NBA 2K26 Improvements to Gameplay, Controls, and AI Detailed in New Courtside Report

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The creators of NBA 2K26, Publisher 2K and developer Visual Concepts, have shared some exciting updates about enhancements in gameplay for their upcoming basketball game. In a detailed report titled Gameplay Courtside Report, they’ve provided insights into how the new feature ProPLAY will make gameplay more engaging for NBA 2K26. Additionally, a condensed version of these improvements can be seen through a trailer that you can watch below.

The ProPLAY Motion Engine is referred to as providing “lively movement” in NBA 2K26. Fresh animations were derived from actual NBA games and integrated into the game using ProPLAY. These new animations will impact all court actions, whether a player is attacking, defending, or out of play. To accomplish this, the studio has also employed machine-learning technology to generate realistic animations for the game.

In the new Rhythm Shooting mechanic, the process of taking a shot is now more dynamic and responsive to your timing and rhythm. Instead of just pressing a button, you’ll use the assigned shot stick for a down-up flick. Your personal timing during this action will influence the way the in-game athlete performs the shot, with variations visible in their upper body movements.

Moreover, you can manipulate these mechanics to your advantage – for instance, you could execute quick releases by flicking up early, or opt for a slower release by delaying the upward movement. This adds an extra layer of strategy and skill to the gameplay.

To ensure a fairer gameplay experience by highlighting individual player abilities, certain game mechanics are being tweaked. This adjustment includes standardizing Green or Miss Shot timing across the board, as well as permanently activating Layup Timing. Regarding layups, players will now have the flexibility to customize their style using signature packages, featuring choices like Normal and Reverse Layups, Floaters, Quick Scoops, Euro Steps, Hop Steps, and Spins.

Regarding defensive improvements, Interior Defense has undergone changes to facilitate smoother body checks. Additionally, rebound timing feedback is being enhanced, enabling players to understand better when they can leap to intercept a rebounding ball. A new feature called Quick Protect can be activated by pressing and holding the left trigger on your controller. Quick Protect gives defenders more opportunities to thwart an opponent’s scoring attempts.

In the latest version of NBA 2K, the artificial intelligence has been upgraded to respond more effectively to players’ moves. For instance, the offensive AI now actively searches for scoring chances using drive-and-kick plays. This enhancement is due to the AI’s improved ability to comprehend defender movements. On the defensive side, the AI can now smoothly shift its position to try and thwart a player’s offensive maneuvers.

2K has announced that they will be sharing additional information about the upcoming NBA 2K26 in the future. The upcoming Courtside Report is expected to delve into enhancements made to the game’s presentation, setting it apart from its previous versions.

On September 5, the game NBA 2K26 will be available for play on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and a new version of Nintendo Switch.

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2025-08-07 16:37