NBA 2K23: Latest Preview Trailers, Pre-Order Info, Features and Modes
NBA 2K23 nears release with massive expectations, which is fitting given the combo of Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker gracing the cover and Michael Jordan himself appearing on premium editions of the game.
As always, the latest effort from developer Visual Concepts and 2K Sports promises various upgrades across the board and different ways to pre-order the various versions.
A pre-order of the standard edition earns players things like Virtual Currency, boosts for MyCAREER skills types and various MyTEAM promos, including packs and a Booker free-agent card.
There are technically four additional versions of the game. The WNBA Edition offers the same bonuses as the standard, plus a Sue Bird jersey and Diana Taurasi jersey available in two game modes (The W and MyCAREER).
The Michael Jordan Edition features the standard bonuses, albeit bigger, including a themed 23 MyTEAM promo packs, various additional add-ons for that mode and a big uptick in boosts for MyCAREER and player-customization items.
A Digital Deluxe Edition offers similar to the Jordan release and the Championship Edition does the same but tacks on notables like actual experience boosters and even a 12-month NBA League Pass subscription.
At this point, would-be players will have a tougher time figuring out which version to get compared to whether to get the annual release at all.
Following a strong 2K22 edition, some of the aforementioned game modes—such as The W—make a return alongside the regulars like MyCAREER and MyTeam.
Of changes coming to beloved game modes, MyPLAYER gets perhaps the most notable as the developers have re-tooled the badge system. For the first time, 2K23 will feature a new tiered badge system that encourages players to use some of the lower-tiered badges available as opposed to letting them just spam the best right away.
Over in MyTEAM, the long-requested Triple Threat mode gets co-op, letting players link up with friends:
With seasons refreshing every six weeks, it's a safe bet MYTEAM will again be a place with plenty of content for players to gobble up throughout the game's life cycle.
While there hasn't been much revealed about MyCAREER just yet, it projects to run the usual fun paces. The first trailer for the mode features fun looks at cinematics and appearances from talking heads like Kendrick Perkins and even J. Cole:
On the features front with 2K23, though, it's clear the game prioritizes gameplay over everything else.
Not hard to see why—balance is key for a game that wants to serve as a simulation. Last year's major re-tools to gameplay saw perimeter players get a big advantage.
This year the outlook seems more 50-50. Players who prefer to slash and hop-step their way to the rim will find innovative mix-ups to the pro stick, which now permits multiple moves via sequenced flicks in response to what's happening on the screen.
This includes more finesse control, which, as a developer diary points out, is critical for controlling smaller players trying to navigate the clogged paint: "A simple hold left or right will perform an all-new set of quick scoop layups. These are great, especially for small guards who want to quickly flip the ball up around defenders before they can react and block the shot."
Offensive players will also enjoy a total of five new shot meters. These arrive at the same time as more in-depth stats behind the scenes to help calculate whether a shot goes in, highlighted by the consideration of release height, which impacts shot arc.
There is a careful consideration of balance in 2K23, though, besides the usual upgrades to A.I. on both ends of the court. To at least somewhat combat the ever-expanding list of options in the hands of playmakers, Visual Concepts has remixed the stamina system. The flashier the move, the more it drains stamina. On each possession, players only get three adrenaline boosts, which deplete the moment a player starts to sprint or chain into moves.
While 2K23 fed a slow drip of info to players ahead of the September 9 release, what has popped up in preview footage and information so far is encouraging across the board, suggesting the total package will live up to the star-studded cast of cover stars.
