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The 2025-26 basketball season has not started yet but for fans of the sport in many it has with the launch of NBA 2K26.
The franchise is without doubt the premiere console game in its field and this year's one seems to crossover any opposition and leave it in their wake.
Daily Mail Sport were one of a privileged few to be given a world exclusive at the new game ahead of its release this month.
Upon instantly playing the game, the enhancement in the visuals were evident.
Enhanced efforts on shading in the arena lighting, court floors and players add to the realism of the game - making it more akin to be at the Paycom Center or Gainbridge Fieldhouse, for example.
Those little touches dovetail beautifully with the attention to detail they've pandered to to every home court right down to the pre-game rituals to add to its authenticity. The Los Angeles Clippers' towering 'Wall' stand? Yeah, you got it, that. The Detroit Pistons' courtside lounge behind the baseline? That too.
Daily Mail Sport were given exclusive access to play the new NBA 2K26 before its release
The graphics have improved from last year's iteration with greater attention to shading key
The details enhance the notion of realism - as depicted here with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
And while the visuals are stunning, it's about what happens on the court that matters and the gameplay is as smooth as Kyrie Irving's handles.
There are two main reasons for that: a new ProPLAY motion engine and enhanced rhythm shooting.
The former is generated from real-world NBA footage to influence all on court-movement from offence, defence and off-ball so things such as cutting and slashing appear more realistically. This area hasn't been changed in-game since NBA 2K21 so will provide freshness to users.
The latter makes the flow of the game feel better. Just like the Indiana Pacers pass first style last year, sharing the ball to the open shooter will see you rewarded.
In three exhibition matches that Daily Mail Sport played, the aforementioned two points were duly noted - knocking down a rhythm shot is made all the sweeter by the cinematic cutaway graphics that let you know your three-point attempt in the corner is butter.
However, if you rush your shot or take to long to release then those bricks could be used for real estate.
And you really notice how imperative this is the higher the difficulty you choose.
The fluidity of the game also transcends online play where Daily Mail Sport, trialled All-Star Team Up.
Daily Mail Sport beat Toronto Raptors in a convincing manner with Indiana Pacers in one game
The gameplay has improved from last year too courtesy of their new ProPLAY motion engine
ProPLAY uses real-world NBA footage to influence all on court-movement for better realism
NBA 2K26 is now available to pre-order
This mode allows you to compete as one player in a 10-player game of five versus five co-op with friends or against random other users.
Despite possessing Victor Wembanyama, this player found the mode challenging as without a headset there was no communication as we found ourselves trailing heavily at the break before regrouping for some credibility at half-time.
And while that may have ended in defeat, 2K Sports are definitely on to a winner with NBA 2K26.
The NBA campaign is still yet to start, but basketball season has returned with this new game.
NBA 2K26 is available to pre-order HERE.
