NBA 2K23 has cross-platform progression but no crossplay

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There's no crossplay to boost lobbies, but there is cross-platform progress

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. 

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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
Leon Hurley
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides. 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.