NBA 2K26 Review: Redefining Skill, Style, and Realism

Their inclusion highlights a theme woven into this year’s release: skill, legacy, and the evolution of the women’s game alongside the NBA.

Dribbling Overhaul

Dribbling was one of the biggest surprises this year. The system has been significantly overhauled. Escape turbo crosses can now be chained together, though spamming them drains adrenaline. Misdirections return with simplified inputs, while momentum crosses and momentum behind the back dribbles rejoin the mix, opening new chaining possibilities.

Behind the backs have been reworked, with moving animations that launch ball handlers into space and aggressive controls simplified back to their classic form. Walkback size-ups and buffed snatchbacks create fresh opportunities to speed boost, while dribble styles are no longer limited to guards.

Taller builds finally have access to faster packages that match their ratings. Altogether, the overhaul broadens how players can create separation, adding both unpredictability on offense and new challenges for defenders.

Finishing at the Rim

Finishing at the rim sees just as much innovation. Instead of being locked into a single layup package, players can now build custom sets by mixing and matching animations—think Curry’s touch floaters, DeRozan’s crafty reverses, or Edwards’ explosive hopsteps. It feels like crafting your own highlight reel, and because defenders can’t predict what’s coming next, every trip to the basket feels like a chance to put your own stamp on the game.

Defense and Rebounding

Defense is now system-driven, leaning into gritty collisions and smarter contests. You can feel the weight when bodies bang in the paint, and timing a rebound now carries extra tension thanks to a new green feedback mechanic. Nail it at the right moment and you’ll snag the board, but positioning and size still matter—so boxing out and bodying up finally feel just as rewarding as draining a shot on the other end.

Offensive Tools

On the flip side, offense isn’t left behind. New Quick Protect controls let ball handlers protect the ball from defenders and maintain control while driving, giving slashers more ways to carve space. Catch-and-shoots are smoother too, with no-dip releases that feel quick and direct. Wrap passes open up passing lanes that felt out of reach before, and alley-oops have gone from easy highlights to real tests of skill. They now demand sharp timing and fast reactions, as receivers have to read randomized button prompts on the fly. It’s no longer just a flashy play—it’s a high-risk, high-reward moment that can swing momentum if executed right.

Smarter AI

AI shows clear upgrades as well. Offensive teammates execute drive-and-kick plays more naturally and benefit from an expanded playbook, while defenders collapse on drives and recover more realistically. Ten new difficulty variables fine-tune how awareness and rotations scale between levels, ensuring challenge feels more authentic.

At higher difficulty levels, I noticed the AI felt sharper and less forgiving, forcing me to really think through possessions instead of relying on old habits.

Presentation and Atmosphere

Presentation ties everything together. Players show fatigue through sweat, muscle definition, and facial detail. Visually, NBA 2K26 looks sharper—lighting, player detail, and crowd energy have elevated the game-night feel. It’s not a radical overhaul, but it’s the kind of refinement that makes matches feel more immersive once you’re on the court. Subtle upgrades like improved hardwood reflections and livelier crowd reactions help games carry more atmosphere, even if they stop short of being groundbreaking.

The City

The City saw some key updates this year. The tighter layout makes it easier for players to move around and get into games without all the downtime. Seasonal Parks rotate in with fresh looks, including callbacks to classic MyPARKs, which help keep things from feeling stale as each new season rolls in.

The new Crews system lets players band together under a shared name, complete with logos, outfits, and tiered progression that unlocks rewards as you climb. It’s a welcome addition that leans into community, giving friends and squads a reason to stick together and chase goals beyond just individual wins.

And with leaderboards spotlighting the top squads, there’s an added layer of bragging rights—pushing Crews to prove not just loyalty, but dominance against rival groups.

Competitive players will find extra challenges through events like the Pro-Am Summit tournaments and the Street Kings battles, both of which provide new ways to test squads and individual skill.

MyPLAYER Builder

On the customization side, the MyPLAYER Builder introduces new archetypes, templates, and an expanded animation glossary. On top of that, new layers of progression come in the form of beginner, daily, seasonal, and lifetime challenges.

The ability to swap between different MyPLAYER builds instantly without leaving The City felt incredibly convenient, removing the downtime that used to break momentum. Add in the long-requested return of MyCOURT, and players now have more ways than ever to practice and personalize the experience.

Cap breakers now boost weaker stats more significantly, promoting balanced builds over min-max extremes. They are unlocked primarily through progression in MyCAREER, such as hitting level 40 in the Season Pass, and by leveling up Crews at milestones like levels 8, 15, 22, and 30.

This ties attribute growth more closely to long-term play and rewards players for engaging across multiple modes. It’s a smart system, but the grind is noticeable—and some players may be tempted to purchase level skips to speed up the process of unlocking these boosts.

MyTEAM

MyTEAM makes history by fully integrating WNBA athletes with NBA stars, giving players the chance to create mixed lineups for the first time.

All cards use the same attribute and badge system, with dedicated WNBA Domination content included. Game Changer consumable cards add strategy by modifying multipliers, streaks, and rewards.

Beyond that, content like All-Star Team-Up co-op matches, Triple Threat Park at night, King of the Court tournaments, Breakout: Gauntlet runs, and the customizable MyTEAM Arena give players more ways to compete and show off their progress.

The W

Meanwhile, The W mode has been rebuilt with real journalists on social media, deeper press conferences, and GOAT Challenges that raise the stakes on rivalries. The update also introduces authentic WNBA uniforms, court designs, and a dedicated WNBA Domination tier to round out the experience.

This feels like a timely and welcome addition given how much the WNBA’s popularity has grown in recent years, making its presence in 2K more relevant than ever.

MyCAREER

MyCAREER also takes a leap forward with a new storyline called 'Out of Bounds'. Players begin as small-town prospects chasing the spotlight, battling top high school talent and finding the right Club League team to catch scouts’ attention.

The journey even opens paths outside the traditional route, including opportunities to play overseas before entering the NBA Draft. With the equivalent of multiple films’ worth of cutscenes and story content—narrated by Spike Lee—the mode feels more cinematic than past entries.

MyNBA & MyGM

MyNBA and MyGM also get attention. Thirty unique offseason scenarios challenge players with team-specific goals like chasing free agents, managing draft picks, or building through trades.

Dynamic banners now track championships inside arenas, simulations run faster and smarter, and for the first time public online playoff leagues are available. Expanded MyPLAYER DNA tools even let you drop your custom character into created rosters for added personalization. It’s a fresh addition sure to make any inner GM smile, adding depth and personality to franchise play.

Verdict

Altogether, NBA 2K26 feels more like a re-sharpened take on the formula than a full refresh. With dribbling reimagined, finishing customizable, defense skill-based, and presentation upgraded across the board, this year’s entry is more than incremental. It’s the sharpest, most skill-oriented version of the franchise yet. For newcomers, though, the sheer number of systems and mechanics can feel overwhelming at first, even if the depth ultimately rewards those who stick with it. The additions pack plenty for hardcore fans to dig into, the convenience tweaks make everyday play smoother, and while some online chatter highlights gripes around grind and balance, NBA 2K26 still gives hoops fans a ton of meat to chew on.

Score: 8.8 out of 10

Platform Reviewed: PS5

Review code provided by 2K