NBA 2K26 Review – A Strong Rebound for the Franchise

NBA 2K26 on PS5 Pro

Every September, a familiar debate kicks off in basketball gaming circles: is the new NBA 2K worth the jump? After last year’s NBA 2K25, fans were left frustrated by rigid shooting mechanics, questionable balance, and an overbearing reliance on virtual currency (VC).

Enter NBA 2K26 — a game that doesn’t reinvent the series, but works hard to rebuild trust. With refined gameplay, sharper presentation, and meaningful adjustments to fan-favourite modes, this year’s entry feels more like a rebound play than a slam-dunk, but one that might finally get fans back into rhythm with 2K Games and Visual Concepts.

Back on the Court, Where It Matters Most

The heart of NBA 2K26 lies on the court, and the good news is that it plays better than it has in years. Central to this is the ProPLAY Motion Engine, which powers a suite of new animations. Movements — from crossovers to post fades — look and feel more fluid, mimicking the weight and unpredictability of real NBA athletes. Defenders shuffle with urgency instead of sliding unnaturally, and offensive players can string together combos without the jerky stiffness that plagued earlier iterations.

Shooting, long a point of contention for fans, has received particular attention. The shot meter is more intuitive, with more precise feedback and difficulty scaling that respects skill without alienating newcomers. The timing windows are more forgiving compared to 2K25, making the process of learning your jumper feel less like trial by fire. Even contested shots now lean more on player ratings and mechanics than dice-roll randomness, striking a better balance between realism and playability.

Defensive systems have also tightened up. Steals, blocks, and contesting feel purposeful rather than arbitrary. Skilled defenders can shut down lanes without relying on luck, which in turn encourages smarter offensive play. For those who remember the runaway offense of 2K25, this improvement alone makes matches far more satisfying.

Stories, Cards, and Cities That Never Sleep

Content variety remains a cornerstone of the NBA 2K experience. All the big-ticket modes return — MyCareer, MyTeam, The City, and MyNBA — with adjustments designed to smooth edges rather than reinvent the wheel in NBA 2K26.

MyCareer continues to blend basketball progression with cinematic storytelling. While the narrative still leans on predictable beats and dialogue that can drag, its integration into player growth feels more seamless. There’s more agency this time, allowing players to carve their own arc without feeling railroaded by cutscenes. The progression system, however, still funnels players toward spending VC for faster upgrades — a sore point that lingers beneath the polish.

MyTeam offers the biggest headline shift: the inclusion of both NBA and WNBA stars. Mixing lineups with legends from both leagues is refreshing, offering new combinations and strategies. Card collection remains addictive, though the specter of microtransactions looms large, with competitive squads often tied to how much VC you’re willing to invest.

Meanwhile, The City has grown into a more vibrant hub, with smoother traversal, more events, and better social integration. It still caters heavily to players who grind cosmetics and social status, which can feel overwhelming if you’re just here for basketball, but it’s hard to deny the ambition. MyNBA — the franchise mode — remains a quiet powerhouse, offering deep management tools and simulation fidelity that put it head and shoulders above most sports games.

Playing Like the Real Thing

From tip-off, NBA 2K26 flexes the PS5’s muscle. Player models have been refined, sweat glistens realistically under arena lights, and details such as sneakers, tattoos, and hair textures have been enhanced to push closer to broadcast authenticity. Courts feel alive, whether you’re in Madison Square Garden or a high-school gym in MyCareer.

The broadcast package remains second to none, with smooth camera transitions, dynamic commentary, and crowd reactions that elevate big plays. On a good run, it’s easy to forget you’re holding a controller and not watching TNT on a Thursday night.

Audio plays its part too. The squeak of sneakers, rim rattles, and crowd surges all contribute to the immersive experience. At the same time, the soundtrack leans into a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and rising artists that fit the series’ tradition of curating NBA culture alongside gameplay.

Old Wounds That Haven’t Fully Healed

For all its strides, NBA 2K26 still stumbles in areas fans have long flagged. Chief among them is the VC economy. Whether you’re upgrading your MyPlayer, customising your drip in The City, or building a competitive MyTeam roster, progress without spending feels glacial. The grind is manageable for casual play, but anyone aiming for online competitiveness will feel the squeeze.

The always-online requirements also frustrate. Even for modes that feel single-player in nature, a connection is often mandatory, which raises questions about long-term accessibility. Offline players remain underserved.

Finally, while NBA 2K26 is an improvement over its predecessor, it doesn’t break away from the formula. For fans who wanted sweeping innovation or brand-new modes, this year’s entry may come across as conservative, focusing on polish rather than revolution.

A Rebound Worth Recognising

Context matters. Coming off NBA 2K25, widely criticised for clunky shooting, imbalance, and excessive randomness, 2K26 feels like a course correction. Shooting is fairer, movement is smoother, defence is more rewarding, and modes offer meaningful tweaks. It’s not flawless, but the step forward is significant enough that many frustrated fans may feel heard.

NBA 2K26 won’t silence every critic, but it makes the strongest case in years that the franchise is back on track. On-court action is better than it’s been in a long time, presentation remains stellar, and content is deep enough to keep players hooked. The monetisation model is still problematic, and the online requirements limit flexibility, but for series fans, this is the closest thing to an “all-around player” we’ve had in years.

NBA 2K26 is available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.