Like a fresh, new NBA season, each NBA 2K entry feels like an epic quest of glory through delicate and intentional improvements, similar to the solid competitors who brought it very close last year, only filling in some supporting spots on the roster. The NBA 2K25 was already great, so in that sense I feel that NBA 2K26 knows exactly what it’s building.
As a result, the NBA 2K26 is a well-balanced, subtle collection of upgrades, in contrast to more casual players who could win a series once every few years, and you’ll certainly feel important to returning fans. For example, the improved shot meter allows for more natural shooting, and MyCareer mode includes a little more mind and drama than we have before.
The NBA 2K26 is still in many of its prolonged issues, such as the nasty microtransactions and the stubborn MyTeam mode, but generally it comes from a clean packaged service that feels good to play in any mode.
Rhythm and feel
So let’s jump straight into the good stuff. The NBA 2K26 has improved shot metering and generally shooting. I wasn’t a huge fan of last year’s mechanics. It felt a bit messy and confusing, even at its best. Instead of a dial system, there is a relatively standard curved shot meter that appears on the side of the player when shooting. The meter shows a slightly green zone, which grows or shrinks depending on the position and level of defensive coverage.
All you need to do is take the time to release via the button or the right stick to sink the shot. Still, it’s clear that the Visual Concepts team has added a lot of new animations to NBA 2K26.
That being said, there is generally pressure to hit the right shot and choose. The new animation level also applies to the defensive side of the floor. This applies to the defensive side of the floor as players are on the verge of matchups and adding weight and presence, feeling much more natural, as well as the defensive side.
Finally, these sweet dribbling moves can be paired with new go-to post moves, replicating things like Embiid’s fadeaway turn and Haycombe’s dream shake. They are great to use, but the level of attention to detail here, along with the new shot meter, actually adds the overall satisfaction you get when performing these moves with the players in these positions.
Also, in addition to these nifty animations, it’s a good opportunity to mention here that NBA 2K26 is one of the best looking sports games ever. From coat decals to mascot uniforms, it is packed with extremely accurate face scans and details. Also, everything runs on very uniform clips. This is relatively good at the course at this point.
Ballin ‘Solo
There’s a lot of love in the NBA 2K26, so I don’t want to jump straight into the bad stuff here. But I thought I could touch them here and move a little faster. It allows you to change leagues as if you were playing and fit in a certain era, Mynba mode is not only underdeveloped and relatively unchanged in the NBA 2K26, but it also feels like it has little lifespan, beyond interest in pursuing the ideal version of the NBA as an offline mode.
MYGM mode even has a new offseason scenario. This rarely works as a curated scenario to tackle during the NBA season. Simply put, there’s too much going on over real basketball. Certainly you need to help and serve both the needs of the fanbase and owner, but through the point system and waves of complicated menus, you definitely lost steam.
WNBA mode also shares this feeling that it feels like it needs a rear seat to the main online mode the NBA 2K26 is about to push. I used WNBA mode in my previous NBA 2K titles, and although I’m not against it here, I’ve lost so much steam compared to the standard NBA products here.
Walking in the sky
But this brings me something good. The NBA 2K26’s MyCareer mode, entitled Bounds Of Bounds, is far better than any rights. You can oddly skip it and go straight to the NBA draft, but I strongly advise against it. If you are not able to build players like other years and build them yourself, you can choose from your current player profile and playstyle.
Your player (called MP in MyCareer) begins his journey at an unknown high school. The actual outlook for the NBA is unclear. Most of the cutscenes here are really deep without ruining the actual story itself.
They discuss the pressures behind actually reaching the NBA and the weight of choices involved along the way. You can choose between university and Euroball at a certain point. This has dramatic effects and consequences on how to return to the league. NBA 2K has tried to tie the story to the prologue portion of this MyCareer mode, one of the better, if not the best, in providing the authentic, meaningful mind and relevance behind the weight of the NBA journey.
Most of the MyCareer mode falls under familiar ratio trope hours later, but I absolutely admire the choice to throw something else into the mix, and I’m tug some minds along the way.
The city is also back in NBA 2K26, but now feels much more dense and compact in all the right ways. Now it’s much easier to run around (or skate). There is also a new leaderboard that highlights the most won ranks and players in multiplayer modes, including theaters and REC, if you’re looking for the toughest challenges online.
myTeam, your money
Yes, we are here again, and there is no easy way to say that. MyTeam may be the first time connecting NBA and WNBA players (this is a good thing), but if you want to make the most of this mode, you will need to fork a big buck.
Certainly, I’m all about seeing Caitlin Clark Dunk on Shaq, but it’s hard to praise the mode when you need to step on the water just to maintain the five start five in the palm of your hand. Game tutorials always offer you something good, but it disappears too quickly. Hold a better player card and use it sparingly, or use all the best players right away, and you’ll be late right away.
At this point I really don’t know where they can go. I’m sure there are a lot of players who are quickly reaching Gold Rep Tier to access the auction house and deal with myTeam cards, but I’m rarely me who’s surpassing this review at least in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the NBA 2K26 has guaranteed another purchase over the next year with enough proper moves from a gameplay perspective. The filming is great, and skill-based gameplay is much sweeter with additions like post-post moves.
MyCareer Out of Bounds Story is great, but I hope modes like mainly offline Mygm and WNBA modes receive a little more love.
However, in the case of “Ball Is Life,” NBA 2K26 has made a strong claim as the king of the court for the rest of 2025 and beyond.
4 stars (out of 5)
Highlight: Improved shooting mechanics. Skill-based gameplay and new, go-to post moves. Out of range storylines are great
Low Light: Mygm and Mynba modes require 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, Windows PC
Available: Now
Reviews conducted on the PlayStation 5 Pro use code provided by the publisher.
Highly popular images provided by the publisher.
