Can PS5 Players Play with PS4 Friends on NBA 2K23?

In short – no, NBA 2K23 does not support any form of cross-generation multiplayer between PS5 and PS4 consoles. You cannot play across platforms with friends who own the game on old or new hardware.

This lack of crossplay has led to widespread disappointment among the 2K community, especially friend groups with members spread across console generations.

But how different are the PS5 and PS4 editions exactly? Is 2K23 still worth buying if you remain on old-gen hardware for now? Let‘s dive into the key differences, assess the gameplay experience on PS4, and also offer some tips.

PS5 vs PS4 – Key Technical Differences

The PS5 version of NBA 2K23 sports major graphical, performance and feature upgrades that set it apart from its PS4 counterpart:

*Based on tests of startup and loading into practice mode. Via Balla And Bynk YouTube channel.

The performance upgrades are immediately apparent when playing 2K23 on PS5 hardware. The buttery smooth 60 FPS gameplay captures a flow and fluidity much closer to actual NBA basketball.

Player movements and ball physics feel markedly more responsive and realistic. By contrast, the 30 FPS constraints on PS4 lead to occasional on-court sluggishness that can negatively impact dribbling, defense and shooting rhythm.

Fast breaks and tenacious on-ball defense – staples of competitive 2K play – lose some intensity without the performance headroom and visual crispness to match player inputs. ultimately, the skill gap narrows.

That said, the consistent 60 FPS experience depends on selecting the right graphics settings on PS5:

For multiplayer gamers, make sure to choose the Performance mode rather than priority 4K visuals.

Let‘s explore if the PS4 edition can still deliver engaging gameplay notwithstanding technical limitations compared to next-gen.

Is NBA 2K23 Still Worth It on PS4?

Yes, NBA 2K23 is absolutely still worth buying for PS4 owners who don‘t plan on upgrading their hardware in the next 12 months. It retains the deep variety of play modes and progression systems that makes it unparalleled among all sports franchises.

As per IGN‘s 8/10 review, core improvements this year including a more balanced on-court experience, UX refinements in MyNBA Eras, expanded WNBA content and some control scheme changes do translate down to old-gen as well.

The major missing elements are the visual polish, enhanced performance, Jordan Challenge mode and minor new features specific to PS5/Xbox Series X hardware.

Here‘s a quick look at how some key modes and mechanics hold up on PS4:

• MyCAREER – Still offers 100+ hour story campaign spread across music, fashion and basketball progression. The narrative follows your player from high school hoops to the NBA. But doesn‘t have the new Tokyo/"Engage" plotline.
• MyNBA – Option for "Expansion" team provides fresh team-building opportunities. Can simulate from past eras to today. Roster editing remains comprehensive but without next-gen scans.
• MyTEAM – Card collecting and squad building retains all depth despite some Moments cards only advertised as "PS5 exclusive". Notably, you can still transfer collections from 2K22 thanks to cross-progression between PlayStation console families.
• Play Now – Rosters, player ratings and on-court gameplay balanced across both generations. Joy of playing couch multiplayer with friends fully preserved.

And most importantly, you have access to the same community playing 2K online. The size of the 2K23 PS4 player base will remain substantial thanks to over 116 million PS4s sold as of January 2022. No issues finding Park, Pro-Am and MyTEAM Unlimited matches.

In summary – 2K23 is deprived of some next-gen polish on PS4, but still shines bright on the strength of its modes, customization and community. Well worth picking up this year if you plan to stick with old hardware a bit longer.

Tips for PS4 Players to Make the Most of 2K23

Here are some sage tips from a long-time 2K community member for PlayStation 4 folks aiming to elevate their game:

Adjust Game Settings

I recommend tweaking some visual settings to smoothen out the 30 FPS experience:

• Camera – Use either Broadcast or 2K camera angle. Provides a better view of the floor for plays and defense. Avoid baseline/drive angles.
• Game Speed – Bumping it down from 50 to 45 better matches console capabilities.
• Controller Settings – Tinker with acceleration and sprint trigger thresholds. Helps mitigate sluggish dribble moves.

Be Realistic With Expectations

• React a beat slower on defense versus offense to account for input lag. Play the angles more.
• Execute dribbles and skill moves earlier before expected contact. Button buffering is key.
• Motion offenses over Isos to generate the extra split-second to beat defenders.

Focus on Narrative Modes

MyCareer, MyNBA player lock and offline Association run smoother than attempting to compete online in Park/Pro-Am where the performance delta is more glaring. Domination evo-ing cards in MyTEAM also enjoyable.

While playing on PS4 limits the 2K23 experience, savvy gamers can take steps to craft an enjoyable basketball sanctuary tailored to old-gen. But I‘d still nudge you to start saving up for that PS5!

The Last Word – Upgrade to PS5…When You Can

The PS5 edition of NBA 2K23 is clearly superior owing to technological advancements not possible within the constraints of dated PlayStation 4 hardware. The 60 FPS gameplay and visually immersive presentation meaningfully enhance the on-court action.

So if feasible based on affordability and availability, PS4 gamers serious about 2K should plan to upgrade to PS5 over the next year.

That said – the old-gen edition remains a quality game that retains the depth of modes and compelling community that makes the NBA 2K series special year after year. Not to mention you can seamlessly carry over MyTEAM collections and MyPLAYER builds via cross-progression once you do transition console families.

2K23 offers plenty of fun times for both PS5 early adopters flaunting flashy Jordan Challenge modes and PS4 loyalists committed to sweating it out on the virtual blacktops. Just sadly not together on the blacktop at the Park.

Let me know your thoughts on 2K23 and if the crossplay absence affects your crew‘s annual plans to squad up!