As with every release, NBA 2K23 allows basketball fans to head online, put reality to one side, and light up the court as one of their favourite teams or players.
Like all recent editions of the 2K franchise, NBA 2K23 comes in various editions, including the Standard Edition, WNBA Edition, Michael Jordan Edition and the Championship Edition, with increasing price tags.
But which is the best NBA 2K23 edition to buy? Is the NBA 2K23 Championship Edition worth it?
This article will discuss the differences between each edition and whether or not the NBA 2K23 Champion Edition is worth the additional cost.
Standard Edition
As you would expect, NBA 2K23 Standard Edition has no significant bonuses or additions – it’s just the regular game with no additional perks.
However, it is also by far the cheapest option on offer.
At the time of writing this article, this edition of NBA 2K23 is available for $59.99 for Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and PS4. For a PS5 or Xbox Series XS version, it is $69.99.
WNBA Edition
If you want to purchase NBA 2K23 WNBA Edition, you must have a PS5 or Xbox Series XS, as it is not available on any other platforms. It is also only available in the US.
Instead of featuring Michael Jordan and Devin Booker on the cover, the WNBA Edition has Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird.
The WNBA Edition is the same price as the PS5 version of the Standard Edition, with an additional feature of the WNBA league. That’s free real estate.
Michael Jordan Edition
The final alternative to the Championship Edition is the Michael Jordan Edition. This Edition offers almost all the same benefits as the Championship Edition, including 100,000 in virtual currency.
However, the difference between the Michael Jordan Edition and the Championship Edition is that the former doesn’t offer an NBA League Pass subscription.
Due to offering some bonuses, but not as many, the price of the Michael Jordan Edition sits between the Standard Edition and the Championship Edition at $99.99 or £89.99.
Unlike the WNBA Edition, it is also available on all the same consoles as the Standard Edition.
The Michael Jordan and Championship Editions also feature a remake of the popular Jordan Challenge, a special mode from back in NBA 2K11.
In this mode, players can take on the challenge of re-enacting ten memorable Jordan moments and five new additions that were unavailable in the 2K11 variation of the NBA series. You can also gain valuable MT currency from playing this mode.
Championship Edition
Let’s dive into what you get for your money with the NBA 2K23 Championship Edition.
As you would hope, considering the sizable fee you would have to pay for this version of the game ($150 or £129.99), there is plenty of additional content on offer.
For starters, this edition offers players 100,000 in virtual in-game currency, which can be used to fast-track your way to top items and players within the game.
MyTEAM Additional Content
- 10,000 MyTEAM Points
- 23 MyTEAM Promo Packs
- 10 MyTeam tokens
- Ruby Michael Jordan and Sapphire Devin Booker MyTEAM cards
- Ruby Coach Card MyTEAM
- Diamond Jordan Shoe MyTEAM card
- Free Agent Option MyTEAM Pack
- 10% XP Boost on MyTEAM Season Progression
MyPLAYER Additional Content
- 4 Cover Athlete T-Shirts for your MyPLAYER
- Custom-design skateboard for MyPLAYER
- MyPLAYER backpack and arm sleeve
MyCAREER Additional Content
- 10 Boosts for each MyCAREER Skill Boost type
- 10% XP Boost on MyCAREER Season Progression
Miscellaneous Additional Content
- One 2-Hr Double XP Coin
- 10 Boosts for each Gatorade Boost type
- MJ Themed Go-Kart (exclusive to the Championship Edition)
However, the most significant addition to the NBA 2K23 Championship Edition, and the one that the developers would argue warrants the high price tag, is the 12-Month NBA League Pass subscription.
When you consider that an NBA League Pass subscription usually costs $15 a month, this option is a great deal if you typically choose to purchase this subscription. The Championship Edition is $150, and an NBA League Pass Subscription alone would cost $180 for the year.
However, the NBA League Pass can only get viewed as good value for those that want to watch NBA games, as it bears no impact on the game itself. So for some, the Championship Edition will get viewed as great value; for others, it will seem overpriced.
At a glance, it is clear that most of the additional content on offer in-game will benefit players who enjoy MyTeam mode.
Suppose a player prefers to play in single-player mode. In that case, there are not many benefits on offer that could entice them to pay over double the price of a Standard Edition to acquire the Championship Edition.
It is also worth noting that users cannot view ABC, TBT, NBA TV, or ESPN games live and must wait until three hours after these games get broadcast before they have access via the pass.
The biggest thing to remember here is that the Championship Edition is only available digitally and is only available for pre-order.
Final Thoughts
One thing is for sure. The price tag of the NBA 2K23 Championship Edition is sure to divide opinions. Some players will argue that it is vastly overpriced for the in-game additions that you receive, whereas others will see it as exceptional value for money if they enjoy watching live NBA basketball.
If you are a fan of playing the MyTEAM mode, you might get tempted to get the Championship Edition.
However, if you do not use your free NBA League Pass, I suggest you opt for the Michael Jordan Edition. It offers all of the same MyTEAM bonuses as the Championship Edition and is $80 cheaper.
And if you prefer to play other modes on NBA rather than MyTEAM, you might be better off saving some of your money and opting for the Standard Edition.
In summary, the Championship Edition is sure to get viewed as value for money for a specific type of player or sports fan. Still, other players should look to different iterations of the game to avoid the hefty price tag.
