How to Play NBA 2K16 Four Days Early

2K's upcoming pro basketball sim NBA 2K16 isn't slated to launch until September 29, but you can play it starting today, provided you're willing to preorder. Everyone who preorders the game can start playing right now, September 25, as part of 2K's previously announced "Early Tip-Off Weekend" promotion.

This promo is good for physical and digital copies of the game. Some retailers even held midnight launch events for it. GameStop, for example, opened 3,000 stores across the US last night to support the release.

In addition to early access, other Early Tip-Off Weekend bonuses include the following:

• 10,000 Virtual Currency (VC);
• MyTEAM VIP Package:
  • New-Gen & PC - 3 MyTEAM Emerald Packs each with a guaranteed Emerald player;
  • Prior-Gen - MyTEAM Gold Booster Pack with Guaranteed Gold Player and 4 additional Gold items.

NBA 2K16 is officially due out next week for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. The game launches on the same day as competitor NBA Live 16 from EA Sports. That game is also playable right now, but only on Xbox One by way of EA Access.