With every new NBA 2K release, players often wonder: Is this just a simple roster update, or does it offer something truly new?

For NBA 2K26, the answer leans towards the latter. While the gameplay hasn't been completely overhauled, this game does feature some tangible improvements on the court, elevating the game experience to a new level.

Gameplay Improvements

NBA 2K26's core focus is, of course, gameplay. This year's version offers significant improvements, with numerous optimizations resulting in smoother, more natural on-court action and a more engaging control experience.

Most notable are the improvements to the shot meter. NBA 2K25's shot meter had a tiny margin of error, requiring near-perfect timing to make a shot. In NBA 2K26, the system has been completely overhauled. Whether shooting or layup, the chances of triggering "Excellent" are significantly higher.

Animation performance has also seen a significant improvement. Players' signature moves are now more realistic, showcasing details that were not fully captured in previous games. With ProPLAY motion engine and the all-new rhythmic shooting system, dribbling, shooting, and overall player movement feel more natural and less stilted than last year.

Of course, easier shooting doesn't mean easier games. The AI has been significantly improved, especially on defense. Pick-and-rolls no longer seem effortless. And the AI quickly rotates and makes decisions, punishing mistakes and often creating unsuspecting three-pointers, making the game even more challenging.

The overall tempo on the court has also increased. Player movement is more fluid, and transitions between offense and defense are more swift, though some lag still occurs during fast breaks.

Furthermore, this game has put considerable effort into developing star players. Players rated 85 or higher are even more dominant, easily scoring, blasting defenses, and even executing difficult shots with ease. Each superstar has unique signature moves and skills, making them more recognizable both in terms of control and visuals. This makes your NBA 2K26 MT investment in high-rated players truly worth it.

MyCareer Upgrades

As one of the series' core signature modes, MyCareer has received a significant upgrade in NBA 2K26. Instead of jumping directly into NBA draft, players now begin with a pre-NBA storyline, making the experience deeper and more immersive.

MyCareer begins on the campus circuit, where you compete in local tournaments, rising through victories and accumulating honors. More uniquely, your path isn't limited to the United States, and you can also choose to begin your career in European leagues, building a reputation and winning trophies before even entering NBA. Completing these challenges also earns you NBA 2K26 coins.

The story mode also features more challenging missions that directly impact your draft position. The better you perform, the higher your ranking will be, potentially even earning you the chance to become No. 1 pick and attract the attention of NBA teams. Compared to previous approaches, NBA 2K26 more fully depicts the journey from grassroots to rising star, making MyCareer even more immersive.

However, MyCareer still suffers from some of its old issues. The most criticized aspect is the player customization system. The character creation tool remains outdated and monotonous, with adjustments limited to basic elements like hairstyle, preset face shapes, chin, and eye shape.

MyNBA Hasn't Seen Major Changes

If there's one mode in NBA 2K26 that's easily overlooked, it's probably MyNBA. Since the introduction of MyEra feature in NBA 2K23, the mode has remained largely stagnant. Last year's update introduced Stephen Curry era, but this year, the development team hasn't added any new eras, leaving the overall experience largely unchanged from the previous game.

The changes to this game are mostly minor tweaks. For example, the player information screen has been slightly improved, championship banners are displayed in home stadiums after a team wins the championship, and a unique celebration ceremony has been added to NBA Cup. These details do enhance the sense of immersion, but they don't truly change the core gameplay.

As for simulation options, three new game simulation speeds have been added: slow, medium, and fast. In theory, a slower simulation should be closer to the pace of a real game, but in actual play, you'll find that the outcome is still primarily determined by team lineups and difficult settings, and variations in simulation speed barely affect the final result.

MyTeam Introduces WNBA Players

MyTEAM gameplay remains familiar: use NBA 2K26 MT to collect player cards, ranging from standard versions to special cards like MVPs, and then compete against other players in ranked matches. The overall mechanics are somewhat similar to EA Sports FC's Ultimate Team mode, so it's not particularly new.

The biggest change in NBA 2K26 is the introduction of WNBA players to MyTEAM for the first time. This means you can assemble a mixed roster featuring both NBA men's and WNBA women's players.

Graphics Upgrade

In graphics, NBA 2K series is criticized for its lack of visual changes every year. While NBA 2K26 doesn't offer a complete visual overhaul, it does offer significant improvements in detail. A redesigned lighting system creates a more realistic atmosphere, particularly within NBA arenas. Light reflections, shadow gradations, and overall color tones appear more natural, embodying the real-world on-court experience.

Players are also rendered with greater detail. The oozing of sweat, the definition of muscles, and the dynamic shifts in facial expressions are all more vivid. New cut-scenes triggered during timeouts, clutch scores, and even championship-clinching moments enhance the immersive experience.

Overall, NBA 2K26 may not be a complete overhaul of the series, but it is a meticulously polished version that improves upon several key aspects. While it still won't fully satisfy those expecting a game-changing overhaul, it still offers a rich and immersive basketball experience for both casual players and dedicated fans.