NBA 2K23 has cross-platform progression but no crossplay

NBA 2K23
(Image credit: 2K)

There are no NBA 2K23 cross-platform or crossplay options, so if you were planning to play between different PlayStation or Xbox consoles then unfortunately you're out of luck there. There is at least cross-platform progression between generations in the same console family, so PS4 and PS5 or Xbox One and Series X can share progress. We've got a further explanation below for what this all means, but the long and short of it is that while you can maintain your personal progress across consoles within the same platform, you won't be able to play games between them.

There's no NBA 2K23 crossplay, but there is cross-platform progression within consoles

2K is pretty clear on the idea of play between different consoles with a simple "there will not be NBA 2K23 crossplay between different platforms" on its FAQ. There will however be cross-progression for the MyTEAM system within PlayStation and Xbox, so you'll be able to share your progress, MyTEAM Points, tokens and cards etc, between PS4 and PS5, or Xbox One and Series X. 

NBA 2K23 cross-gen access is also a little confusing and messy. If you have a PS4 or Xbox One version of the game you will be able to play it on PS5/Xbox Series X via backwards compatibility. However, the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of the game only work on their respective consoles as they take "full advantage of the power, speed, and technology of the new hardware and includes additions and improvements only possible on those consoles" according to that FAQ. So the old gen versions will be playable on current gen but only as the old versions via backwards compatibility, while current gen only works on current gen. 

However, finally, if you buy the NBA 2K23 Digital Deluxe, Michael Jordan or Championship Edition you'll get both versions of the game across gens for whatever platform you buy it on - so PS4/PS5 or Xbox One/Series X. If you buy it digitally, you'll get both as downloads, while if you get the physical version, you'll receive a code for a digital download of the other version.

Leon Hurley
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides, which means I run GamesRadar's guides and tips content. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website. 

Read more
Elden Ring Nightreign screenshot which displays three unique character builds engaged in combat against a hellish creature
Is Elden Ring Nightreign crossplay?
How to enable cross-platform Fortnite matches
How to enable cross-platform Fortnite matches on all formats
Payday 3 crossplay and cross platform with friends
How to play Payday 3 crossplay with friends on other consoles
Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League crossplay
How to use Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League crossplay
GTA Online The Criminal Enterprises
GTA Online fans find a "loophole" to enable crossplay across PC and PS4, and apparently all you need is a jailbroken console, a dev copy of GTA 5, and access to a private server
Nintendo Switch 2 with Joy-Con controllers removed at the sides
Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility explained
Latest in NBA 2K
A screenshot from the reveal trailer for NBA 2K25: Gravity Ball, showing a group of people stood outside the Gravity Ball building.
NBA 2K25 is taking notes from Fortnite, becoming a strange new digital platform by offering the only way to play the new game from acclaimed Lego racing devs
NBA 2K25
NBA 2K25 locker codes guide to free MyCareer and MyTeam items
NBA
NBA 2K23 player grinds for 700 hours, gets a tiny car and four badges
NBA 2K23
Nbasketball 23 tricked unwitting NBA 2K23 buyers before it was delisted from the Xbox store
NBA 2K23
Why I love NBA 2K23 despite not really caring about basketball
NBA 2K23
NBA 2K23 ratings guide with the top 10 players at every position
Latest in Guides
FC 25
FC 25 Dreamchasers tracker and full UEFA promo guide
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe "justice must be served" or "killing them isn't justice" Yaya and Mistumune choice
Should you side with Mitsumune or Yaya in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
Pokemon TCG Pocket Shiny Cards
How to get Shiny Pokemon in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Assassin's Creed Shadows money naoe and merchant
How to get money in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Pokemon TCG Pocket Shining Revelry
Pokemon TCG Pocket Shining Revelry release date and details
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe in outfit
Best Assassin’s Creed Shadows armor for Naoe and Yasuke