After spending a good chunk of time with NBA 2K26 on PS5, it’s clear that this year’s game gets a lot right — especially where it matters most: on the court. The gameplay has never felt smoother, the shooting mechanics are finally rewarding again, and the presentation continues to be top of the line. But despite all that polish, 2K still can’t seem to shake its worst habit — pushing aggressive monetization into almost every corner of the experience.

Let’s break it down.

Gameplay First: Finally, the Movement Feels Right

The biggest upgrade this year is the introduction of ProPLAY — also called the Dynamic Motion Engine — which brings motion-captured player data straight into gameplay. In practical terms, it means movement feels far more fluid and natural than in previous years. Animations blend smoothly, players respond more realistically to inputs, and everything from pick-and-roll defense to off-ball cuts just feels tighter.

The difference is especially noticeable on PS5. Whether you’re blowing by defenders in transition or fighting through screens on defense, you can finally play the game at the speed and intensity of real NBA action. Compared to previous entries, it’s a big leap forward — not just visually, but in how the game plays moment to moment.

Shooting Gets a Much-Needed Revamp

Shooting in 2K games has always been a point of contention. Some years it’s too easy, others it’s punishingly unforgiving. This time around, 2K seems to have struck a solid balance.

The return of a dynamic green release window is the biggest change. Depending on how open you are and how well you’ve timed your shot, the green zone will expand or shrink. It rewards smart decision-making and forces you to think about positioning and matchups more carefully.

There’s also a new rhythm shooting mechanic, which quietly tracks your consistency. Hit a few good shots in a row, and your animations get smoother, releases feel cleaner, and percentages subtly improve. It’s a more nuanced system that rewards actual gameplay rhythm, rather than just raw stats or player ratings.

All in all, it’s one of the most satisfying shooting systems the series has had in years. It’s not easy at first, but once you get into the flow, it just feels right.

Game Modes: Familiar Structure, Same Frustrations

If you’ve played any recent 2K, you’ll immediately recognize the structure here. MyCareer, MyTeam, MyNBA — they’re all back, and mostly unchanged in concept. There are some visual tweaks and smaller improvements, but no major reinventions.

MyCareer remains the same story-driven grind it’s been for years. This year’s narrative once again tries to be cinematic, but ends up feeling bloated and unnecessary. It often gets in the way of what should be a more streamlined and customizable experience. Sometimes it feels like 2K is more interested in producing a drama series than letting you build a player and hoop.

MyTeam, the card-based mode, has a tighter seasonal structure and decent pacing for content drops — but the VC economy dominates everything. If you’re not buying VC, prepare for a slow grind. Packs are expensive, progression is gated, and it’s still clearly designed to nudge you toward spending money.

Even MyNBA, which should be a safe haven for players who want a simulation-heavy experience, is touched by the same underlying monetization mechanics, even if more subtly.

Monetization: Still the Series’ Biggest Problem

Let’s be honest: microtransactions are still everywhere, and they drag the experience down.

Want to level up your player in MyCareer? That’s VC. Want to buy new animations or upgrade attributes? More VC. Want to compete in MyTeam without getting steamrolled? You guessed it — VC.

Yes, you can grind. But it’s a long, often tedious process that’s clearly designed to encourage spending real money. And considering this is already a full-priced retail game, it leaves a bad taste — especially for players who just want to enjoy basketball without constantly hitting paywalls.

It’s frustrating because the gameplay is legitimately excellent this year. But that feeling is constantly undermined by the sense that you’re navigating a monetized obstacle course.

Visuals and Performance on PS5

Technically, NBA 2K26 on PS5 is a showcase. The game looks stunning, with detailed player models, realistic lighting, and a true-to-life presentation style that continues to set the bar for sports games. Player animations are more varied and lifelike than ever. Courts look amazing, crowds are lively, and the commentary team does a solid job of adding context and variety.

Load times are minimal thanks to the PS5’s SSD, and the DualSense haptics add subtle but satisfying feedback during gameplay — whether it’s feeling the thud of a blocked shot or the tension of driving into traffic.

In terms of pure polish, this is one of the best sports games on the platform.

Final Verdict

At its core, NBA 2K26 (PS5) is the best-playing version of the franchise in years. The improved motion system, smarter shooting mechanics, and technical polish make it a genuine joy to play when you’re actually on the court.

But the game still suffers from the same problems that have plagued the series for years — aggressive monetization, grind-heavy progression, and a focus on spectacle over substance in certain modes. If you’re the type of player who sticks to Play Now or runs with friends online, you’ll get the most out of this game. If you’re diving into MyCareer or MyTeam, prepare for a long, sometimes frustrating road.

This could have been a clean 9/10 game based on gameplay alone — but the business model keeps it from reaching its full potential.

Pros

  • Excellent on-court gameplay and player movement
  • Satisfying and skill-based shooting system
  • Top-tier presentation and visuals on PS5
  • Responsive controls and smooth performance

Cons

  • MyCareer story is bloated and gets in the way
  • MyTeam is still VC-driven and grindy
  • Monetization touches nearly every mode
  • Minimal innovation outside of core gameplay

Score (if I had to give one): 7.5/10

One of the best-playing 2K games in years — but still stuck under the weight of its own economy.