As of June 2023, NBA 2K23 is currently unavailable on the Xbox Game Pass, despite being highly anticipated by gamers.
The previous installment, NBA 2K22, had been included in the rental service temporarily, leading to expectations that the same treatment would be extended to the September 2022 release of NBA 2K23.
Regrettably, for reasons undisclosed, NBA 2K23 has not been added to the collection of available games on the Xbox Game Pass.
This absence is noticeable considering the impressive array of sports titles already present on the platform, including FIFA 23 and NHL 23.
However, neither 2K Sports nor Xbox have provided any indication as to when the basketball game may be introduced in the future.
Is NBA 2K23 available on the Xbox Game Pass?
Typically, Xbox collaborates with third-party developers to expand the game catalog, which can include both simultaneous releases and later additions.
The only exception is games developed by first-party studios directly owned by Xbox, which are always included on the launch day.
NBA 2K22 was initially added to the catalog in April 2022 but was later removed in August of the same year.
At that time, it seemed logical since NBA 2K23 was set to release in September 2022.
Many fans anticipated a similar experience in 2023, but it did not materialize.
The absence of NBA 2K23 from the Xbox Game Pass could be the result of unsuccessful negotiations between 2K and Xbox.
It is also plausible that 2K has opted for an alternative approach with NBA 2K23. As these negotiations are typically conducted privately, the exact reasons behind the decision remain uncertain.
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Is NBA 2K23 available on the PS Plus?
While NBA 2K23 is currently unavailable on the Xbox Game Pass, it was added to the PS Plus subscription in June 2023.
As of June 6, 2023, PS Plus subscribers can enjoy the game at no extra cost, as it was included as one of the three monthly offerings.
This development raises hopes that Xbox users may also receive the same treatment later this year.
A potential release in the latter half of June cannot be ruled out, although it seems more likely to be added in July.
However, even if the game eventually joins the Game Pass, it may be disappointing considering that there are still over two months remaining in its release cycle.
