NBA 2K16 will be put into the hands of fans four days ahead of its scheduled release date as a pre-order bonus, 2K announced today.

Fans can participate in the Early Tip-Off Weekend by pre-ordering their copy of NBA 2K16 at participating North American retail and online vendors. This will not only ensure they get their copy beginning Friday, September 25, but they’ll also be given 10,000 Virtual Currency (VC) and a MyTEAM VIP Package. For current-gen consoles and PC, the MyTEAM VIP Package will contain 3 MyTEAM Emerald Packs each with a guaranteed Emerald player, while last-gen consoles get a MyTEAM Gold Booster Pack with a guaranteed Gold player and 4 additional Gold items.

"NBA 2K16 promises to be one of the most groundbreaking sports titles in video game history, combining exciting new features with uncanny realism,” said Alfie Brody, vice president of marketing for NBA 2K. “We’re always seeking new ways to excite and ignite our fans’ tremendous passion for the franchise, and offering unmatched early access is just another way to bring them closer to the on-court action they crave.”

This bonus reminds us of something EA Access would offer, although this is a much better opportunity considering all you really have to do is pre-order a game you’re already probably interested in purchasing. We’ve seen pre-order bonuses that range from a new skin, an exclusive item, and even a real-world item, but giving players access to their game prior to its official release date is one we certainly hope catches on across the gaming industry.