NBA 2K23 is the latest installment in the popular NBA 2K basketball video game series. With updated rosters, improved graphics, and new gameplay features, it aims to provide an authentic and immersive virtual basketball experience.
However, some players have reported experiencing delay and input lag issues when playing NBA 2K23. This can make actions like dribbling, shooting, and defense feel sluggish and unresponsive.
In this guide, I’ll go over some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix NBA 2K23 delay problems in NBA 2K23 on all platforms – Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Check NBA 2K23 Server Status
The first thing to check is the status of the NBA 2K23 servers. Server outages can cause widespread lag and input delay for all players.
Visit the NBA 2K Server Status website and see if there are any reported issues with game servers. If the servers are down, you’ll have to wait until 2K resolves the problem on their end.
Restart Your Network Devices
Network issues like router malfunctions or ISP problems can also manifest as input delay in online games like NBA 2K23.
Try rebooting your modem, router, and other networking hardware. This refreshes the connection and can clear up any transitory issues.
Additionally, you can perform a connection test to check your broadband speeds. Ensure you have low latency/ping and at least 10-20 Mbps download and 2-5 Mbps upload speeds for lag-free online play.
Lower Graphic Settings (PC Only)
If you’re playing the PC version of NBA 2K23, high graphic settings can overtax your hardware and cause lag.
Open the Video Settings menu and lower the options like:
- Resolution
- Anti-aliasing
- Texture Quality
- Shadow Quality
Reducing these graphics options can help improve game performance and responsiveness on lower-end PCs.
Close Background Apps
Background processes running on your gaming device contend for system resources with NBA 2K23, potentially inducing delay issues.
Press the Xbox or PS button to open the dashboard. Then close any unnecessary apps like:
- Web browsers
- Streaming apps
- Downloads/updates
- Chat programs
This frees up RAM and processing power for a smoother NBA 2K23 experience.
On PC, use Task Manager to end extraneous processes.
Adjust In-Game Settings
Several NBA 2K23 settings directly impact input lag and can be tuned to reduce delay.
Enable Game Mode
Game Mode is a feature on Xbox, PlayStation, and some TVs that prioritizes system resources towards the game. Turn it on for lower input lag.
Disable VSync
Vertical sync (VSync) can induce input delay in games. Turn it off in the Video settings for immediate response times.
Lower Shot Timing Settings
In Controller Settings, the Shot Timing option controls how long you have to release a shot after the meter fills up. Setting this to Very Early will give you less delay.
Connect With a LAN Cable
WiFi connections are prone to interference and latency spikes. For consistent low ping, connect your console or PC to the router via Ethernet LAN cable.
This provides a stable wired connection for optimal online gameplay. Make sure to disable WiFi as having both active can also cause problems.
Perform Console Maintenance
Over time, old cached data and bloatware can build up on your Xbox or PlayStation and hamper performance.
Do some periodic maintenance to keep your console running smoothly:
- Clear cached data
- Delete old games/app data
- Perform a hard reboot
- Free up storage space
This removes unnecessary clutter and ensures optimal system resources for NBA 2K23.
Upgrade Internet Plan (If Needed)
If your broadband plan is outdated or you have multiple users in your household, it may not provide enough bandwidth for low-latency online gaming.
In that case, consider upgrading to a faster internet package with higher speeds to support NBA 2K23 without lag or interruptions.
Most modern plans offer 50-100+ Mbps speeds which is ideal. Make sure to factor in the number of concurrent users as well.
Tweak Your Router QoS Settings
Quality of Service (QoS) settings allow you to prioritize gaming devices on your network for faster speeds.
Log into your router admin console and look for QoS or Gaming Mode options. Specify your Xbox/PlayStation’s IP address to allocate it more bandwidth for minimal lag.
This ensures NBA 2K23 gets precedence over other network activity for smooth online play.
Try a Gaming VPN Service
Gaming VPNs can provide you with optimized network routing for lower ping times in online games. By tunneling your connection via dedicated gaming servers, they stabilize fluctuations and latency spikes.
Some top gaming VPNs to try out are:
- ExitLag
- WTFast
- Mudfish
Enable the VPN when playing NBA 2K23 online to enjoy a seamless lag-free experience.
Test Your Connection for Bufferbloat
Bufferbloat refers to network congestion that can manifest as high ping and frequent lag spikes.
Use a tool like DSL Reports to check for bufferbloat issues. If present, enable QoS on your router and limit bandwidth-hogging activities when playing NBA 2K23.
Contact Your ISP Support
If you’ve tried all other troubleshooting steps and are still facing persistent lag, it may be an issue with your ISP’s infrastructure.
Contact your ISP’s customer support and explain the problem while playing online games like NBA 2K23. They can look into optimizing your connectivity and routing to resolve in-game delay problems.
Make sure to provide traceroutes and ping logs to help narrow down the cause.
Wait for Patch Updates
2K Games periodically rolls out title updates and patches for NBA 2K23 to fix bugs and improve performance.
Delay issues encountered in the game’s early days may be resolved in subsequent patches. Keep the game updated and check if lag problems are addressed in patch notes.
Lower Your Matchmaking Ping Cap
In the online lobby, you can set a maximum ping limit for opponents when matchmaking. Set this to a lower value like 30-50ms to be matched only with players having low latency connections.
Play on Wired Connection
I cannot stress enough how big of an impact playing over a wired internet connection makes compared to wireless. In a competitive online game like 2K23, wired is the way to go for eliminating delay.
Test with a Basketball
Grab a real basketball, dribble between your legs and take a jump shot. Were you able to perform the moves seamlessly without delay? If so, the lag issue lies in the game settings or network connection – not your own reflexes!
Persistent Issues? Request a Refund
If you’ve exhausted all options and are still facing unplayable lag and input delays, request a refund from the game publisher.
Persistent technical issues can be grounds for a refund – especially if it occurs right after launch before patches are out.
Don’t Rage Quit!
Lag and button delays can quickly frustrate players. But don’t smash your controller or PC! Calmly experiment with these fixes and optimal network settings. With some tweaking, you’ll be crossing up defenders in buttery-smooth frames in no time!
Final Thoughts
Here are the key things you can do to eliminate input lag and delays in NBA 2K23:
- Check server status
- Restart networking devices
- Lower graphics settings on PC
- Close background apps
- Adjust in-game settings
- Use wired LAN connection
- Perform console maintenance
- Upgrade internet plan if needed
- Tweak router QoS settings
- Try a gaming VPN service
- Test for and resolve bufferbloat
- Contact ISP for assistance
- Wait for upcoming patches
- Set a lower ping limit for matchmaking
- Request a refund if issues persist
With the right troubleshooting, NBA 2K23 can provide a fluid and responsive gameplay experience across Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC platforms. Just be patient and systematically eliminate the various factors that induce lag one by one. Soon, you’ll be throwing down monster jams without any button pressing delays or pesky latency issues!