NBA 2K23 Release Date, Platforms, And Jordan Challenges - What We Know So Far
The "NBA 2K" series is among the longest-running and most successful in the sports game genre. Since overcoming its foremost competitor — EA's "NBA Live" franchise — in the marketplace, "NBA 2K" has been the sole NBA-licensed offering out there. Despite this lack of competition, the leading basketball sim has managed to innovate when it comes to how the game is played on the virtual court and has even cultivated a competitive scene that includes an esports league called the eLeague.
Much like its predecessors, the series' latest installment — "NBA 2K22" — was warmly received by critics. With the 2021-22 NBA season in the books, it's now time for fans to look forward to the next release: "NBA 2K23." Given the presence of the number 23 in the calendar year, it's fitting that Michael Jordan — arguably one of the most popular and greatest athlete to ever don the number 23 — serve as the cover athlete for the special editions of "NBA 2K23." Here's what you need to know about the upcoming basketball simulator.
What is the release date for NBA 2K23?
"NBA 2K23" will release on September 9, 2022 (via IGN). This puts the launch of "NBA 2K23" roughly one month before the start of the 2022-23 NBA season, which kicks off in October. The exact prices for "NBA 2K23" and its special editions haven't been disclosed, however, IGN's Ryan Dinsdale shared his predictions in a July 5 article. He suspected the Standard Edition of the title would run between $59.99 and $69.99 based on the console generation, and that the Special Edition will likely cost around $100. "NBA 2K23" will also add a new Championship Edition to the mix. Given that it's set to include a subscription to NBA League Pass, buyers can expect it to easily surpass the $100 mark.
The "NBA 2K" series has long been renowned for its ability to accurately recreate the NBA's biggest stars. This is evident by the official "NBA 2K" Twitter profile revealing the character models for Michael Jordan through two different eras of his career — his early rise in the '80s, and his championship dynasty in the '90s. "NBA 2K23" will also include a new MyPlayer story named "Answer the Call" that Jordan apparently ties into.
What platforms will NBA 2K23 be available on?
The "NBA 2K" series has long been playable across all major platforms. "NBA 2K22" followed this formula by releasing for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and even the Nintendo Switch. As of right now, 2K has not stated what platforms "NBA 2K23" will come to, but it would be a safe bet to assume that franchise's latest entry will follow suit and be available on virtually every console, in addition to PC.
Based on the corresponding Metacritic pages, the next-gen versions of "NBA 2K22" were better received by critics than those released for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Switch. Assuming 2K retains the same approach to its development, the next-gen editions of "NBA 2K23" might be a must-buy if you have either the Xbox Series X|S or the PlayStation 5. But if you're still stuck on the older generation, "NBA 2K23" could provide a solid experience.
What are the Jordan Challenges in NBA 2K23?
Any hardcore fan of the "NBA 2K" franchise is likely familiar with the Jordan Challenges. In essence, they were a lineup of 10 challenges in "NBA 2K11" that allowed players to recreate the greatest moments of Jordan's NBA career. This list included scoring 63 points against the Larry Bird-led Boston Celtics in 1986, his spite-fueled destruction of the Los Angeles Lakers leading to his first championship in 1991, and the infamous Flu Game in which a feverish and ill Jordan dropped 38 points — and the winning shot — on the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals.
According to IGN, 2K has rebuilt all 10 of the original Jordan Challenges from the ground up in "NBA 2K23" and also added five new ones. In addition to other moments with the Bulls (the less said about his short stint with the Washington Wizards the better), instances of MJ's involvement with the Team USA "Dream Team" will also be present.