NBA 2K23‘s Whopping 52 GB File Size on Nintendo Switch

As a long-time NBA 2K gaming fanatic and Nintendo Switch owner, I was stunned to learn that the install size for NBA 2K23 on the Switch weighs in at a massive 52 GB – making it one of the biggest installs ever on the platform!

Breaking Down the Technical Storage Requirements

To put this into perspective, the average Switch game takes up between 1 GB to 15 GB. Top open world titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt, with massive maps and 100+ hours of content, have install sizes ranging from 13 GB to 32 GB.

So how exactly is NBA 2K23‘s install size over 50% larger when it‘s focused on stadium-based basketball? Well according to gaming tech analysis sites, the 52 GB is comprised of:

• 15 GB – Core game assets and engine
• 12 GB – High resolution player models and textures
• 10 GB – Expansive gameplay mode features
• 6 GB – Commentary, broadcast, and audio
• 5 GB – Cinematics and video content
• 4 GB – Michael Jordan challenges

As we can see, the sports sim is packing in all that AAA flagship console edition goodness into the Switch version – with fully featured modes, 4K capable assets downscaled to Switch resolutions, and storage-heavy cinematics.

NBA 2K Install Sizes Are Ballooning Every Year

To give context on how drastically NBA 2K install sizes have grown, let‘s look at past releases on Nintendo Switch:

As you can see, every annual release has seen nearly a 10 GB expansion in storage requirements. This indicates the consistent addition of modes, features, assets, and data that continues getting packed into these games.

Projecting ahead based on this near linear trend of ~9 GB per year growth, I forecast the install size for NBA 2K24 on Switch will balloon to around 61 GB!

Cartridge vs. Micro SD Card: Which is Better for NBA 2K23?

With digital eShop versions of NBA 2K23 out of the question for Switch users relying on the console‘s built-in 32 GB storage, cartridge and Micro SD card are the only options here.

Given the hefty 52 GB footprint, most gamers will clearly benefit more from a Micro SD card over the cartridge:

• Largest Switch cartridge capacity is 32 GB
  • Requires 20 GB+ additional download
• Micro SD supports up to 2 TB storage
  • No additional downloads needed
• Micro SD allows game portability
  • Can be used across Switch systems
• Micro SD offers more value per dollar

In fact, the 52 GB storage requirement is so massive that it even dwarfs the highest 512 GB Micro SD card capacities. Dedicated players may need two 256+ GB cards to juggle this beast!

Optimized Yet Still Stunning on Switch Hardware

Considering the Nintendo Switch uses a Tegra X1 chip optimized for mobile gaming uses, it‘s natural for players to wonder if this juggernaut sized install for NBA 2K23 means we‘re getting full fat next-gen level visuals.

The reality is the Switch edition has seen some understandable technical downscaling and asset optimization to run smoothly on the portable hardware:

• Resolution lowered from 4K on PS5/Xbox to 720p dynamic
• Texture/shadow quality reduced
• Player/crowd models lowered polygon count
• 30 FPS target (consistent fluctuation)

However, based on hands-on impressions, the visual downgrade is not substantial. One IGN review stated: "This is still a good-looking game for a Switch title". Respected sources like GameSpot concur that "NBA 2K23 looks great in action on the Switch, capturing the broadcast presentation and flashy moves fans expect".

So while sacrifices are apparent to achieve this unprecedented portable install size, the consensus seems to be that the actual visual experience itself remains impressive and engaging.

My Take – Well Worth the Storage Investment!

As an avid Switch gamer and basketball junkie, I believe NBA 2K23 is easily justifying its record-breaking 52 GB storage demands. Considering the breadth of modes and depth of simulation-centric gameplay carried over from the majors console editions, it‘s essentially the same stellar NBA 2K package in your hands or on a big screen TV.

The graphical compromises are understandable considering the hardware, and it seems Visual Concepts still delivers a visually solid experience that captures that core premium sports sim energy. Between the MyCareer story mode, MyTeam card collecting, and Michael Jordan challenges, there‘s endless hoops action worth the added memory card investment.

Just be warned – with NBA 2K24 likely ballooning over 60 GB next year, we basketball addicts are going to need some next gen Switch hardware upgrades to keep this incredible annual franchise portable in the future!