NBA 2K26 NBA 2K26

Gaming

NBA 2K26 review: Pick and pop maestro

Notable improvements in shooting, aesthetics

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NBA 2K26 feels like a third-year NBA pro finally coming into his own. The game has slowed down for him, and he knows how to pick his spots.

In NBA 2K’s third year of ProPlay, players move more naturally, shooting is all skill, and everything looks sharper. The game itself is like a pick and pop maestro — set a solid screen, slide into open space, and let it fly with a smooth stroke. Nothing but net.

Out of Bounds

NBA 2K26

I spent most of my time in MyCareer. Spike Lee returns to direct the prelude, Out of Bounds, and it’s easily the best story mode in the last five years.

Quests are tighter this year. Side stories still branch off the court, but they finish with plays on it. None of that runway or selfie nonsense — just cleaner progression.

The prelude also has memorable characters that stay with you through your first months in the league, plus fun callbacks and cameos from players you faced early on.

I still wish we got more nicknames than just “MP.” I get the live player callouts make it tricky, but even two or three options would help. I miss the days of Freq and Prez.

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Microtransactions are still part of the game. That won’t change anytime soon. But like in 2K25, you can build a player to around an 80–83 overall and stay competitive without dropping too much VC.

Pick and pop

Shooting is completely different from 2K25. With RNG gone, it’s all about timing. I rolled a shooting-focused build for the first time in years and had a blast.

It gets tricky with defenders closing in since your release window changes depending on their ratings. But that feels true to how basketball actually works.

NBA 2K26

Under the rim woes

Layup timing needs work. Too often, even light contests bother wide-open looks. It doesn’t match the balance shooting currently has.

Shifty operator

Movement feels looser and more reactive. If the defense reads your first move, you’re no longer locked in. Cancel out, pull up, or explode to the rim.

Certified stopper

Defense also strikes a good balance between ratings and stick skills. With decent stats, you can hold your ground and stay in front of most players.

The 2K23 to 2K24 jump felt jarring. But the progression from 2K24 to 2K25 to 2K26 is smooth, like ProPlay is maturing with the game.

Perfect form J

Presentation finally feels modern. Lighting is the biggest leap — players react to it naturally, arenas have depth, and crowds feel alive. It’s no longer just “more sweat” jokes.

Beyond the court

MyTeam now includes WNBA cards, letting you build rosters with both NBA and WNBA stars. MyNBA and MyGM don’t add much beyond small quality-of-life tweaks, like adjusting player positions.

The WNBA mode is still waiting for its breakthrough moment, but I’m keeping an eye on it. I’m thinking of doing another KPop girl group as WNBA players when I have more time on my hands. Perhaps featuring LE SSERAFIM and a couple more girl groups to complete a roster.

Replay value gets a boost from MyNBA Eras. You can revisit the 2000s and 2010s, but I wish 2K would let us jump into specific seasons. Imagine rewriting history — Kobe vs. LeBron in the 2010 Finals, Steve Nash’s Suns finally winning, or J-Kidd and Vinsanity grabbing a ring.

That means securing more rights to former players. I’ve given up on Reggie Miller and Charles Barkley, but there’s hope with recent returns like Blake Griffin.

NBA 2K26

Another wish: bring back a Hall of Fame/Legends Mode. Past years had the Jordan Challenge and Mamba Moments. Why not give Carmelo Anthony the spotlight this year, letting us relive his 62-point Garden night? Every year has legends worth celebrating.

Is NBA 2K26 your Game Match?

NBA 2K26

A quick note: we’re carrying over our playful way of saying what’s worth your time — a seal of approval of sorts — into game reviews.

  • Swipe Up means it’s highly recommended.
  • Swipe Right means recommended, but maybe not for everyone.
  • Swipe Left means not recommended.

NBA 2K has long been my form of therapy, and 2K26 is no different. For me, it’s a Swipe Right. The gameplay improvements over the last three years are real and noticeable.

Yes, it’s still an annual release. Yes, it can feel like the same game. But NBA 2K26 continues to adapt to the way basketball is actually played today.

If you’re a casual fan, wait for a sale — that’s when 2K offers the best value. But if you’re itching for hoops, this year’s game is more polished than it’s been in a while.

NBA 2K26 doesn’t drain every shot, but when it sets the screen, pops free, and gives you that open look, the release feels smoother than it has in years — and when it clicks, it’s nothing but net.

Gaming

IKEA, Xbox launch nine-piece YXSTABY gaming collection

Gaming inspired furniture

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Gaming setups don’t have to look like dedicated gaming rooms. IKEA and Xbox are making that easier with their new YXSTABY collection.

The nine-piece collection combines IKEA’s furniture design expertise with Xbox’s understanding of gaming. It brings together functional furniture and playful accessories inspired by Xbox controllers.

IKEA launched the collection in the Philippines on November 4 at its Pasay showroom. The event featured interactive room setups that demonstrated how the furniture fits into everyday homes.

The launch also included a cosplay runway inspired by IKEA’s iconic blue and yellow FRAKTA bag. Guests explored immersive gaming stations and experienced the collection firsthand.

Gaming furniture designed for everyday homes

YXSTABY addresses the challenges of fitting gaming setups into shared living spaces. Its furniture supports different gaming positions while keeping accessories organized.

The gaming lounge chair accommodates both forward-leaning gameplay and relaxed reclining positions. A rolling side table keeps gaming accessories within reach.

The collection also includes flexible storage for cables and accessories. Its felt inserts protect stored items, while its foldable design doubles as a laptop stand.

Families can also move their gaming setups between rooms. A TV stand with castors makes it easier to relocate equipment without dedicating an entire room to gaming.

Xbox controller-inspired accessories

Xbox’s influence extends beyond the collection’s gaming furniture. Several accessories take inspiration from familiar controller elements.

The Gaming D-pad cushion recreates the controller’s distinctive directional button. A stainless steel platter also borrows its design from the D-pad.

Another standout is the tilting thumbstick stool, which takes inspiration from an Xbox controller’s analog stick. A mirrored display box gives collectors a dedicated space for controllers and other gaming memorabilia.

Bringing gaming into Filipino homes

IKEA Philippines Sales Leader May Castillo highlighted the collection’s relevance to local households.

She pointed to the Philippines’ strong gaming culture and the country’s high engagement with video games across different devices.

IKEA Philippines Selling Manager Sarah Cox said the collection draws inspiration from Xbox controllers and how gamers actually play. It also incorporates IKEA’s playful approach to furniture design.

The collaboration brings together two brands with different strengths. IKEA understands how people use their living spaces, while Xbox understands what players need from their gaming setups.

The result is furniture that makes gaming more convenient without making the rest of the home feel like a gaming room.

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Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

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Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now

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Gaming

Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

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Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.

After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.

To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.

Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins

The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.

The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.

The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.

The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.

The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.

Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds

Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.

One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.

Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.

The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.

Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.

Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.

Jungle changes reward efficient farming

Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.

The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.

Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.

These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.

Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.

Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.

Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.

Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster

Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.

Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.

Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.

Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.

These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.

Ranked play and game modes get updates

Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.

The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.

Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.

Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.

Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift

With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.

K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.

Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.

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