NBA 2K made some major strides this offseason as they clearly listened to the fans and community to introduce new game modes and overhaul several aspects of the game, which has everyone excited for this year's release of NBA 2K26. One of the core aspects of any sports game is movement, and NBA 2K26 has completely revamped its movement system. Now with enhanced rhythm shooting, you can have full control over your shot anywhere on the court. Playing on offense will now feel more fluid than ever before, as the new dynamic motion engine will allow your player to have quick, sharp transitions and almost instant responses, so those who move with tempo or a more explosive offense will take full advantage of this update. Offense is not everything in NBA 2K26, as defense has received a major buff with new body-ups, and collisions that feel physical in-game, and rebounding will rely on skill, with the rebounding timing feedback allowing you to time the perfect board instead of leaving it to chance like previous versions. 

In-game modes such as MyTeam will now include both NBA and WNBA players together, allowing you to create some incredible mixed gender teams, just imagine having Stephen Curry and Caitlin Clarke on the perimeter while Angel Reese and Nikola Jokić grab every rebound. MyCareer has a brand new story mode that allows you to choose how your player develops. You can make key decisions even during workouts that can have an impact on your draft potential. The City has also been completely reimagined, as you will experience all kinds of unique scenarios, seasonal parks, challenges, and you will even be able to update your MyPlayer builds directly in The City. For those who prefer the GM route, you will see some welcomed updates to the MyNBA/MyGM mode, with one major update being the Online Playoffs, which will allow you to completely create an online playoff and manage everything in real time. 

 How to Get Better at NBA 2K26: Controller Settings & Pro Tips

In NBA 2K26, shooting overall has seen a massive boost, and several settings in-game can help improve your shooting capabilities. You will want to make sure you have shot feedback turned on for all shots to make sure you are tracking your timing and making consistent improvements in-game. For your shot meter, I would encourage you to try having it off to improve focus, and you will receive a slight boost to green windows, ultimately giving you an advantage in making more shots. If you are looking for help when it comes to dribbling, you have a few options in your settings that can make an immediate impact, leaving pro stick orientation on absolute will eliminate confusion when camera angles are changed. Player Lock is a feature that will allow you to constantly play as the designated position you choose. This will enable you to focus on a single role during the game if you are looking to be a position-specific player. 

When you are on the defensive side of the ball, Shot Contest is a setting you will want to turn on to manual to allow for full control when contesting shots versus the auto animations that are not always accurate. Pass Lane defense set to User Timing will put you in full control, which will teach you how to time your steals and not rely on the AI, which is not always trustworthy. Unlike most FPS or adventure games, you will want to keep your vibration settings on to ensure you have perfect timing when it comes to rebounds, shot contests, and even steals through the haptic feedback. If you are new to NBA 2K26, you may want to leave the "Who To Guard" setting on to make sure you are not accidentally double-teaming the wrong person or leaving someone wide open during a court transition. 

Unlock Your Full Potential in NBA 2K26 with KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks 

Regardless of your playstyle, preferred game mode, or overall skill level, KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks provide an excellent performance boost across the board. For those who love to utilize the Pro Stick to shoot and dribble, you will want to try equipping KontrolFreek’s mixed height thumbstick, such as their Frenzy, Galaxy, or Inferno Performance Thumbsticks. You will benefit greatly from the added height of the high-rise thumbstick, as you will be able to make incredibly precise movements from the increased arc gained from the added height. This will allow you to master the timing of your shot from any place on the court, and this makes it easier to keep your release point consistent, reducing mistimed flicks that break rhythm. The traction and grip provided by the extra surface area and proprietary rubber material will make dribbling with the pro stick feel more natural and responsive. Pairing the high-rise thumbstick and mid-rise will also add much-needed support for your thumbs with a comfortable concave design meant to add more control as well as comfort. 

For those who may be new to KontrolFreeks or NBA 2K, I would highly recommend testing out KontrolFreek’s Clutch or Omni Performance Thumbsticks. Each was designed specifically for the Sports Genre, offering maximum surface area with two low-rise thumbsticks that also reduce potential slippage that is common with default analog sticks. Both thumbsticks offer a unique laser-etched design focusing on providing you control and comfort, no matter how long you play. The low-rise height is optimal for anyone new to KontrolFreek Performance Thumbstick, allowing you to jump right in and start dominating once equipped to your controller. For anyone who prefers to use the pro stick controls in-game, you will want as much traction and comfort to maintain control when dribbling or shooting. If you want to learn how to use the pro stick controls, you will want to spend time practicing, and fortunately, NBA 2K26 has no shortage of modes to improve your performance. My final tip when it comes to using KontrolFreeks is to combine their Precision Rings with any thumbstick you feel most comfortable with. The Precision Rings will not only minimize overextension of your pro stick movements but also provide more consistency when utilizing the pro stick. This can greatly impact your timing when it comes to shooting select shots or shooting in general because the resistance provided by the rings will slow down rapid movements enough to help guarantee consistent green releases.

Tips to Improve Gameplay Performance in NBA 2K26

Anyone looking to get better at NBA 2K26 Online, I would like to quote NBA legend Allen Iverson, “practice, not a game”. Even if you are looking to work on specific aspects of the game, there is no shortage of training and game modes that do just that. If you are looking to improve on your dribbling, the best spots would be the practice facility, Gatorade Training Facility, or MyCourt. Each of these modes offers drills and challenges that are geared to improve your overall handling. Each comes with its own benefits and features, so I would suggest you try each of them out and see which one fits your preferences. If you are trying to improve your overall shooting, I have found that the MyTEAM skill challenges provide plenty of reps and put you in a real game situation, so you will be more confident when playing for real. For those defensive specialists like myself, I would highly encourage you to put yourself up against the CPU at a higher difficulty. This has several benefits, as you will not only improve, but you will also be given the chance to learn how to shut down star players in the process, as each player has their own style of play. There is so much content packed into NBA 2K26 that you can explore multiple types of ways to improve your game, even 2v2 and 3v3 modes that will test every part of your game.