in building your dream team. Specific special edition cards may also be included, such as the Sapphire Devin Booker or Ruby Michael Jordan cards in some editions.
MyTEAM Points & Tokens
Apart from cards, bonus MyTEAM Points and tokens may also be part of the package. These currencies can be used for various actions in the MyTEAM mode, helping you acquire more players and other items.
Skill Boosts & Apparel
Some editions include bonus MyCAREER skill boosts to help you improve your created player faster, as well as apparel and cosmetics to customize their appearance, making your character stand out.
Graphics & Performance
While NBA 2K23 on current gen doesn’t offer the visual fidelity of the next-gen consoles, it still runs smoothly at 1080p at 60FPS. The player models and courts are visually appealing, and the gameplay is fluid and responsive, providing a consistent and satisfying experience. It is important to acknowledge that the leap in graphical and technical quality from current-gen to next-gen is evident, but this shouldn’t overshadow the enjoyable core gameplay offered in this version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is considered current gen for NBA 2K23?
Current gen refers to the PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Xbox One consoles. Next gen refers to the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X|S.
2. Is crossplay available in NBA 2K23 on current gen?
No, crossplay between different consoles or PC is not available in NBA 2K23. Players can only play with others on the same console family.
3. Can I transfer my MyTEAM progression from current gen to next gen?
Yes, cross-progression in MyTEAM is available within the same console family (Xbox One → Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4 → PlayStation®5). This means your MyTEAM progress and cards will transfer if you upgrade to the next generation.
4. Does NBA 2K23 on current gen have the same modes as next gen?
While most modes are present, The City (an open-world environment) is exclusive to next-gen consoles. The MyCareer experience is different, with a more traditional structured single-player campaign in current-gen versions.
5. Does NBA 2K23 current-gen come with a free upgrade to next gen?
Only certain editions, such as the Digital Deluxe, Michael Jordan, or Championship edition, come with a free upgrade to the next-gen version within the same console family.
6. Can I play with friends on PS5 if I have the PS4 version?
No, cross-gen multiplayer is not available in NBA 2K23, even within the same console family if you don’t have the appropriate version for each system. You will only be able to play with others on PS4, if you have the PS4 version.
7. How does Virtual Currency (VC) work on current gen?
Virtual Currency (VC) can be earned through gameplay or purchased. It’s used to improve your MyPLAYER, buy cosmetics, and acquire MyTEAM packs. VC does not transfer between generations of consoles or even to a new NBA game each year.
8. Is there a significant visual difference between current and next gen 2K23?
Yes, there is a significant visual difference. Next-gen versions offer higher resolutions, more detailed models, and other graphical enhancements, running at 4K Ultra HD at 60FPS, while current-gen runs at 1080p at 60 FPS.
9. Which NBA 2K23 edition is best for current gen?
The Digital Deluxe Edition is often recommended as the best option for current-gen players, as it includes many bonuses and often a free upgrade within the same console family if you ever transition to next-gen.
10. Are pre-order bonuses available on current gen?
Yes, pre-order bonuses are typically available across all editions and generations, so you’ll be able to receive your rewards on your current-gen console.
11. Will current gen players miss out on key gameplay improvements in 2K23?
Current-gen players do experience a different gameplay experience compared to the next-gen version due to technical constraints of the hardware. While improvements are made in each version, next gen tends to be more significant with new animations and gameplay overhauls.
12. How does the Jordan Challenge compare across generations?
The Jordan Challenge is the same mode across both current and next-gen versions, providing a consistent historical experience.
13. Can I upgrade from the standard to the deluxe edition in the future?
Yes, it’s often possible to purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition separately, even if you previously purchased the standard edition. However, it is often most cost-effective to buy this deluxe edition at initial launch.
14. Is NBA 2K23 worth buying on current gen?
If you are on current-gen hardware and enjoy basketball simulation games, NBA 2K23 on PS4 and Xbox One is still a very good experience. Despite the differences from the next-gen version, it provides a fully featured basketball game.
15. Will progress in 2K23 transfer to 2K24 on my same console generation?
No, progress and VC in NBA 2K games do not transfer between entries of the series (e.g., NBA 2K23 to NBA 2K24). Each yearly release is essentially a fresh start. However, the MyTEAM cross-progression within a console family will apply to new releases of the game.
In conclusion, while the current-gen version of NBA 2K23 might not have all the graphical bells and whistles of its next-gen counterpart, it still provides a feature-rich and engaging basketball gaming experience. Whether you’re a fan of MyCAREER, MyTEAM, or reliving history with The Jordan Challenge, there’s plenty to enjoy. The inclusion of various bonus items across different editions also makes it a compelling choice for players who want to maximize their in-game progress. The robust gameplay ensures that you’ll get to experience a full and entertaining basketball simulation, even if it’s on older hardware.