Yes, NBA 2K23 is Worth Buying on PS4 in 2025

As an experienced analyst in the business of gaming, I can definitively say that NBA 2K23 is absolutely worth buying on PS4 this year for most players. While the PS5 edition provides some visual upgrades, the PS4 version delivers the same stellar 2K gameplay and content for less money. Keep reading as I break down if 2K23 is worth it on PS4 with extensive details and insights.

At a Glance: How PS4 and PS5 2K23 Editions Compare

Before diving deeper, let‘s briefly compare the key factors between the PS4 and PS5 versions of NBA 2K23:

As you can see, besides higher resolution and a $10 price difference, the PS4 and PS5 versions offer a very similar overall experience. Now let‘s explore some of these key factors in more depth.

Visual Fidelity – How Big is the PS4 vs PS5 Graphical Gap?

The most noticeable difference between the PS5 and PS4 editions of NBA 2K23 is in the visual department. On PlayStation 5, NBA 2K23 displays at a native 4K resolution with HDR support, providing incredibly crisp detail.

Meanwhile on PS4, 2K23 renders at a full HD 1080p resolution. So while you don‘t get the 4K enhancements, the game still looks beautiful on PS4. Everything from the player models to the crowds and arenas remain highly detailed.

Based on analysis by the experts at Digital Foundry, the PS4 version maintains a rock solid 60fps framerate during gameplay. This ensures smooth, responsive action whether playing on PS4 or PS5.

To quantify the visual gap, NBA 2K23 on PS4 runs at a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, while the PS5 edition is 3840×2160 pixels. This equates to the PS5 having 4 times as many pixels and overall 4 times the rendering power.

However, the visual leap is less noticeable during actual gameplay. The optimized graphics engine scales very well across generations. While PS5 looks sharper, PS4 owners will be extremely satisfied with the visuals, especially coming from NBA 2K22.

My Friend, Gameplay is Virtually Identical Across Generations

Let‘s be real here – the core gameplay experience of NBA 2K23 is fundamentally the same across PS4 and PS5. The feel of the action, controls, dribbling, shooting, steals, blocks – it‘s all identical.

This means on PS4 you still get the signature great playing virtual basketball experience that the NBA 2K series is known for, without any compromises. All the new 2K23 gameplay enhancements like the improved shot meter and better ball physics are fully present on PS4.

So don‘t feel like you‘re missing out on better gameplay without the PS5 version! Whether it‘s dominating the blacktop in Streetball modes or leading your MyPlayer to championship glory, it plays great on PS4.

You Get All the Same Modes on PS4

Another area where the PS4 and PS5 versions of NBA 2K23 are virtually identical is in game modes and content. All of the fan favorite modes that define the NBA 2K experience make the jump to PS4 fully intact, including:

• MyCareer – The expansive career journey where you guide a customized player through high school, college, and the NBA. This year‘s edition adds in more off-day activities to partake in.
• MyNBA – The franchise mode where you control an NBA organization and make decisions as the GM and coach. For 2K23, MyNBA sees some nice enhancements like an expanded roster and new coaching systems.
• MyTeam – This card collecting mode lets you obtain past and present NBA stars to craft your own fantasy dream teams. MyTeam includes weekly challenges and online play. For 2K23, a new Treasures of the Past card series got added.
• The Jordan Challenge – This exciting new retrospective mode has you reliving iconic moments from Michael Jordan‘s superstar career. With 10 challenges based on Jordan‘s defining performances like his 63 point playoff game against the ‘86 Celtics.

The Jordan Challenges provide a fun dose of NBA nostalgia by letting you replicate His Airness‘ legendary feats. And it‘s fully included on PS4, unlike some prior retrospective modes that were next-gen only like the NBA 75 challenges in 2K22.

So in summary, PS4 owners aren‘t missing out on any game modes or content that you‘d get in the PS5 version. It‘s all here!

Roster Updates Will Keep Releasing for PS4

One important aspect of any annual sports game is post-launch roster support. Thankfully 2K has confirmed roster updates for NBA 2K23 will continue rolling out across both PS4 and PS5.

This means PS4 owners can look forward to regular updates throughout the 2022-2023 NBA season that reflect all the latest league transactions and moves:

• Updated team rosters with new free agent signings
• Rookie ratings updates as the draft class plays more NBA minutes
• Player rating adjustments based on real world performance
• Injury updates if stars get hurt
• Trades between NBA teams included as they happen

You‘ll always be hooping in 2K23 with the most accurate rosters that mirror the real NBA lineup landscape, regardless of being on PS4.

The Online Community Remains Massive on PS4

Even though the PS5 has been available for nearly two years now, the sheer size of the still active PS4 installed base ensures NBA 2K23 has a thriving online community across that platform.

As of January 2022, Sony has sold over 117.2 million PS4 consoles worldwide. Compare that to the PS5 which has sold approximately 23 million units. So well over 5 times as many people still own a PS4 compared to PS5.

What does this mean? You‘ll have no problem finding online matches in PS4 game modes like MyCareer, MyTeam, and Play Now Online. The matchmaking pools remain large, you aren‘t only playing against other diehard last-gen holdouts.

Plus, 2K23 matches you online based on skill level rather than what platform you‘re on. So you‘ll get fun, competitive games regardless.

And 2K keeps older entries‘ servers running for years after launch. As evidence, NBA 2K14‘s servers just got shut down this past December 2022, a full 9 years after release! NBA 2K23‘s online community will surely remain thriving on both PS4 and PS5 for the foreseeable future.

Budget Friendly Price Point

With PS4 now being last-generation hardware, it carries a lower suggested retail price than the PS5 version of NBA 2K23. The standard edition on PS4 has an MSRP of $59.99, while the PS5 edition costs $69.99.

When shopping on sites like Amazon or Best Buy, the price difference typically widens to around $15:

• NBA 2K23 Standard Edition on PS4 – $59.99
• NBA 2K23 Standard Edition on PS5 – $74.99

So buying the PS4 edition nets you anywhere from $10 to $15 in savings compared to the PS5 version. This makes 2K23 a more budget friendly option if you don‘t plan on upgrading consoles immediately.

Considering the core experience is nearly identical across generations in terms of gameplay, modes, and content, the cheaper PS4 option becomes very appealing. That $15 extra is better spent upgrading your MyPlayer!

Your Progress Carries Over to PS5

For those PS4 2K23 owners who do plan to upgrade to PlayStation 5 further down the road, I have some great news. All of your MyCareer progress, MyTeam card collections, acquired VC currency, and other unlocks will carry over to PS5!

This cross-generational profile transferal is thanks to the new Cross-Progression system 2K23 introduced. Your entire 2K23 profile on PS4 can transfer over to PS5 through your linked 2K account.

So feel free to start building up your MyPlayer, accumulating VC, and collecting MyTeam cards now on PS4. When you do upgrade to PS5, you‘ll pick up right where you left off with all your progress intact.

Having your hard work carry over makes buying 2K23 on PS4 less risky, knowing you won‘t lose anything when moving to PS5.

The Verdict – Absolutely Worth Buying on PS4

After extensively analyzing all aspects of NBA 2K23 across PS4 and PS5, I can confidently recommend the PS4 version as a terrific purchase for most gamers.

While the PS5 edition certainly provides higher resolution, faster load times, and minor quality of life upgrades, the core on-court experience remains nearly identical between generations.

From the satisfying gameplay, wealth of modes, roster support, and lively online community, NBA 2K23 is an absolute slam dunk on PS4. Especially considering the discounted price and ability to transfer your progress to PS5 later.

The large 70GB+ install size may be the only downside depending on your existing hard drive space. But sacrificing some storage is a small price to pay for enjoying one of the deepest and most polished sports video game experiences out there.

So don‘t hesitate to dive into NBA 2K23 on PS4. I can assure you that as both a gaming analyst and basketball fanatic, it‘s money well spent. See you on the virtual courts!