How to play NBA 2K24 early

NBA 2K24 is almost here, and if you can’t wait for the official release date, then you are in luck! If you plan to be up late for the game’s official launch, you can save yourself a bit of sleep since there is a trick you can perform that will allow you to play the game earlier than everyone else. While this won’t give you too much of an advantage over players on other platforms, you can at least get an early start to your weekend. Here’s how to play NBA 2K24 early using the New Zealand trick.

How to perform the New Zealand trick to play NBA 2K24 early

Image: 2K Sports

You can for sure play NBA 2K24 early using the New Zealand trick if you have an Xbox console. This is because accounts for Xbox players are not region-locked like they are on PlayStation and PC. However, players report that changing your Time Zone on their PlayStation console has been working, so it is worth a shot if you want to try to play earlier!

Here’s how to play NBA 2K24 early on Xbox by using the New Zealand trick:

1. Pre-order NBA 2K24 (version doesn’t matter)
2. Pre-load NBA 2K24
3. Select Settings 
4. Click System
5. Go To Language and Location
6. Change Location to New Zealand
7. Restart Your Xbox

Here’s how to play NBA 2K24 early on PlayStation by using the New Zealand trick:

• Pre-order NBA 2K24 (version doesn’t matter)
• Pre-load NBA 2K24
• Select Settings
• Click System
• Go to the Date and Time settings
• Switch your time zone to Wellington
• Restart your PlayStation

Following the abovementioned steps, you can start playing NBA 2K24 earlier than the game’s midnight launch time. You may have to take an extended lunch to enjoy the game’s various features, like creating your new MyPlayer, opening MyTeam packs, or simply playing against other New Zealanders like you!

Author’s Note: I wrote this guide while playing NBA 2K24 on Steam Deck.