Gaming
NBA 2K26 debuts new gameplay tech powered by ProPLAY
A new motion engine, better shooting, and more
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.
Gaming
God of War Laufey finally confirms its highly anticipated launch date
Set your calendars next year.
It’s about time we get excited for God of War Laufey. The upcoming entry into the acclaimed franchise takes off on a tangent as it follows Faye, Kratos’s late wife, as she traverses an afterlife filled with similarly deceased gods. It’s a different perspective but with still the same action we’ve come to expect from the series. Now, we know when to expect it: February 16.
In the ongoing Norse saga, Faye’s death is everything. Her passing pushes Kratos and Atreus towards a path that eventually led to Ragnarok. In Laufey, a deceased Faye wakes up in Everywhen, an afterlife where gods from different mythologies converge. She then discovers that the carefully laid plans she made to help her husband and her son are unravelling, so she has to find a way to save the living world from past the veil.
Laufey will still have the iconic battles that the God of War series is known for. However, because Faye is nimbler than the burly Kratos, fighting is more fast-paced with a mix of grounded and air-based fighting. All in all, there’s a lot to be excited about for Laufey, despite its different take on the series.
Over the weekend, during San Diego Comic Con, PlayStation confirmed when the title is launching. Thankfully, it’s not a long wait. God of War Laufey is launching for the PlayStation 5 on February 16 next year.
Additionally, Santa Monica Studio has also confirmed that Kratos will lead another entry after Laufey.
Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia and Square Enix have announced that FINAL FANTASY X | X-2 HD Remaster is now available on Nintendo Switch 2. Physical copies are also on sale across Southeast Asia.
The collection brings together FINAL FANTASY X and FINAL FANTASY X-2, two of the most celebrated entries in the long-running RPG franchise. Both games feature enhanced HD visuals while preserving their original stories and gameplay.
Two classic adventures in one package
In FINAL FANTASY X, players follow Tidus, a star blitzball athlete whose journey becomes intertwined with the summoner Yuna as they travel across the world of Spira to confront a devastating threat.
Its direct sequel, FINAL FANTASY X-2, takes place two years later. Players take control of Yuna alongside Rikku and Paine as they uncover ancient mysteries and face new enemies.
The release also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original launch of the game in Japan, giving longtime fans and newcomers another opportunity to experience the pair of RPG classics at home or on the go.
Bandai Namco notes that physical edition availability may vary by country across Southeast Asia.
Watch the launch trailer below:
About the FINAL FANTASY series
The FINAL FANTASY franchise has entertained players for more than 35 years. Known for its cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, imaginative worlds, and technical innovation, the series has sold more than 212 million copies worldwide.
The NBA 2K27 cover athletes have been revealed as pre-orders have become available.
San Antonio Spurs all-star Victor Wembanyama has been unveiled as the cover athlete for the NBA 2K27 Standard Edition.
Meanwhile, WNBA star Caitlin Clark is gracing the Deluxe Edition cover.
Rounding out the trio is 2011 NBA MVP and Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose for the Ultra Edition.
The game will launch worldwide on September 4 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam. Early access is available by August 28.
First-look images of the game showcases some of NBA’s younger stars, like Cooper Flagg and Cade Cunningham.
Also shown for the first time is Jaylen Brown in a Philadelphia 76ers jersey, ahead of his debut with his new team after being traded from the Boston Celtics for Paul George.
Pre-orders are now open, and availing of any edition early entitles customers to a 10,000 VC bonus.
The Standard Edition is priced at US$ 69.99.
Pre-ordering the Deluxe Edition (US$ 99.99) enables players to unlock these perks:
- 100,000 VC
- Up to 7 days early access
- MyTeam content: Full ’27: Series Team 1 Selection, Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack, 5x ’27: Series 1 Packs, 2-Hour 2XP Coin
- MyCareer content: 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts, 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts, 2-ahour 2XP Coin, Victor Wembanyama Jersey, Caitlin Clark Jersey
Meanwhile, in addition to the perks under the Deluxe Edition, those who pre-order the Ultra Edition (US$ 149.99) shall also get:
- 135,000 VC (instead of 100,000)
- Season 1 Pro Pass + Summer Pass
- NBA 2K27 Ultra Edition MyTEAM Player Cards (via The Exchange): Guaranteed 98 OVR by Dec 2026, guaranteed Invincible by May 2027
- Roses Oversize Hoodie
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