With NBA 2K26 officially releasing today, September 5, 2025, it’s time to break down how it stacks up. Thanks to the preorder bonus (NBA 2K26: Leave No Doubt Edition), I was able to play a full week early, so this NBA 2K26 review comes with some extra time on the sticks. Let’s dive in and see how NBA 2K26 gameplay compares to last year’s NBA 2K25.
NBA 2K26 Gameplay Feels Smoother and More Realistic
NBA 2K26 builds on what 2K25 set up, but the improvements stand out right away. Player movement feels smoother and more natural. Whether you’re changing direction, cutting to the basket, or pulling up for a shot, the animations flow together instead of feeling stiff. In 2K25, movements often felt awkward or “fake,” but NBA 2K26 finally gives you the sense of controlling an actual athlete instead of a character sliding around.
A sneak peak at Steph Curry's gameplay in NBA 2K26 is SMOOTH 🔥
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 3, 2025
(via @NBA2K)pic.twitter.com/DIqXajQth7
Shooting has also been reworked. Timing matters more than ever — whether it’s a jump shot, layup, or dunk, you have to earn each basket. Defense is sharper too. Rebounds, blocks, and contests feel more realistic, making it tougher to score by forcing your way inside. The balance between offense and defense is the best it’s been in years.
NBA 2K26 Presentation and Atmosphere
Presentation gets a noticeable boost in NBA 2K26. Players look more lifelike, arenas sound louder and more energetic, and crowds and mascots bring extra personality. These small details combine to make each matchup feel closer to a real NBA broadcast instead of just another basketball video game.
NBA 2K26 Game Modes: MyTEAM, The City, and MyCAREER
Game modes also see some fresh updates:
- MyTEAM: You can now mix NBA and WNBA players on the same squad — something the series has never offered before.
- The City: More customization options make your experience feel unique.
- MyCAREER: A brand-new storyline keeps things engaging, and it’s been one of the most enjoyable parts of my early playthrough.
Each year the core formula remains familiar, but these tweaks keep the experience from getting stale.
NBA 2K26 Player Ratings: Top 10 3-Point Shooters
One of the most talked-about features each year is player ratings, and NBA 2K26 keeps the spotlight on sharpshooters. The Top 10 three-point shooters list highlights Stephen Curry once again at the top with a perfect 99 rating, followed by Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and other elite perimeter threats. Seeing familiar names like Curry and Thompson dominate the leaderboard reinforces 2K’s commitment to realism, while rising stars like Desmond Bane and Anthony Edwards prove the league’s next generation of shooters is already making its mark.
Final Verdict: NBA 2K26 Review Score
Score: 4.8/5
NBA 2K26 doesn’t reinvent the series — and it doesn’t need to. It refines player movement, sharpens shooting, and raises the overall presentation to a new level. The result is a polished, rewarding upgrade that stands out as one of the best entries in years. Early NBA 2K26 community feedback shows players are embracing the changes, proving this year’s release is resonating with fans.
