2K Games has released the first “gameplay” trailer for the next part in its NBA 2K series, NBA 2K26. This new basketball game will come out on September 5, and the PC version will be on par with the current-gen console version.

Now, the reason I used quotes is because this isn’t a gameplay trailer. Yes, 2K Games listed it as such, but all you get to see are replays. So, this is an in-engine trailer. It’s NOT a gameplay trailer.

2K Games has also used Song 2 from Blur. This will immediately give you some FIFA ’98 intro vibes. For those unaware, EA used that same song for the intro of FIFA 98. And, like this trailer for NBA 2K26, that intro had various replays from the game. It was one of the best intros of a soccer game.

Anyway, although this isn’t a gameplay trailer, we get to see the in-game assets. From the looks of it, the lighting has been improved. It’s not as photorealistic as the modded version of NBA 2K25. However, it feels better than what we got in NBA 2K25. On the other hand, the player models feel similar. I’m sure there will be some minor differences when you directly compare them. But, once again, they feel like plastic. Or at least that’s what caught my eye in the trailer.

2K Games claims that NBA 2K26 will have an all-new motion engine. Players will feel more connected to every dribble and crossover with revamped size-ups and experience fast-paced, dynamic movement with all-new ProPLAY features. Or at least that’s what the devs claim. So, let’s hope that players will move more realistically now, without sliding on the court.

As said, NBA 2K26 will be released on September 5. You can also find its official PC system requirements here. And yes, the game will use the Denuvo anti-tamper tech.

Enjoy!

UPDATE:

Well, good news everyone. It appears that some gameplay footage was also revealed. Below, you can find an early comparison between NBA 2K25 and NBA 2K26. As I suspected, the devs have indeed improved the game’s lighting, which is a good thing. So, go ahead and take a look.

John Papadopoulos

John is the founder and Editor in Chief at DSOGaming. He is a PC gaming fan and highly supports the modding and indie communities. Before creating DSOGaming, John worked on numerous gaming websites. While he is a die-hard PC gamer, his gaming roots can be found on consoles. John loved – and still does – the 16-bit consoles, and considers SNES to be one of the best consoles. Still, the PC platform won him over consoles. That was mainly due to 3DFX and its iconic dedicated 3D accelerator graphics card, Voodoo 2. John has also written a higher degree thesis on the “The Evolution of PC graphics cards.”
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