Like a fresh, new NBA season, each NBA 2K entry feels like a grand quest for glory through delicate and deliberate refinements, akin to a solid contender that made it so close last year, only needing to fill a couple of supporting spots on the roster. NBA 2K25 was already great, and in that sense, NBA 2K26 feels like it knows exactly what it’s building upon.
As a result, NBA 2K26 is a collection of balanced and nuanced upgrades that will certainly feel more important to returning fans as opposed to more casual players that might pick up the series once every few years. For example, the improved shot meter allows for more natural shooting, and the MyCareer mode contains a little more heart and drama than we’re used to.
NBA 2K26 still falls on the sword of many of its lingering issues, like pesky microtransactions and stubborn MyTeam modes, but it’s all generally in service of a cleaner package that feels nicer to play, in any mode you prefer.
Rhythm and Feel
So let’s jump straight into the good stuff. The shot meter and shooting in general have been improved in NBA 2K26. I wasn’t a huge fan of last year’s mechanics, which felt a little too messy and confusing, even at the best of times. In place of the dial system, we now have a relatively standard, curved shot meter that appears to the side of the player when shooting. The meter will show a little green zone, and depending on the position and level of defensive coverage, this will grow or shrink.
All you’ll need to do is time your release, either via the button or right stick, to sink the shot. Even so, it’s clear that the team at Visual Concepts have added plenty of new animations to NBA 2K26, which helps shooting feel that much smoother.
That being said, there’s generally more pressure to hit and choose proper shots, as those that are poorly timed have a greater chance of missing. The level of new animations also applies to the defensive end of the floor, as players now get up close and personal in matchups, adding a sense of weight and presence, all while feeling much more natural.
Finally, you’ll be able to pair those sweet dribble moves with new Go-To Post Moves, replicating the likes of Embiid’s fadeaway turn or even Hakeem’s Dream Shake. While they’re great to use, the level of attention to detail here, in conjunction with the new shot meter, really adds to the overall level of satisfaction that you get when executing these moves with those players in these positions.
It’s also a good time to mention here that, along with these nifty animations, NBA 2K26 is one of the best-looking sports games to date. It’s packed with incredibly accurate facial scans and details, from court decals to mascot uniforms. Everything also runs at a very even clip, which is relatively par for the course at this point.
Ballin’ Solo
Now I don’t want to dive straight into the bad stuff here, as there’s plenty to love in NBA 2K26. But I thought I would touch on them here so we can move on a little sooner. The MyNBA mode, which allows you to play with certain eras and change the league as you see fit, feels not only underdeveloped and relatively unchanged in NBA 2K26, but as an offline mode, it’s almost void of any longevity, beyond your interest to pursue your own ideal version of the NBA.
There are even new Offseason Scenarios for the MyGM mode, which serve as little, curated scenarios for you to tackle across the course of the NBA season. Quite simply, there’s just too much going on here on top of the actual basketball that is taking place. Sure, you have to help and serve the needs of both the fanbase and the owners, but through waves of point systems and convoluted menus, it’s definitely lost some steam.
The WNBA mode also shares in this sentiment that it feels like it takes a backseat to the main online modes the NBA 2K26 is trying to push. I was all for the WNBA modes in previous NBA 2K titles, and while I’m not against it here, it’s losing so much steam when compared to the standard NBA offerings here, and I genuinely wish we got a little more.
Walking On Air
This, however, brings me to the good stuff. The MyCareer mode in NBA 2K26, titled Out of Bounds, is way better than it has any right to be. You can strangely skip it and head straight to the NBA Draft, but I would strongly advise against that. You’ll build your player like any other year, and can choose from current player profiles and playstyles if you can’t be bothered building your own.
Your player (referred to in MyCareer as MP) starts their journey in an unknown high school, with no real NBA prospects in sight. Without spoiling the actual story itself, most of the cutscenes here are really deep.
They discuss the pressure behind actually making it to the NBA, and the weight of the choices involved along the way. You’re able to choose between college or Euro-ball at a certain point, which also has drastic effects and consequences on how you circle back around to the league. NBA 2K has tried to tie stories into the prologue portions of this MyCareer mode, but this is one of the better attempts, if not one of the best, at providing a real and meaningful sense of heart and relevance behind the weight of the NBA journey.
While the majority of the MyCareer mode falls into some familiar tropes after many hours, I absolutely commend the choice to throw something different into the mix, tugging at some heartstrings along the way.
The City also returns in NBA 2K26, but now feels much more dense and compact in all the right ways. It’s now much easier to get (or skate) around, and there are even new leaderboards that highlight your rank and players with the most wins in multiplayer modes, including The Theatre and The REC, should you want to seek out the toughest challenge online.
MyTeam, Your Money
Yes, we’re here again, and there’s no easy way to say it. MyTeam might bring NBA and WNBA players together for the first time (which is a nice touch), but you’re still going to have to fork out the big bucks if you want to get the most out of this mode.
Sure, I’m all about seeing Caitlin Clark dunk on Shaq, but it’s hard to commend the mode when you’re needing to tread water just to keep a nice starting five in the palm of your hands. The game’s tutorial always gives you something nice, but it wears off too soon. You’ll either be holding onto those nicer player cards to use sparingly or you’re using all your best players right away, getting ahead, and then immediately falling behind.
At this point, I’m really not sure where they can go. I’m sure there are plenty of players who are immediately reaching the Gold Rep tier to access the Auction House and deal MyTeam cards, but it’s rarely me, at least in the long run, or even beyond this review.
Final Thoughts
Overall, NBA 2K26 has made enough of the right moves in terms of its gameplay to warrant another purchase for the year ahead. Shooting feels fantastic, and skill-based gameplay is made that much sweeter with additions like Go-To Post Moves.
While the MyCareer Out of Bounds story is fantastic, I wish modes like the predominantly offline MyGM and WNBA modes received a little more love.
But when “ball is life”, NBA 2K26 is making a strong case as the king of the court for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Improved shooting mechanics; Skill-based gameplay and new Go-To Post Moves; Out of Bounds storyline is fantastic
Lowlights: MyGM and MyNBA modes need a little more love; MyTeam still wants your wallet
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Windows PC
Available: Now
Review conducted on PlayStation 5 Pro with a code provided by the publisher.
Featured images also provided by the publisher.
