Gaming

NBA 2K25: All the gameplay improvements

Everything you need to know

Published

August 3, 2024

GadgetMatch

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.

Gaming

Gundam Rogue Orbit coming to consoles, PC in 2027

Bold new take on Gundam through fast, cinematic action

Published

June 17, 2026

GadgetMatch

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia has announced that Gundam Rogue Orbit is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam in 2027.

The announcement trailer has also been released, showcasing high-mobility action. The title delivers a bold new take on Gundam through fast, cinematic combat in an all-new universe.

Gundam Rogue Orbit lets players suit up for humanity and become the pilot they were born to be.

RE-X is the protagonist and pilot of Gundam Helix. He boards the Gundam and fights to confront threats.

As players step into the cockpit, they will join a rag-tag crew of unsung soldiers, ready to face a powerful unknown threat.

Meanwhile, Sophia serves as the title’s heroine. She is a mysterious girl who monitors RE-X’s situation.

Gaming

K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut lets you become a K-pop group’s manager

K-pop Idol management sim launches July 16th

Published

June 17, 2026

GadgetMatch

PQube and Wisageni Studio have announced that K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut will release on July 16.

The K-pop Idol management sim is launching both physically and digitally on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, as well as digitally on Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam).

In addition, a newly updated demo is available right now on Xbox Series X|S and Steam.

The title invites players to recruit and manage their dream K-pop group on their journey to debut — a behind-the-scenes process those well into K-pop culture and fandom are pretty knowledgeable about.

The game lets players get a taste of life as a K-pop Idol manager, navigating the unpredictable challenges of the industry. There’s scouting talent, managing schedules, choosing outfits, planning social media, and organizing the perfect album.

Players can choose from eight unique trainees, from Minji to Ai. The lineup and skillset of your group is in your hands.

As the manager, it is your job to balance stamina, finances, and workload. Moreover, the bonds you build shape every outcome. Decisions influence how each character perceives you, unlocking new encounters, storylines, and endings.

K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut also features exclusive music and special vocal tracks for your group’s debut, produced just for the game. In between, there are mini-games which also contribute to your success as a manager.

As players wait for the game’s release next month, the new demo offers French, German, and Spanish localization, new interactions between trainees, and improved graphics.

Gaming

Kingdom Hearts IV gets new trailer, confirms Switch 2 release

Collection [I~III] launches October 8

Published

June 11, 2026

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, offering another look at Sora’s next adventure and confirming the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Alongside the update, the company announced that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] will launch on October 8, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. Pre-orders are now open, while a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is available starting today.

Kingdom Hearts IV returns

The new trailer offers another look at Quadratum, the mysterious city first revealed when Kingdom Hearts IV was announced.

According to Square Enix, Sora will encounter new characters, visit new worlds, and awaken new powers as the next chapter of the long-running action RPG series unfolds.

The publisher did not announce a release date for the game, saying more details will be revealed in the future.

Kingdom Hearts IV will launch for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Collection bundles the series’ major releases

Square Enix also confirmed that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] brings together Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind in a single package.

The collection includes Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts III, and the Re Mind DLC, alongside several movie and cutscene compilations.

The release marks the arrival of native versions of these titles on Nintendo Switch 2. Previously, the games were available on Nintendo’s platform through cloud versions.

Free demo available now

Players can download a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind starting today.

The demo includes the opening portion of the game through Olympus, with save data carrying over to the full release. It also features a separate section set in Toy Box, the Toy Story-inspired world, although progress from that segment will not transfer.

Players who purchase the collection or Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind will receive platform-exclusive Keyblades. Nintendo Switch 2 players get Long Night, PlayStation 5 players receive Midnight Blue, while Xbox Series X|S players receive Phantom Green.

Digital pre-orders on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also include 48-hour early access for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.