NBA 2K26 Reviews
NBA 2K26 offers some really impressive overhauls over previous years, with a really enjoyable on-court experience, a satisfying feeling around scoring that really nails the feeling of character animation and playstyle, complimented by some quality modes and a thoroughly enjoyable Career. This is all brought together by the vast ambition of The City finally, fully realised in its best possible form as intended and as always, some of the most stunning visuals of any game. Unfortunately, the VC obsession is deeper than ever and while there’s a solid out of the box experience, you’ll likely miss out on all the game’s content unless you’re willing to pay more. Which, unfortunately, is becoming more the rule, than an exception for the franchise.
NBA 2K26 refines the classic NBA formula with fresh mechanics, new MyTeam features, and a completely new story mode, making it one of the most enjoyable entries in recent years.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
With a refined shot mechanic, and pretty fluid player movements NBA 2K26 gives us a reason or two to give it another go. Add in a pretty interesting MyCareer mode, and you have an almost superb basketball game on you hands. Almost, because the base price with omnipresent microtransactions bring it down.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
NBA 2K26 offers the best gameplay in recent years thanks to its new physics engine and a shooting system that finally makes sense. Microtransactions remain a major issue, but those looking for authentic basketball will find a solid and satisfying experience.
Review in Italian | Read full review
NBA 2K26 was a welcome relief after the game I played last year, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
NBA 2K26 is recommended because it continues to be the definitive basketball experience. The evolution of its gameplay and the depth of all its game modes mark a leap in quality compared to previous installments. The downside? There are still too many microtransactions in all areas. In any case, it is an ambitious, comprehensive title that maintains its essence.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
NBA2K26 is making progress and is better than last year's version. It plays better in terms of gameplay, shooting is easier, and overall the game is more fun
Review in Greek | Read full review
NBA 2K26 is a direct improvement compared to its previous release, with its better shooting mechanics, handling, and other quality of life improvements. However, its monetization practices still make it hard to compete.
Still, I liked NBA 2K26 a bit more than its predecessors. The locked framerate and predatory monetary practices are, as always, a disappointment, but hopping into it on a portable, playing a few arcade rounds, and listening to what’s possibly the best soundtrack in a sports game ever, somewhat made up for these shortcomings. Is it better than the PS5 version? I don’t think so. Technically-speaking, it can’t even compete in the same terms. But did I have more fun with it than on a bigger console? Yep, without a doubt.
NBA 2K26 is a triumph. It’s not perfect—VC and monetisation still hover in the background, and long-time players may notice some familiar animations. But the strides made in realism, accessibility, and variety are undeniable. From the breathtaking accuracy of the ProPLAY Motion Engine to the refined structure of The City and the expanded depth of MyNBA Eras, this is a game that celebrates basketball in all its forms. For casual fans, it’s the most approachable entry in years. For hardcore players, it offers depth that could easily consume hundreds of hours. For anyone who simply loves the sport, NBA 2K26 is as close as you can get to stepping onto an NBA court without lacing up a pair of sneakers. This isn’t just another yearly update—it’s a genuine evolution of the series. The question isn’t whether you should play it. The question is how many hours you’re ready to lose once you start.
Despite aggressive, overtime-running microtransactions, NBA 2K26 shines with its tightest, most fluid gameplay yet, water-smooth animations, and a more heartfelt MyCareer, making it superior to NBA 2K25 and the clear MVP of basketball games whether you spend extra money or not.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
NBA 2K26 revitalizes the franchise after a small dip in NBA 2K25, led by the strongest MyCareer mode in years, thanks to a gripping prologue and refined gameplay with updates like the new shot meter and smoother movement, even if MyGM still lags. With only minor flaws, it feels nearly complete, true to the slogan “Ball Over Everything.”
Review in Italian | Read full review
NBA 2K26 steps up with smoother gameplay, smarter AI, and a new shot system that makes every possession count. MyCareer, MyTeam, and The City all see meaningful updates, while presentation improvements bring the atmosphere closer to a live broadcast. VC reliance and balance issues still drag it down, but this year’s release feels like the most complete basketball experience the series has offered in years.
NBA 2K26 features a ton of tweaks and additions to make it the best in the series, with stellar presentation and important gameplay improvements.
Offline or when playing with friends, it's pure basketball love; online and when playing with strangers, microtransactions and pay-to-win dominate. The game types are all enjoyable and fun, but the concept behind them noticeably hurts the overall rating.
Review in German | Read full review
NBA 2K26 combines improved visuals with some important tweaks to keep the series feeling fresh.