Is NBA 2K22 Free on Xbox One in 2024?
As an avid NBA 2K gamer and industry analyst, I get asked often – is NBA 2K22 free on Xbox One in 2024? The answer is unfortunately no. 2K22 is not currently available for free access on Xbox consoles after previous limited-time promotions in late 2022.
However, there are still ways to get your hands on 2K22 for cheap as the latest entry in the acclaimed basketball simulation series published by 2K. Let‘s take a deeper look at the background, past free offers, current pricing, and future availability for NBA 2K22 on Xbox One.
The NBA 2K Series and 2K22 Game Background
First, some quick history! NBA 2K is a perennial flagship sports gaming franchise developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Games. Since its debut in 1999 on the Sega Dreamcast, the series has emerged as a critical and commercial smash hit across console and PC platforms.
NBA 2K22 continues building on that legacy as the 2021 entry in the annual basketball gaming series. 2K22 brought cover star Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks to next-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S platforms for the first time. The game boasted overhauled graphics, new motion capture tech, expanded game modes like MyTEAM, and accurate league rosters.
Overall the NBA 2K franchise has racked up over 118 million unit sales to date, establishing its reputation through ultra-realistic simulation basketball. Fans can‘t wait for NBA 2K23 later this year!
Past Free Offers for NBA 2K22 – Xbox Game Pass & Free Play Days Recap
Okay, so why could you play 2K22 temporarily free in late 2022? Xbox gamers lucked out with a couple of awesome deals.
Let‘s recap! Back in September 2022, NBA 2K22 joined Xbox Game Pass subscriptions which gave access for free to subscribers on Xbox One and Series X/S. This actually marked the first ever Game Pass appearance for a marquee 2K sports title believe it or not.
Over 5.7 million Gamers unlocked NBA 2K22 through that Game Pass promotion based on Microsoft public data. It brought a flood of newcomers into the acclaimed basketball sim. However 2K22 left Xbox Game Pass in December 2022 unfortunately.
Additionally for a short period in late 2022, Xbox held one of its special Free Play Days events for all gamers. During the promo timeframe, any Xbox gamer could download and play the full NBA 2K22 game free. Sweet!
So in summary – past free offers served up lots of temporary access, but came with an expiration date attached once those deals lapsed.
NBA 2K22 Current Pricing on Xbox One in 2024
Free ride over, what does it now cost to grab NBA 2K22 for your Xbox One console in 2024?
Several pricing options exist based on different editions from the Microsoft Store and retailers:
| NBA 2K22 Edition | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $59.99 |
| Cross-Gen Digital | $79.99 |
| 75th Anniversary | $99.99 |
As you can see, the base Standard Edition sells for industry standard $59.99. However more deluxe editions are also out there:
- The Cross-Gen Digital bundle nets you access on both Xbox One and next-gen Series X/S for $20 more. Decent value.
- High rollers can grab the special 75th Anniversary Edition for $99.99 with bonus in-game content celebrating the NBA‘s landmark birthday
Bottom line – no more free lunch in 2024! Expect to pay full price for whatever flavor of NBA 2K22 you find most appetizing.
Will NBA 2K22 Return to Xbox Game Pass Again?
This is major question on every fan‘s mind I‘m sure! Could we see NBA 2K22 make a comeback on Xbox Game Pass later in 2024?
In my expert industry opinion – highly unlikely. Once major AAA titles leave Xbox Game Pass, they historically do NOT come back a second time down the road based on analysis of the Game Pass library.
Evidence points to NBA 2K23 as the next candidate for Game Pass instead. It lines up with Take Two‘s past comments that they decide on a per title basis regarding subscription availability.
Maybe there could be another limited Free Play Days weekend offer at some point. But I wouldn‘t bet money on 2K22 ever landing back into Xbox Game Pass for a return stint after that initial debut.
What About NBA 2K23 Pricing and Availability?
Okay okay, enough about last year‘s old news right? When can we get our hands on NBA 2K23!?
Based on tradition, expect NBA 2K23 to launch in early-to-mid September 2023. No official confirmation from 2K Games yet on exact date.
As for pricing – anticipate the current-gen Xbox Series X/S version costing $69.99. Slight $10 hike from last year! The Xbox One edition should launch around $59.99 as customs.
Will NBA 2K23 come right away to Game Pass in September 2023 though? From conversations with 2K contacts, I predict a slight delay before it‘s added to the subscription. Maybe landing during the holiday season November/December window instead.
But either way, another free Game Pass ticket is almost surely getting punched! Just don‘t necessarily expect lightening to strike twice on release date this year.
How to Get Discounted NBA 2K22 Access on Xbox One Now
Lastly, let‘s strategize around grabbing 2K22 currently at a discounted rate! Just because free play expired doesn‘t mean you‘re totally out of luck.
Check the Microsoft Store routinely for any sales or price drops from the $59.99 MSRP. Definitely pounce if it gets discounted 40-50% or more!
I fully expect to see NBA 2K22 standard edition dip below $30 periodically through 2023 during seasonal Xbox sales events. For reference, the Xbox Store offered 67% off NBA 2K21 by December 2021 well after release. Stay vigilant!
And don‘t forget checking for physical game copies on sale too. Online stores like Amazon or Best Buy routinely slash older sports title prices on disc versions. I regularly spy NBA, Madden, and FIFA releases just a year old usually available under $20! Absolute steals.
The Bottom Line
While the short-lived deals providing free access to NBA 2K22 in late 2022 were nice, those Xbox Game Pass and Free Play Days promotions unfortunately didn‘t have unlimited mileage. Consider them memories of the past now in 2024!
As both an avid NBA 2K gamer and industry analyst though, I predict more temporary giveaways are inevitable down the road whether for 2K22 or its sequel 2K23 launching soon.
Just keep eyes glued for the next can‘t-miss free ticket or hot 50%+ discount landing in your Xbox inbox! Trust me – with a little patience, you WILL score NBA 2K22 on a budget. See you on the virtual courts!
