Gaming

NBA 2K26 debuts new gameplay tech powered by ProPLAY

A new motion engine, better shooting, and more

Published

August 1, 2025

GadgetMatch

2K has announced new gameplay improvements for NBA 2K26. These updates mark a major leap forward on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam for PC, Nintendo Switch 2.

At the core of these upgrades is an evolved version of ProPLAY—2K’s tech that uses real NBA footage to drive in-game animations. This year, it powers a brand-new dynamic motion engine that makes movements feel smoother and more realistic than ever.

Here’s what’s new in NBA 2K26:

Dynamic motion engine

The new motion system uses machine learning to deliver more lifelike movement. Dynamic lower-body pose matching adjusts footwork and leg position in real time. Whether you’re planting, cutting, or launching, everything feels more grounded and natural. It’s the biggest shift in player movement since NBA 2K21.

Rhythm shooting

Shooting now rewards timing and precision. The improved Rhythm Shooting mechanic gives you full control over every part of your jumper. Expect faster, more responsive animations that mirror how real players shoot. On higher difficulties, green-or-miss timing is now standard.

Custom offense tools

Big men get new Signature Go-To Post Shots like shimmy floaters and up-and-unders. Layup customization also gets deeper—mix and match styles from different NBA players to create unique packages. Layup timing is always on for players looking to master the paint.

Defensive upgrades

ProPLAY also powers a new system for body-ups and collisions. Contact animations are more reliable and less scripted. Interior defense has been reworked to help players challenge shots more effectively at the rim. New rebound timing feedback gives players more control under the glass.

Smarter controls and faster flow

Controls have been revamped across the board. Gameplay now feels more fluid and rewards fast decisions. Features include:

Quick Protect to shield the ball from steals
Catch-and-shoot without dip
Slow motion Eurosteps
Wrap pass controls
Directional screen setting
Randomized alley-oop buttons on higher difficulties

AI and coaching logic

AI plays smarter this year. On offense, it now adapts on the fly and uses drive-and-kick plays to generate open shots. Defensive AI brings better double team logic, improved play recognition, and smarter shot timing in Play Now and MyNBA modes. You can also tweak how well AI players time their shots.

Learn 2K

A new set of intermediate tutorials now fills the gap between beginner drills and advanced mechanics. Learn more about layups, dunks, pick-and-roll execution, and more.

You can watch NBA 2K26 Gameplay Director Mike Wang and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton break down all these changes in the first NBA 2K26 Courtside Report.

More details are available at the official NBA 2K26 website. Additional news and updates will be announced soon.

Related Topics:2K Sports 2K26 NBA 2K26 Visual Concepts

Gaming

Horizon Steel Frontiers is an MMO set in the Horizon universe

The game is built for mobile but will have cross-play gameplay with PC.

Published

November 13, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

A few months ago, Sony sued Tencent for copying design elements from the Horizon series for the latter’s upcoming game, Light of Motiram. Though the game has been relatively silent since the kerfuffle, was Tencent on to something? Today, Sony and a Korean studio named NCSoft have officially announced Horizon Steel Frontiers, an MMO set in the Horizon universe.

It’s not just a simple announcement either. The title now has an official 10-minute video to preview the upcoming title. Right now, the trailer has nothing but cinematics, pre-alpha footage, and developer interviews. However, it’s a clear commitment to bringing the MMO to life.

Both the cinematics and the pre-alpha footage show off the familiar mechanical beasts of the series. The main goal of the title is to team up with other players and take down colossal beasts.

The game is set in the Deathlands, a new region inspired by Arizona and New Mexico. Players will have the entire state to play with. And, instead of Aloy, they can create their own personalized characters.

Horizon Steel Frontiers is built for smartphones. However, Sony and NCSoft are working towards cross-platform gameplay for the PC.

Right now, especially since the released footage is from pre-alpha development, we don’t know when the MMO will launch. However, it does look extremely exciting for fans of the original duology.

Gaming

ViewSonic levels up the holidays with free Steam Wallet codes for gamers

Buy ViewSonic, get Steam Credits

Published

November 13, 2025

GadgetMatch

ViewSonic Gaming is turning up the fun this holiday season with its Bonus Level Steam Wallet Promo. They’re giving gamers in the Philippines up to PhP 500 worth of Steam Wallet codes with every purchase of a participating ViewSonic Gaming monitor.

Running until December 31, 2025, the promo applies to a wide lineup of high-performance gaming monitors, including fan favorites like the VX2479A-HD PRO and XG2737.

Gamers who buy eligible models can redeem:

PhP 250 Steam Wallet Code – for 24-inch and below models (including portable touch models)
PhP 500 Steam Wallet Code – for 27-inch and above models (including OLED and high-res variants)

To claim, buyers simply need to:

Purchase a participating model from any authorized ViewSonic retailer.
Upload a photo of the invoice and product box serial number via the official Google Form.
Wait for verification — the Steam Wallet code will be sent directly to their email.

Full promo details and redemption link are available here: https://www.viewsonic.com/ph/promos/bonus-level-promo

A new model joins the fray

Also launching this season is the VX2425-HD-PRO. It’s now available exclusively online via Shopee and Lazada. Priced at ₱6,499, it features a 24-inch Full HD display, 200Hz refresh rate, SuperClear® VA panel, and HDR10 support — ideal for gamers who want performance on a budget.

The VX2425-HD-PRO is also part of the Bonus Level promo, so every purchase lets gamers claim a free Steam Wallet code.

Gaming

The Steam Frame is the lightest standalone VR headset ever

It can work on its own or wirelessly connected to your PC.

Published

November 13, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Despite how long the form factor has been out, virtual reality headsets are still too few and too far between. The arguable leader of the segment is the Meta Quest, which carries the unfortunate burden of being a Meta-owned product. Now, Valve, after years of the Index, is launching a new headset called the Steam Frame.

Yes, the Valve Index is pretty much dead in the water. In its stead, the new Steam Frame is now Valve’s headset of choice.

Importantly, the Steam Frame is much lighter than the old Index. Instead of the hefty 809 grams of the original, the new headset weighs only 440 grams. It’s lighter than the PSVR 2 and the Meta Quest 3. Also, you don’t need to hook it up to a PC.

Naturally, that begs the question: How exactly do you play games on it? First, you can install it directly into the Frame (which offers up to 1TB of storage) or via a microSD card. Since the Frame runs on SteamOS, it’s easy to play natively.

Alternatively, the Steam Frame also features game streaming. Much like how Steam handles multiple platforms, you can stream your game wirelessly using a 6GHz connection, significantly reducing latency.

The headset itself comes with two 2160 x 2160 screens, capable of up to 144Hz refresh rate. It has foveated streaming, which focuses all the resolution on that’s directly in front of you.

Inside, the headset has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with 16GB of RAM.

Much like the Steam Machine, Valve has not announced a launch date or a price for the headset yet. However, it’s confirmed to launch in early 2026.