NBA 2K26 players can look forward to significant improvements to the game’s ProPLAY movement system when it launches later this year, though there’s a catch as this system will only be available on PC and next-gen consoles. According to 2K, the updated ProPLAY system in NBA 2K26 marks the most significant change to player movement since 2K21.
The campaign roadmap for NBA 2K26 that outlines what players can look forward to leading up to the game’s release has already been shared by 2K and includes several reveals for August 2025 that delve deeper into systems like MyPLAYER Builder. 2K has also rolled out a 10% Loyalty Discount for NBA 2K25 owners who pre-order NBA 2K26 Leave No Doubt Edition on the same console where they purchased NBA 2K25.
One of the more notable improvements to NBA 2K26 is its upgraded ProPLAY movement system that “directly translates NBA footage” into the game, allowing players to tap into the moves of stars like the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. According to 2K, the latest version of ProPLAY in NBA 2K26 will utilize new machine-learning technology in order to offer more realistic movement. However, the feature will only be available on next-gen consoles like Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, along with Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. NBA 2K26 will also be available on last-generation consoles including Xbox One and PlayStation 4, though neither will have access to the updated ProPLAY feature.
NBA 2K26 Updated Movement System Available on Select Platforms
Despite only being available on select platforms, the updated ProPLAY system in NBA 2K26 will offer a host of improvements that players are likely to appreciate. For example, dynamic lower-body pose matching will now adjust the position of players’ legs and feet in the game to help remove the “skating” observed in previous titles. Rhythm Shooting is getting a boost as well, with Shot Timing and Tempo now able to manipulate the shooter’s upper body, impacting how the shot looks in reflection to how players move the shot stick. Signature Go-To Post Shots have also been improved to be “more well-rounded and suitable for all archetypes.”
Meanwhile, Green or Miss Shot Timing will be universal in NBA 2K26 to ensure each mode offers an even playing field, with shot timing windows scaled by difficulty. It’ll be interesting to see what players think of these adjustments, with previous changes in NBA 2K25 to the shot meter sparking criticism. Of course, 2K will likely be keeping a close eye on player reception to NBA 2K26 at launch due to its deeper incorporation of machine learning and AI technology.
For those uninterested in jumping into NBA 2K26 at launch, NBA 2K25 continues to receive support from 2K, including a June 2025 update that added over 9,000 new animations to its ProPLAY system. For those that do intend to grab a copy of NBA 2K26 on September 5, player movement will almost certainly feel more responsive and lifelike thanks to its more extensive improvements to ProPLAY.
NBA 2K26
- Released
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September 5, 2025
- ESRB
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Everyone / In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Multiplayer, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
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Yes – PS5/Xbox Series only
- Cross Save
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Yes – same console family (e.g.between PS5/PS4, or Xbox Series/Xbox One)
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