The official start of the season may be two months away, but basketball is back with NBA 2K26 hitting PS5 and PS4 September 5. The latest entry brings a new gameplay system powered by machine learning, studying todays superstars, and fun pick-up and play options. 2K invited me to go hands-on with the game before it launches September 5 on PS5, and Im here to share what I learned on the court.Also launching starting on September 5 in select markets is the PlayStation 5 Console NBA 2K26 Bundle. Read on for full detailsBetter ball2K26 puts considerable effort into improving both sides of the floor, with notable offensive and defensive enhancements. New machine-learning technology helps capture the fundamentals of the game. While playing, I noticed players would run and get set by firmly planting their feet, instead of a gliding effect. While driving into the paint, they would also stop and accurately respond to a defender in their lane. These details add a realistic weight to the sport.Enhanced Rhythm ShootingYou can still flick down-up on the right analog stick or simply press square to start your shooting motion, then release at the correct timing for the individual players shoot release. However, now the tempo of the play, like in real life, affects your shot. When a good defender bogged me down, I could quickly release my shot and intentionally release it early for a decisive bucket. With a high basketball IQ, any shot has the potential to be a good shot.Defensive battlesPlayers can swing a game in their favor if the shots arent falling, thanks to new improvements centered around real-world tactics. Around the players feet, you will see new Rebound Timing Feedback as a green meter that will flash to indicate a well-timed rebound. Learning Chet Holmgrens rebound timing made me nearly unstoppable under the rim and made me focus on an aspect of the game I had neglected before.Collisions and interior defense both benefit from a revamped system-driven tech that allows for more real-time interactions instead of scripted mocap animations. If you want to stop a fast break or crowd the lane, players will stop, adjust, and even collide realistically. The game rewards paying attention to the action when the ball isnt in your hand.Arena atmosphereThe devs also upgraded the game spectacle during downtime and timeouts with new crowd variety, interactions, and on-court performances. Cheerleader routines and mascot antics are fun, but my favorite by far was the dance cam. These moments captured the feel of attending a game live and the sense of community that attending a sporting event can create.MyTEAM updatesMyTEAM has received a significant remodel with Triple Threat Park turning Sunset Beach into a nighttime venue. Players are greeted with neon lights, fireworks, and other details that can only be appreciated after dark. Pulling cards and collecting players has also become an even bigger spectacle with dramatic reveals and added flair.The biggest change to MyTEAM is that WNBA players join the action for the first time in series history. Newcomers like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark take to the hardwood along with legends like Lisa Leslie. Attributes and Badges are identical for all players, no matter what league they hail from. Also, there is a WNBA Domination tier where your squad will be exclusively WNBA players as you challenge teams to earn Domination stars and crests.Another first is 2v2 games in Triple Threat Park. Two half courts have been added in the middle of the street, where you can run your favorite two-person team-ups. The park also features four 3v3 courts, including a new option with a beach backdrop, and three 3v3 courts for 6-player co-op matches. These games capture the essence of streetball, featuring players calling their fouls, checking the ball at midcourt, and engaging in some lively trash talka great way to mix and match your favorite ball players and have some quick, high-energy games.All-Star Team Up is now part of MyTEAM, where 10 players duke it out in 5v5 co-op matches. Take your favorite NBA or WNBA players for some very high-level play where being a good role player is the key to success. Earn individual rewards with the new Season Ladder and earn rewards as a team by winning matches. Find the right chemistry with your teammates, because for every five games you win with the same team lineup, everyone will receive rewards, even if the wins arent consecutive.Discover all the new enhancements coming to the court when NBA 2K 26 launches September 5 on PS5.Vertical Stand sold separatelyPS5 Console NBA 2K26 BundleWere pleased to announce the PlayStation 5 Console NBA 2K26 Bundle is launching in select markets starting September 5. Release dates and availability may vary by region, please check direct.playstation.com where available or your local retailer for availability and release dates.Players can feel the on-the-court immersion made possible by the DualSense wireless controllers haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Experience NBA 2K26s authenticity with lifelike animations, heightened player fidelity and authentic atmosphere with 4K resolution*, and enjoy shortened load times and return to the action faster with the PS5 consoles high-speed SSD.Bundle includes a PlayStation 5 console, DualSense wireless controller, and a digital voucher** for NBA 2K26 Standard Edition.With a robust focus on features and the game aspects that dont rely on the players, its great to play and watch. No matter your height, you should hit the court when NBA 2K26 comes to PS5 and PS4 on September 5.*4K and HDR require a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display.**Account for PlayStation and internet connection required to redeem voucher

Last week, we asked you to share moments from Senuas harrowing journey in Senuas Saga: Hellblade II using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this weeks highlights:UkFemshep shares the top half of Senuas head peeking out from water.Photoingame shares a black and white profile shot of Senua looking up.MdeavorVP shares Senua raising her torch in a field of darknessLastGlass_VP shares a head-on portrait of Senua with ceremonial face paint and symbols.JarrinWasHere shares a dual-toned side profile of SenuaKeng_console shares a macro shot of Senuas wide-open eyeSearch #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this weeks theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?THEME: Sword of the SeaSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 27, 2025Next week, grab your sword! Share moments bringing sea life back to the deserts of Sword of the Sea (a recent August Game Catalog title) using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Over the past year, weve had the privilege of connecting with talented game developers from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through the PlayStation MENA Hero Project. This initiative was launched with a simple goal: to identify and support original voices and empower creators from emerging regions to tell their stories through games.Today, were thrilled to announce the first cohort of titles supported under the MENA Hero Project, each one a unique reflection of the creativity, and spirit of developers in the region.The First Cohort of MENA Hero Project GamesRed Bandits | Developer: Team Agenda | Country: Saudi ArabiaRed Bandits is a fast-paced robbery action game set in a hyper-capitalist age where one company rules the world through complete monopoly. In this world, a newly formed thieves organization known as the Red Bandits, emerges to challenge the system and spark a rebellion. You play as Stutt, a seasoned old thief with a stuttering condition and a mysterious past he cant fully remember.Break into the companys fortified floors, take down the powerful board of directors, and bring back a de-monopolized world order. With a dynamic cover system, evolving heists, and a vibrant comrades hideout, Red Bandits blends fast, stylish action with a deeply personal story of rebellion.Robbing its way to PS5 and PC.Encis Solution | Developer: Dark Emerald | Country: United Arab EmiratesExiled by humans centuries ago, the Aeons are confined to the desolate underground. Their village is safe, but beyond the gates, danger lurks at every corner, and not everyone can be trusted. No one has left the village before, except for Jiwe.Inspired by techno-dystopian aesthetics, Encis Solution is a hand-painted, 2.5D narrative platformer following the story of Jiwe, a young Aeon venturing out into the unknown in an attempt to save his dearest friend. Stumbling upon Enci, a lost encyclopedic robot who finds himself far from home, the two form an unusual bond and set out together to the surface of planet Regalia.Play through 40+ levels with increasing difficulty and explore uncharted territories. Find collectibles and uncover the secrets they carry about the world and its odd inhabitants. Keep an eye out for hidden levels and challenge yourself to think outside the box.Will you find your solution on PS5 and PC?Play VideoThe Perfect Run | Developer: Lanterns Studios | Country: TunisiaSave the world or blow it up yourself, one loop at a time! The Perfect Run is an action-adventure RPG game where the player controls Quicksave, a time-traveling hero caught in an epic struggle between supervillain gangs, marketed superheroes, and a powerful mega corporation for the control of the city of New Rome.With three days to decide the citys fate, the player can go back in time to decide their perfect ending if they have the skill to do so! Interact with NPCs and unlock new dialogue options thanks to information collected in earlier loops, join a faction in one route and fight them the next, bend time itself in epic battle against superpowered bosses, collect the best upgrades before the reset, and unlock the citys secrets in this memorable superhero adventure.Find the perfect run on PS5 and PC.A Cats Manor | Developer: Happiest Dark Corner | Country: BahrainYou awaken trapped in a house infested with spiders and inhabited by an eccentric family. At the end of your tail, you discover a crudely stitched hand. With no memory of who you are or how you got here, you let curiosity guide you forward.A Cats Manor is an atmospheric adventure that blends puzzles, combat, crafting, and rhythm-based music challenges. Use your wits to escape the manor. Investigate your surroundings, solve puzzles, fight your way through deadly encounters, or outsmart your foes and avoid trouble.Inspect, observe, listen, and feel your surroundings for clues and cues, immersing yourself with 3D audio and PS5 DualSense controller features. Uncover the secrets of the manor and unravel what the family is hiding.Creeping its way to PS5 and PC near you.About the MENA Hero ProjectThe MENA Hero Project is the newest chapter in SIEs global Hero Project family, joining India and China in our mission to discover and nurture the next generation of original game creators. We believe that great games can come from anywhere. Through the MENA Hero Project, were committed to unlocking the regions creative potential, supporting locally inspired experiences with the power to captivate players around the world.