Today, 2K released an in-depth Courtside Report for the latest iteration of its hit annual sports simulator, NBA 2K26. The blog post unveiled numerous changes, including an in-depth look at the all-new dynamic Motion Engine, enhanced Rhythm Shooting, new advanced controls on Offense, and much more.
In NBA 2K26, the ProPlay engine will play how the game looks and feels, using machine-learning technology to make movement feel more lifelike and realistic across all on-court actions. Shooting in particular is getting a huge facelift, starting with Rythym Shooting.
In recent iterations of 2K, there have been aspects of RNG present when shooting, regardless of how well-timed your shot was or how perfect your stats were for the situation. Enhanced Rhythm Shooting in NBA 2K26 gives players full control over every aspect of the shot, resulting in more responsive jumpshots that resemble true lifelike shooting motions, all based on skill, to make for a more rewarding experience.
Signature Go-To Post Shots, like shimmy floaters and up-and-unders, have been added, and they also feature customization packages to combine the ones you like most. Higher difficulty levels will also feature Green or Miss Shot Timing, which will be universal, while Layup Timing is permanently enabled.
On the defensive side of the ball, there will be new body-ups and collisions, redesigned Interior Defense, and new Rebound Timing Feedback, making player-to-player collisions more lifelike than than previous motion-captured animations. More importantly, putting a body on shooters when they’re finishing around the rim and make body-to-body contact in the air is much easier thanks to the ProPlay system.
NBA 2k26 is set to release for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 on September 5, 2025, with those who pre-order the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions getting Early Access on August 29, 2025.
