NBA 2K26 price and features via Revu Philippines

NBA 2K26: Everything you need to know before the launch

In Games, Apps, and OS by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

The hype train for NBA 2K26 is officially leaving the station, and 2K Sports has given us plenty to chew on as we count down to that August 29 early access and September 5 global launch.

Just last week, 2K Sports revealed the game’s highly anticipated release date and, importantly, its new set of cover athletes headlined by Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off an MVP and title-winning season.

Now, we’ve finally got the full schedule for when to expect deeper dives into the upcoming basketball sim, alongside a few crucial details on what the latest iteration will actually feature. The NBA 2K26 campaign roadmap lays out eight distinct reveals leading up to that early access window. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the key changes and when 2K plans to spill all the beans.

Ready?

Gameplay

First up, expect the Gameplay reveal during the week of July 28. According to the latest Courtside Report, skill-based gameplay is getting a massive boost in NBA 2K26. Higher difficulties will strictly enforce “green or miss” jump-shot timing, while both shot and dunk meters will now feature green windows reminiscent of NBA 2K24.

And for those looking for an extra challenge, layup timing will be permanently enabled in competitive modes, making those finishes at the rim tougher to pull off. On the offensive end, NBA 2K26 is also introducing new moves in the post and when attacking the rim. Defensively, expect fresh tools for paint protection and more nuanced perimeter footwork.

MyPLAYER

Next on the schedule is the MyPLAYER reveal, dropping the week of August 4. This year promises some much-needed quality-of-life updates to the MyPLAYER builder. Fans will be happy to hear that Cap Breakers are making a return, offering new ways to enhance your build throughout the year.

2K is likewise implementing comprehensive balancing changes across the board, aiming to foster greater build diversity and ensure that both towering centers and nimble guards can be equally effective on the court. Plus, you’ll finally be able to preview unlockable body types before you commit your time (and real-world money?).

MyTEAM

The MyTEAM reveal is locked in for the week of August 11. Triple Threat Park makes its return in NBA 2K26, bringing new avenues to play with or against friends and, more importantly, score even more collection-boosting rewards. Additionally, 2K is rolling out a more accessible King of the Court mode, now featuring a weekly cash prize and VC up for grabs. Events will also now span full weekends instead of those blink-and-you-will-miss-it four-hour Saturday windows.

MyCAREER

MyCAREER looks to be getting some significant narrative additions this year, with the full showcase scheduled for the week of August 18. For now, we know the new Out of Bounds prelude will feature more objectives and greater consequences for your choices and performance in story games as you try to improve your player’s draft stock.

This time around, NBA 2K’s signature single-player campaign will actively immerse you in the draft process, your standing rising and falling based on your on-court heroics and off-court decisions. Players can even conduct private workouts with teams to influence their draft-day destination, culminating in the thrill of actually attending the draft as you discover where your NBA journey begins.

MyNBA

In contrast to MyCAREER’s apparent story overhaul, MyNBA, unfortunately, appears to be receiving a more modest update this year. Given the mode’s consistent struggles over the past few iterations, we are cautiously optimistic that the full reveal, scheduled for the week of August 18, will finally shed light on more substantial improvements.

The Courtside Report only highlighted two additions — dynamic championship banners that get added to your arena as you stack up titles and an unranked mode for MyGM.

The City

Finally, The City, NBA 2K’s MMORPG-like online battleground, will get its grand unveiling the week of August 25. For the first time ever, The City will expand its reach to the Nintendo Switch 2, joining PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It’s important to note that only these platforms will use the game’s latest graphics engine and offer full feature parity across the board.

SEE ALSO: NBA 2K25 review: Courting greatness [Video] and March Madness is back: 2K teases new game to rival EA’s college basketball revival

NBA 2K26’s new Park designs are “focused on more natural and grounded scenery, like courts that you might find in the real-world.” The City will also introduce new lighting improvements and a fixed time of day, which should reduce harsh shade and sunlight and promise a more consistent and visually appealing experience.

For the competitive crowd, mode leaderboards will provide a clear ranking against the best. The ultimate bragging rights go to the daily top player in each mode, who will be immortalized with a 12-foot statue of their MyPLAYER built right outside that mode’s specific building.

Preorder details

NBA 2K26 is available for preorder right now, with four editions to choose from — the Standard Edition, WNBA Edition, Superstar Edition, and the premium Leave No Doubt Edition. The Standard Edition remains the most accessible entry point, priced at $69.99, or roughly P3,997, on Switch 2, PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It will also be available on the original Nintendo Switch for $59.99 ($3,426).

Have you preordered yet?

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Ramon Lopez

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Reviews editor: Ramon "Monch" Lopez has 16 years of professional experience creating and editing content for print and digital publications such as Yahoo. He headed the gadgets-merchandising division of one of the Philippines’ largest retail operators somewhere in between.