Gaming

NBA 2K26 review: Pick and pop maestro

Notable improvements in shooting, aesthetics

Published

September 8, 2025

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

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.

NBA 2K26_20250901070603

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.

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.

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?

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.

Related Topics:NBA 2K NBA 2K26 Visual Concepts

Gaming

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance’s SEGA Villains Stage out on April 3

Face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises

Published

March 21, 2026

GadgetMatch

The SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will release on April 3 for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, XBox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.

The DLC lets players face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises: Like a Dragon and Yakuza, Golden Axe, and Sonic.

An animated trailer has been unveiled as part of the announcement. It features those franchises’ characters, Goro Majima, Death Adder, and Dr. Eggman.

There will be a total of five crossover stages, three bosses, and two Boss Rush modes featuring the bosses for the DLC.

In addition, there will be three more Ninpo, three new outfits, and six new music tracks. The SEGA Villains Stage DLC is a free update for all players.

Aside from the crossover, players can also try out a new Hardcore Mode which features changes in enemy placement and stronger boss attacks.

Additional combat settings also lets players adjust recovery frames, the flash effect, and camera shake. Various quality-of-life improvements are also planned for the 2D action-platformer.

Gaming

The hunt begins: The Witcher in Concert hits Manila with surprises in tow

The Continent comes alive

Published

March 19, 2026

GadgetMatch

If you’ve ever heard a haunting chant echo through a battlefield or felt the weight of a choice that isn’t as simple as good or evil, then you already know—the Path has a way of calling you back.

And if you haven’t stepped into that world just yet, consider this your invitation.

With less than two weeks to go, The Witcher in Concert is set to take over Manila for a one-night-only performance. It’s happening on March 28, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire—bringing with it not just the music of a beloved RPG, but a full-on return to the Continent.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the concert transforms one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks into a live experience. Expect performances from selected musicians of the Filharmonika Orchestra alongside Percival Schuttenbach—the Polish folk-metal band whose distinct sound helped define the game’s identity. Paired with in-game visuals, it’s a show designed to feel both nostalgic and entirely new.

As the night draws closer, here are three things fans can look forward to:

Relics from the Continent: official merchandise

For those who want to take a piece of the experience home, exclusive event merchandise will be available in limited quantities.

This includes the following:

Event Tee (PhP2,200)
Geralt Long Sleeve (PhP3,400)
Event Hoodie (PhP4,200)
Beanie (PhP1,800)
Tote bag (PhP1,800)
Key chain (PhP1,400)
Enamel pin set (PhP1,400)
Event magnet (PhP800)
Geralt gaming mouse pad (PhP2,000)

It’s the kind of loot drop fans won’t want to miss.

The path to Solaire: getting there made easier

Getting to the venue is part of the journey—and this time, it’s a little easier. Attendees can use the Grab code FCPH2026 to get 20% off rides (up to PhP75). With the condition of a minimum fare of PhP250. The promo is valid for two rides per user and applies to trips to and from Solaire Entertainment City.

A rare encounter: meet Percival Schuttenbach

For a handful of lucky fans, the experience goes beyond the stage. Ten winners will get the chance to meet Percival Schuttenbach and receive an autographed CD.

To join, ticket holders need to share any official The Witcher in Concert post on their Instagram Story. They need to write what they’re most excited to hear live and tag @filmconcerts.ph. They need to submit their entry before March 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on March 25.

Answer the call

As the Continent arrives in Manila, fans are encouraged to lean all the way in—whether that means coming in cosplay as a monster hunter, mage, bard, or something far more dangerous.

Tickets are available via TicketWorld and participating outlets nationwide.

The Path is open. The question is—will you answer the call?

Gaming

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains launching on June 11

Introducing a team-based, cinematic twist to the classic board game

Published

March 19, 2026

GadgetMatch

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains will launch on June 11, Ubisoft has announced. It will debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, GeForce Now, and PC through Steam, Epic Games, and the Ubisoft Store.

The Behavior Interactive title introduces a team-based combat twist to the traditional real estate board game. It includes competitive 2v2 and 3v3 modes, available online and through couch co-op.

This transforms the classic Monopoly gameplay into an action-packed, strategic showdown where teamwork and hero combinations matter.

Every turn carries high stakes as properties change hands in an instant. Dynamic GO events also introduce game-altering twists.

The full reveal will be on April 29.

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains transports players into the Star Wars galaxy with a custom Monopoly board, packed with iconic locations from across the saga.

The gameplay is reimagined with thrilling cinematic moments, themed spaces, and dynamic elements. These make up for a refreshed experience from start to finish.

Players can choose from a wide roster of Star Wars heroes and villains. There’s plenty of options, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Darth Vader and Darth Maul.

Each character brings unique abilities to shape the team’s strategy and affect the match’s complexion with every roll of the dice.