2K has revealed details about a host of gameplay improvements that will be made in the upcoming basketball game NBA 2K26. In its announcement, the company has stated that its goals with the new iteration of the franchise revolve around offering players faster, smoother, and more seamless gameplay by making use of its new ProPLAY technology.
The technology, as described by 2K, is able to translate real-life NBA footage into gameplay, allowing for smoother and more realistic animations for the game. The direct translation of athlete’s actions during a match into gameplay animations also means that each in-game athlete will be able to better showcase their own personalities over the course of a match.
Through ProPLAY, NBA 2K26 will also have its new Motion Engine that has been powered by machine learning. Motion Engine allows for dynamic adjustments to lower-body poses, making actions like running, shooting, cutting and planting flow in a more realistic manner. The company has described the Motion Engine as being one of the biggest changes to player movements since the release of NBA 2K21.
When it comes to gameplay, players can also look forward to enhancements to Rhythm Shooting, which gives them better control over just about every aspect of any shot they are going for. Through the Rhythm Shooting mechanic, jumpshots become more responsive and are animated to look more natural and realistic. Offense is also similarly getting improvements thanks to new Signature Go-To Post Shots. This allows players to mix and match between different layup styles.
Defensive play and overall controls are also getting some improvements. Along with better feedback for Interior Defense and Rebound Timing, players will also be able to notice improvements to player-to-player collisions that have been powered by ProPLAY. Controls are also getting improvements, with a new control scheme that offers fast decision making and quick reaction times for players. There are also new features, like a Quick Protect mechanic that focuses on letting ball handlers defend themselves from having the ball stolen.
The title will also feature enhancements to its AI, allowing your opponents to better adapt to just about every move you can make, regardless of whether they are on defense or offense. Offensive AI will now always be on the lookout for new scoring opportunities by making use of drive-and-kick plays, while Defensive AI will make use of double team defensive logic.
To figure out how to play NBA 2K26, the upcoming title will also include a brand new set of Intermediate Tutorials that are aimed at bridging the gap in player knowledge between the game’s existing tutorials, and practice drills for fundamental and advanced techniques. Through the new tutorials, players will be able to learn about different kinds of layups, dunks, and other moves.
NBA 2K26 was officially unveiled back in early July. The game will be making its way to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on September 5. There is also a Leave No Doubt Edition available for pre-order, which gives players access to the game on August 29.
