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The NBA 2K23 release date is just a few hours away and that means Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch owners can get ready for the download.

NBA 2K23, the latest version of 2K’s popular basketball sim, comes to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Windows PC and Nintendo Switch on September 9.

With anticipation mounting, fans are starting to plan for the game’s arrival. With that in mind, we want to walk you through everything you need to know about the NBA 2K23 download.

From the preload of NBA 2K23 to the possible download time for your console, our guide will help you prepare for the game’s release later this week.

NBA 2K23 Preload

There are some good reasons to consider pre-ordering a copy of NBA 2K23. You get some nice bonuses and if you buy a digital copy you can download the game before the release date. This will allow you to play immediately when the game is unlocked on Friday.

While you can download the full game file to your console, you won’t be able to start playing until the game unlocks on September 9.

NBA 2K23 will unlock on Friday at 12 noon Eastern, meaning those of you in Western time zones can start playing on September 8.

How long does it take to download NBA 2K23?

The estimated size of the NBA 2K23 download depends on the console. For example, the Xbox Series X NBA 2K23 download is over 100 GB, which means it will take quite some time to complete.

When you’re running out of space on your console’s internal storage, you’ll need to search your data and delete files and games you no longer need.

If you’re running out of space and don’t want to delete files, you should consider investing in an external hard drive for your console. Samsung’s T5 Portable SSD is still one of our favorites, and the WD My Passport 4TB is another solid option.

The mileage depends on the connection speed, but a download over 100 GB can take more than an hour for some of you. For others, it can take several hours, especially if you try to download the game during peak times.

If you’re curious about how long the NBA 2K23 download might take, you can use this tool to see how long it takes for the NBA 2K23 download to finish at your home. It may not be exact, but it will help you plan ahead and set realistic expectations.

You may want to run a wired cable to your console for the duration of the download. This will help keep the download speed fast and stable.

If you are tired of dealing with slow download speeds, you may want to upgrade your router. If you’re interested in that, check out the TP-Link Archer AC4000 or Netgear’s Nighthawk AX4 RAX40.

How to Download NBA 2K23 on Xbox

There are a number of ways to start installing NBA 2K23 on an Xbox.

The first way is to turn on your Xbox, go to the Store and search for ‘NBA 2K23’. You should then see the different editions of the game.

If you haven’t pre-ordered yet, select the NBA 2K23 edition you want to purchase and purchase the game to start the download process.

If you are not at home, you can still download the game and have it ready to use when you return. Here’s how to do that.

First, make sure your Xbox has an internet connection. You also need to enable the Always Connected power option in your Xbox settings. Always Connected means your Xbox will go to sleep instead of turning off.

After you’ve done that, follow these instructions:

  • Go to Xbox.com in your web browser.
  • Click the Sign Up link in the top right corner. For this to work, you need to use the same Microsoft account connected to your Xbox Live gamertag and Xbox.
  • Go to the NBA 2K23 landing page.
  • Click on the green ‘Preorder’ button.

You can also use Microsoft’s Xbox application on your phone or tablet to start the download process. Tap the magnifying glass in the toolbar, search for “NBA 2K23”, choose your version of the game and tap the green “Download to Console” button.

How to Download NBA 2K23 on PlayStation

If you’re going to play NBA 2K23 on a PlayStation, here’s how to download it.

When you get home, turn on your PlayStation and go to the PS Store. The easiest way to find the game is to search for ‘NBA 2K23’.

When you’re not at home, you’ll need to find an internet-connected device and visit the PlayStation Store in a browser. Your PlayStation must also have automatic downloads enabled.

Here’s what you need to do to download NBA 2K23 remotely:

  • In your browser, go to Store.PlayStation.com.
  • Click Login in the top right corner of the screen. For this to work, this account must match the one you use on your PlayStation.
  • Use the search box to search for NBA 2K23.
  • Click Add to Cart and complete the checkout process.

You can also use Sony’s PS app on your phone or tablet to start the download process. Tap the Store icon in the toolbar or the magnifying glass icon in the same toolbar, find NBA 2K23, choose your version of the game and tap the ‘Pre-order’ button.

Once you get home, you’ll want to search NBA 2K23 in your collection of games. If for some reason it’s not there, you’ll have to manually start the download and wait for it to finish.

Download NBA 2K3 on Nintendo Switch

If you’re going to play the game on a Nintendo Switch, here’s what you need to do.

If you are near your Switch, go to the Nintendo eShop, search for “NBA 2K23”, find the game and start the download.

If you’re not near your Switch, you can grab the game from your phone or laptop. Here’s how to do that:

  • Go to Nintendo.com in your browser.
  • In the search bar at the very top of the page, type NBA 2K23.
  • Once you’re on the game page, you’ll find the box that says “Pre-order” and select it.
  • If prompted, enter the account information associated with your Switch.

Once you do that, the download should start automatically.

3 reasons to pre-order NBA 2K23 and 4 reasons to wait

Pre-order NBA 2k23 to receive these bonuses

Pre-order NBA 2k23 to receive these bonuses

If you plan on investing a lot of time in NBA 2K23’s various game modes, you may want to pre-order a copy of the game as you’ll get some bonuses with your order.

If you pre-order a copy of NBA 2K23, you’ll get a number of bonus items that can be useful during your play-through. NBA 2K23 pre-order bonuses include:

  • 5,000 virtual currencies
  • 5,000 MyTEAM points
  • 10 MyTEAM Promo Packs (delivered one per week)
  • A boost for every MyCAREER skill type
  • A boost for each type of Gatorade boost
  • Devin Booker MyPLAYER Jersey
  • 95 Rated Devin Booker MyTEAM Free Agent Card

All of these are all free with a pre-order and they give you a pretty good head start if you plan on playing a lot of NBA 2K23.