How much internet data does NBA 2K19 use?
While multiplayer mode adds a fun competitive dynamic to NBA 2K19, playing the game with other people also takes up internet bandwidth. If you use an installed mobile broadband or mobile hotspot connection, playing online games in multiplayer modes can cut into your available online data and even push you over your monthly data limit.
To see if you’re in danger of using too much mobile data on NBA 2K19, let’s take a closer look at the size of the game download, the size of game updates, and the amount of data you use per hour playing the game. As you calculate your data use, remember that the easiest way to stay under your monthly data limit is to switch from a limited to an unlimited mobile data plan.
Data use downloading NBA 2K19
The initial game download uses the most mobile data. Here are the recent file sizes for NBA 2K19 on Windows PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Keep in mind that the download size will be smaller than the file size (since it’s compressed), but also that the file size of the game will increase over time as developers release patches and updates for the game.
| Platform | File size |
| Windows PC | <80 GB |
| Playstation 4 | 48.54 GB |
| Xbox One | 56.14 GB |
| Nintendo Switch | 32.7 GB |
If you’re worried that you don’t have enough mobile data to download the game using your current data plan, there’s an easy way to avoid using a lot of data on the download. Instead of downloading the game online, simply purchase the physical disk and install the game offline.
Data use updating NBA 2K19
Visual Concepts occasionally releases patches and updates for NBA 2K19, which you can keep track of in the Patch Notes. These updates are typically minor, but still use more data than playing the game for an extended period of time. If you’re worried about updates pushing you over your monthly data limit, turn off auto-updates and manually install updates when you have extra data.
Data use playing NBA 2K19
NBA 2K19 uses up to 200 MB of data per hour, which is higher than average for online games with a multiplayer component. The exact amount of data you use playing the game depends on the number of players in your game mode, your frame rate, and the tick rate of your server:
- The more players in a game, the more data your internet network has to communicate with other players’ networks to share information like stats and location. If you’re playing any multiplayer mode with three other players (the maximum in NBA 2K19) you’ll use more mobile data than if you’re playing with one other player.
- A higher frame rate refreshes the game more often, which makes it run faster. A lower frame rate saves you data, but makes it harder for you to react quickly in the game. You can adjust your frame rate (measured in FPS) in your game settings. To change your frame rate, you’ll need to disable vertical synch (V-Synch).
- The tick rate of your server also affects your data use. A 128-tick server, which refreshes the game 128 times every second, uses about twice as much data as a 64-tick server, which refreshes the game 64 times every second. If you use a 64-tick server, you’ll save data, but have a harder time reacting quickly in the game.
Upgrade to unlimited 4G LTE
If you want to play NBA 2K19 without thinking about your mobile data use, consider switching to an unlimited 4G LTE connection with no monthly data limit and no bandwidth throttling at any point. Call 866-439-6630 to find out more about our unlimited data plans for online gamers.
