Gaming

NBA 2K25: All the gameplay improvements

Everything you need to know

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NBA 2K25 has released a new preview trailer showcasing everything players need to know regarding gameplay enhancements. The sports title was announced a few weeks ago, with NBA champion Jayson Tatum and Hall of Famer Vince Carter revealed as the cover athletes.

Same with what was integrated on NBA 2K24, the NBA 2K25 edition will likewise come with ProPLAY for next-generation realism and animations. For starters, what ProPLAY does is replace traditional motion-captured animations with real-world NBA footage to contribute to an even more realistic gameplay experience.

In a nutshell, the game’s improvements cover a new dribble engine, offense, defense, and even AI’s role to gameplay. Here’s a summary of the Courtside Report.

All-new dribble engine

For the upcoming game, among the improvements are a revamped dribbling engine and enhanced overall gameplay on both offense and defense. NBA 2K25 mentioned that 1,500 dribbling, 1,300 off-the-ball, and 1,100 signature shot animations were added, making it the “most amazing upgrade” added to the gameplay engine in years.

Particularly, the all-new dribble engine was built from the ground up. Thanks to ProPLAY, the engine generates dynamic motion from real-world footage for a more authentic feel. Players will notice tighter stops, more explosive launches, and smoother and more lifelike court probing.

Furthermore, players can expect about 20 to 40 unique dribble styles from a particular athlete, compared to just four or five from last year. That’s a vast improvement, as the engine has taken about six times the amount of motion data as the previous version of NBA 2K.

Offense

Meanwhile, NBA 2K25 also adds a bunch of gameplay improvements on offense for variety, accessibility, and freedom, including:

  • Shot Canceling
  • Signature Go-To Shots
  • Shot Timing Profiles
  • Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting

Think of these additions as a follow-up to Dribble Breakdowns concept introduced to 2K24. Holding up on the Pro Stick will trigger Signature Go-To Shots. For variety, gamers will be also able to break out of any advanced shot and switch to other moves via Shot Canceling.

For those who are totally new to the game, NBA 2K25 debuts a new setting Called Shot Timing. This allows users to customize the risk-versus-reward of their shot timing.

For instance, the “Low Risk-Reward” option will provide a more forgiving shot timing. But it comes with a smaller green window, so it would be more difficult to pull off excellent-timed releases. On the other hand, “High Risk-Reward” will lead to a more challenging shot timing with green-or-miss outcomes, basically.

Lastly, Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting introduces a brand new way to shoot. That’s instead of simply pressing and releasing the shot button or stick. Players will have to pull the shot stick down to start the shot first. Afterwards, as they see the jump shot animation reach its Set Point, they should push the shot stick up and try to match the timing and speed of the player’s Push motion.

This feature makes it more intuitive for players to accurately mimic each real-world player’s signature shooting motion.

Defense

Moreover, NBA 2K25 features a brand new defensive cutoff system. This is so defensive players can match offensive players who have been able to change direction with the right stick. Using the same stick on defense, one may control their player and quickly slide laterally into position to cut off an offensive player’s attack. A successful read of the ball handler may stonewall the offensive counterpart or cause them to fumble the ball.

Even the contest system has been improved significantly. The game will use a dynamic weighting system, rather than a fixed one. This evaluates the impact of defense at the start of the shot versus the release, and computes the proper coverage impact. In addition, perimeter and interior defensive ratings, as well as height differential, will now play a more important role.

2K Sports Q&A

In case you still have questions regarding NBA 2K25’s gameplay and the improvements you expect to see, the title’s gameplay director, Mike Wang, has been responding promptly to inquiries on Twitter/X.

For example, he explained how 2K25’s shooting model will take into account shot ratings a lot bigger. While shot timing or rhythm shooting still plays a part, a higher rating will lead to a better shooting percentage.

If you have the time to scour his profile, you’ll find a lot of helpful answers to fans’ queries.

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Gaming

Match Pulse: ROG Xbox Ally X

The handheld finally feels like it belongs in your hands.

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October 15, 2025

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ROG Xbox Ally X

We’ve spent enough time with the ROG Xbox Ally X to say this: it’s no longer just a novelty, it’s a handheld that finally knows what it wants to be.

The first Ally from 2023 was exciting — a bold step toward making PC gaming portable. But after a few sessions, it felt more like a prototype for what was coming next.

This one? It feels complete.
So, in this edition of Match Pulse, let’s talk about how the Ally X grips better, plays longer, and why it finally deserves the Xbox badge printed on it.

First look

ROG Xbox Ally X

The first touch felt awkward — the kind of feeling you get when you’re not sure how to hold something new. But the longer you hold it, the more it starts to make sense.

The redesigned grips, patterned after Xbox controllers, give it a natural curve that rests well in your palms. It still doesn’t dig in as much as I’d like to – the way it does on the Legion Go S – but it’s certainly an improvement.

It’s subtly heavier than the original, but the weight works in its favor. The balance feels right. The texture, more grounded. It feels made for long sessions, not quick demos.

This is where ASUS seems to have listened. What was once a bit slippery now feels like an extension of your hands. The matte finish stays clean, the edges no longer bite. It’s a small but significant shift — and one that makes a world of difference in how it’s used.

First date

ROG Xbox Ally X | NBA 2K26

We tested it the same way we tested the original Ally: unplugged, Turbo mode, 25W TDP, NBA 2K Quick Play.

Back then, we couldn’t finish more than a single game and a few minutes of freestyle practice before the battery flatlined.

This time, it’s double that.

Two full games before reaching for the charger — and that’s without dialing down the settings. The new 80Wh battery doesn’t just promise endurance; it delivers it.

The cooling system has also been reworked, quieter yet just as efficient. It’s the kind of update that doesn’t make headlines, but you hear it – or I guess In this case, not hear it as much.

Together, these tweaks make the Ally X something the original never quite managed to be — a handheld that lets you play longer unplugged.

First impressions

ROG Xbox Ally X

The Xbox influence is everywhere, and it’s not just branding. The Ally X now boots straight into the Xbox app, with the familiar button logo acting as your home key. Press it, and you’re instantly back in the Xbox ecosystem.

It feels less like a PC pretending to be a console, and more like a handheld that understands both worlds.

You can still jump into Steam or Game Pass with ease, but the default experience is unmistakably Xbox — intuitive, familiar, and cohesive.

All these refinements add up to something simple but powerful: this finally feels like a true successor.

The ROG Xbox Ally X doesn’t reinvent the idea of handheld gaming, but it refines it where it matters — in the way it feels in your hands, in how long it lasts, and in how effortlessly it connects to what you want to play.

If the original was a promise, this one is fulfillment – still with room for improvement, sure, but I trust you get the gist.

Learn more: https://ph.rog.gg/playALLYourgames2025
Where to buy: https://ph.rog.gg/wheretobuy2025 

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A Pokémon leak reveals an MMO-style remake of Hoenn, Sinnoh

It’s scheduled to launch in 2028.

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October 14, 2025

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For a company that’s notoriously litigious, The Pokémon Company has done a remarkably poor job at keeping its details safe from leaks. Today, a new Pokémon leak has revealed so much more about what the franchise has in store for gamers in the coming years.

Exactly a year ago, a massive leak called the Teraleak revealed a trove of information for the series. At the time, the leak focused mainly on the upcoming Legends: Z-A (which coincidentally launches later this week) and the mysterious tenth generation.

Now, via Centro LEAKS, the team behind the Teraleak has uncovered more information. Most importantly, the upcoming tenth generation of games will feature MMO-inspired elements. It will feature a central hub where players can interact with others online. It will also have co-op raid bosses and the ability to explore underwater.

The tenth generation will reportedly have the name Pokémon Wind and Wave, scheduled for a 2026 release. Supposedly, they even found a logo for the duo already.

Past 2026, the leak says that a new Legends game is coming in 2027. This time, the faster paced franchise will take players to the Galar region.

Then, in 2028, the developers are reportedly releasing a dream project that will make every older Pokémon fan’s heart flutter. Project Seed is supposedly a multi-region remake set in a new region between Hoenn and Sinnoh. Being in between worlds, players will get the ability to traverse the two aforementioned regions from the past. It’s also an MMO, so it’s a big dream come true for fans.

That said, these are leaked plans from 2020. As crazy as this slate sounds, there’s still a chance that TPC’s plans have already changed today. As with all leaks, take it with a grain of salt.

SEE ALSO: Massive Pokémon leak reveals plans for Gen 10

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What to Expect at gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2025

Bangkok gears up for Southeast Asia’s biggest gaming weekend yet

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October 13, 2025

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gamescom asia thailand game show

The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok is about to become ground zero for gamers across the region as gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2025 takes over from October 16 to 19. With global heavyweights like Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia, Capcom, and Ubisoft leading the charge, fans can look forward to four packed days of world premieres, hands-on demos, cosplay, esports, and exclusive merch.

Bandai Namco’s biggest booth ever

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia (BNE Asia) is going all out this year with its largest-ever title showcase, bringing both blockbuster releases and new surprises to Bangkok.

Playable titles include Little Nightmares III, MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice, Digimon Story Time Stranger, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, Once Upon A KATAMARI, and PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC, plus localized Thai demos of Little Nightmares III and ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition.

Fans can also look forward to Square Enix titles like FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE and DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake showcased within the same space. Completing the experience are exclusive freebies via a stamp rally, a photo op for CODE VEIN II, and a special guest appearance by Final Fantasy VII Remake Battle Director Teruki Endo on October 18.

Capcom brings new reveals, live shows, and cosplay power

Capcom’s lineup blends nostalgia, live entertainment, and fan engagement. Headlining the booth is the first Southeast Asian demo of Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection, featuring all seven remastered titles in the series.

On the main stage, fans can catch developer sessions for Onimusha: Way of the Sword and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, featuring Producers Kadowaki Akihito, Satoru Nihei, and Ryozo Tsujimoto.

Meanwhile, Thai YouTuber Gssspotted will host live gameplay demos of Resident Evil Requiem and PRAGMATA, followed by a Street Fighter 6 showcase led by Shuhei Matsumoto and Takayuki Nakayama — complete with a Top 16 tournament and a 30,000 THB prize pool.

Fans can also expect a daily cosplay gathering at 4 PM hosted by emcee YUKI, alongside exclusive Capcom merchandise and a custom illustration wall by artist Ryuta Fuse.

Ubisoft celebrates 10 years of Siege and showcases new games

Ubisoft is marking a major milestone with the 10th anniversary of Rainbow Six Siege, kicking off with a fireside chat featuring Creative Director Alexander Karpazis on October 16.

Across the weekend, the Ubisoft x Intel booth will feature hands-on gameplay for Anno 117: Pax Romana, Morbid Metal, Just Dance 2026, and Rainbow Six Siege, with exclusive goodies and cosplay meet-and-greets.

The publisher is also giving away a custom Intel x Siege PC — fans can join by snapping a photo at the Siege X booth and posting it online. Esports fans can catch daily 6v6 Siege showmatches, a creator exhibition match, and the Rainbow Six Siege Thailand Finals happening live on October 19.

A celebration beyond the main stages

Beyond the major showcases, the event floor will also be buzzing with more booths and interactive zones from top hardware brands like AMD, Intel, Predator, SteelSeries, Nubwo x EGA, and SIGNO. Visitors can explore even more game and publisher spaces from Nintendo, Xbox, HoYoverse, The Pokémon Company, Mytona, 4Divinity, Amazing Seasun, Razer Game Services, Staika, Ukiyo Studios, VNGGames, NCV Games, and Thermite Games — each bringing demos, merch drops, and activities that keep the energy going from one hall to the next.

Whether you’re there for Final Fantasy nostalgia, Monster Hunter reveals, or the Siege anniversary showdown, gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2025 is shaping up to be the ultimate celebration of gaming culture in Southeast Asia — a rare crossover event uniting the world’s biggest publishers under one roof, all in the heart of Bangkok.

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