NBA 2K26 Review (XSX) – Balling Big With Small Changes

Each year, the NBA 2k franchise aims to raise the bar for basketball simulation, and with NBA 2K26, it feels like the series has taken another confident step forward. This is the most polished, immersive, and authentic basketball experience available, blending beautiful visuals with deep gameplay and an incredible variety of modes. But does NBA 2K26 have what it takes to stand out from last year’s excellent entry, NBA 2K25?

Game Name: NBA 2K26
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S (Reviewed), PS5
Developer(s): Visual Concepts
Publisher(s): 2K Sports
Release Date: September 5, 2025

Another year, another sports game, and I love it. Ask my friends, ask my wife, they’ll all tell you how obsessed I am with the 2K franchise. It’s been a staple in my gaming collection since NBA 2K10. As a UK-based basketball fan without the funds for a League Pass, this is the closest I get every year to the sport I love.

With NBA 2K26, 2K Sports and Visual Concepts have knocked it out of the park. The game is so much fun to play, and there’s enough here to keep me logging in every day for the foreseeable future.

A Courtside Spectacle: Visuals and Atmosphere

The first thing you notice about NBA 2K26 on Series X|S is how stunning it looks. Player models are more realistic than ever, from facial details and signature hairstyles to sweat and uniform textures. Animations flow with impressive authenticity, making each possession feel like a real NBA broadcast. Lighting upgrades give arenas more atmosphere, and crowd reactions feel livelier, further enhancing immersion.

Performance is equally strong. The game runs smoothly at a stable frame rate, making every crossover, shot, and defensive switch responsive and precise. Loading times are quick, keeping the momentum going whether you’re jumping into a quick match or exploring The City.

On the Hardwood: Gameplay That Feels Real

This year’s headline feature is the ProPLAY Motion Engine, and it makes a real difference. Movements are fluid and grounded players plant their feet naturally, pivot realistically, and move with a rhythm that mirrors real-world NBA action. Whether you’re breaking down defenders with dribble combos, sprinting in transition, or boxing out under the rim, everything feels smooth and believable.

Shooting has also been refined. The new rhythm-based timing system gives players more control, rewarding precision while remaining approachable for newcomers. Landing a perfectly timed jumper or step-back three feels immensely satisfying. However, issues remain on the defensive end. Seven-foot-four shooting monsters are dominating certain modes—particularly Starting 5—because contesting shots doesn’t work as it should. Combined with the rhythm system, it’s a little too easy to drain shots right now.

Overall, though, NBA 2K26 strikes a strong balance between realism and fun. Every game feels unique, and there’s plenty of room for creativity no matter your playstyle.

MyCAREER Takes Flight with Out of Bounds

“Out of Bounds” is the new narrative MyCAREER mode in NBA 2K26, following the rise of a young prospect known as MP from high school promise to NBA stardom. From the start, players make key choices that shape MP’s journey—selecting a high school path, competing in club leagues, or even heading overseas to test their skills against international professionals. Each decision impacts attributes, draft stock, and the opportunities that open up along the way.

The mode introduces a mission-based structure, with levels that can be replayed to earn rewards such as VC, jerseys, and banners. Performance in each mission is rated with stars, pushing players to not just win, but to excel—whether by outperforming rivals or meeting unique in-game challenges.

Adding to the immersion is a documentary-style layer: MP’s journey is framed as a docuseries, with off-court decisions influencing media perception and storyline arcs. This makes the career mode more than just playing basketball; it becomes about managing both the spotlight and the hardwood.

Building Your Dream Squad in MyTeam

With NBA 2K26, MyTeam is bigger than ever, now featuring both NBA and WNBA stars in card form. This adds exciting variety and opens up unique lineup possibilities. Building your dream team, competing in challenges, and chasing rare cards never gets old.

That said, not every addition will please longtime fans. Some players in packs feel unusable—after all, a 6′ Caitlin Clark can’t compete with a 6’7 Luka Dončić. It also creates imbalance in the new WNBA Domination mode, which struggles to maintain fairness.

Beyond the Court: MyNBA, MyGM, and The W

For strategy lovers, MyNBA and MyGM offer deep franchise control. Drafting, trading, and managing a team over multiple seasons feels rewarding, with a level of detail that’s unmatched in other sports sims. The inclusion of The W continues to grow as well, giving WNBA players and fans a platform with its own tailored gameplay experience.

Tutorials in the Learn2K section deserve a special mention. They’re clear, helpful, and do a great job of easing both beginners and returning players into the mechanics while also offering depth for veterans.

Living the Game: The Full 2K Experience

More than just a sports game, NBA 2K26 feels like a full basketball ecosystem. Whether you’re competing online, grinding in career mode, or casually running quick matches, there’s always something to do. The attention to detail, presentation quality, and variety of play options make it easy to lose track of time. Unfortunately, the game still leans into a pay-to-win economy, and some details (like jerseys in the NBA Store being outdated—Jimmy Butler still listed on the Heat) break immersion. But none of this takes away from the fact that the gameplay is flat-out fun.

Final Whistle: Is NBA 2K26 the Best Yet?

NBA 2K26 on Xbox Series X|S is the best the series has ever been. From its breathtaking presentation to its refined gameplay and wealth of modes, it captures the essence of basketball at every level. Whether you’re a long-time 2K veteran or a newcomer curious about the sport, there’s never been a better entry point.

Review Disclosure Statement: A copy of NBA 2K26 was provided to us by 2K Sports for review purposes. For more information on how we review video games and other media/technology, please review our Review Guideline/Scoring Policy.

Affiliate Link Disclosure: One or more of the links above contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission should you click through and purchase the item.