NBA 2K17 release date news 2016: Preorder confirmed by Microsoft; early access assures bonuses

Microsoft's Larry Hryb confirmed last week that the company is already starting to accept preorders for the digital edition of the sports video game, NBA 2K17. Excited gamers may now preorder the game for their Xbox consoles through the Xbox Store. Preloading the game is also possible, although players will not be able to play it until the official release date which is slated to be Sept. 20, or  earlier if they preorder.

The NBA 2K17 preorder for Xbox One goes for $59.99 and will give early access to video gamers four days before the actual release, as well as a lot of bonuses including virtual currency (VC), MyTEAM Bundle, and digital Kobe Bryant items.

There are three versions available, which can all be preordered: the Standard Edition which bears George on the cover, the Kobe Bryant Legend Edition featuring the now retired NBA star, and the Gold Edition with The Black Mambaundefined.

The NBA 2K17 Legend Edition preorder will include 35,000 VC for NBA 2K16 (an instant download), early access rights, 30,000 VC, MyTEAM Bundle+ (three packs guaranteeing a Kobe Bryant card), digital Kobe Bryant items for use on MyPLAYER, plus lots more.

The NBA 2K17 Legend Edition Gold preorder grants 100,000 VC , MyTEAM Bundle+, 2K Kobe XI shoe, Kobe jersey #8, Mitchell and Ness jersey, a Kobe hoodie, and other Kobe items.

Hryb wrote on his blog, "Following the record-breaking launch of NBA 2K16, the NBA 2K franchise continues to stake its claim as the most authentic sports video game with NBA 2K17. As the franchise that 'all sports video games should aspire to be' (GamesRadar), NBA 2K17 will take the game to new heights and continue to blur the lines between video game and reality."

Among the NBA video games, the NBA 2K is considered the most popular in almost every aspect that matters to gamers: content and graphics, and its depth. With the expectation of the NBA 2K17 release, this makes it all the more evident.

The Legend Edition of the game will feature Kobe Bryant on the game cover while Paul George of the Indiana Pacers will feature on the game's regular release.

George's masterful season despite an injury to his leg as well as his undeniable talent and skill for the game was what won him the honor of being the face of the NBA 2K17 regular edition.