NBA 2K26 is getting a major upgrade to ProPlay, the enhanced animation system available only on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. 2K has called this year’s upgrade the biggest change to player movement since 2K21, making the most of the consoles’ extra power to move even further towards true realism.
ProPlay is a machine learning-powered technology that analyzes real NBA footage in order to translate that into more realistic gameplay and animations. In the latest edition of NBA 2K, ProPlay will power a new dynamic motion engine, improving the look of player movement on the court. The new motion engine will be especially noticeable when players are in the air, making sure they launch, plant, and cut in a realistic way.
Other improvements to ProPlay will be most appreciated by players who make use of advanced controls in NBA 2K, with a new and enhanced version of Rhythm Shooting on the way. The upgraded feature boasts more responsive jumpshots, for what aims to be a more skill-based style of gameplay.
Brand-new ProPlay features in offense include Signature Go-To Post Shots such as shimmy floaters, baby hooks, and up-and-unders. Players will be able to mix and match various advanced layups from different athletes in the league. As part of the broader move towards skill-based play, Green or Miss Shot Timing will be universal on higher difficulty levels, and Layup Timing will be permanently enabled. Defense will also be getting improvements in ProPlay, with more realistic movement across the board–but especially in player-to-player collisions.
Another new mechanic coming to NBA 2K26 is Quick Protect, which ball handlers can make use of to shield themselves from steals–which is just one of many little upgrades that 2K has added to make the game feel closer to real-life gameplay. Overall 2K promises new and revamped controls, with the goal of providing an “intuitive, deliberate, and free-flowing gameplay experience.” Control revamps will also prioritize skill-based gameplay, with changes that will reward fast decision-making and quick reaction times.
Of course with new mechanics, 2K will also be providing new tutorials to ease players into it, with a special focus on intermediate-level tutorials to bridge the gap between beginner and advanced play.
NBA 2K26 is due to release on September 5 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch–however ProPlay is only available on PC and the newer-generation consoles. Certain editions of the game will give one week of early access from August 29–check out all the NBA 2K26 preorder details here.
