NBA 2K26 is set to release in September 2025, continuing the full next-gen experience on PC that began with NBA 2K25. This article outlines the official NBA 2K26 PC requirements, including minimum and recommended specs, and compares them directly with NBA 2K25 on Steam. We also cover release dates and early access options for PC players.
Minimum System Requirements for NBA 2K26 PC
To run NBA 2K26 on PC at a basic level, your system must support next-gen features such as DirectX 12 and AVX2 instructions. According to the official listing:
Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (latest updates)
Processor: Intel Core i3-9100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (5GB), AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (4GB), or Intel Arc A580
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: 110 GB of available space (SSD highly recommended)
Additional: GPU must support DirectX Feature Level 12_0; CPU must support AVX2
These specs reflect the continuation of the next-gen engine introduced in NBA 2K25.
Recommended System Requirements for NBA 2K26 PC
For a smoother experience with higher resolution and more detailed visuals, the recommended specs are:
Operating System: Windows 11 64-bit (latest updates)
Processor: Intel Core i5-10600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 (8GB), AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8GB), or Intel Arc A770
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: 110 GB SSD
Additional: AVX2 support and GPU compatibility with DirectX Feature Level 12_0 are mandatory
These requirements aim to deliver next-gen visuals and performance similar to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions.
NBA 2K26 vs NBA 2K25 PC Requirements: What's New?
NBA 2K25 was the first game in the series to bring the full next-gen experience to PC, including The City, ProPLAY animations, and enhanced graphics. NBA 2K26 builds on that foundation, introducing optimizations and support for newer hardware.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison based on Steam listings:
CPU/GPU Bump: NBA 2K26 slightly raises the base requirements to better reflect compatibility with modern hardware (including Intel Arc support).
OS Optimization: NBA 2K26 now lists Windows 11 as recommended, pointing to better optimization for current systems.
Performance Improvements: NBA 2K26 focuses on stability, refined visuals, and enhanced compatibility without a drastic hardware jump.
If your system could handle NBA 2K25 smoothly, it will likely run NBA 2K26 well, especially with a modern GPU.
| Component | NBA 2K25 PC (Steam) | NBA 2K26 PC (Steam) |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10/11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-8100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | Intel Core i3-9100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 960 / AMD Radeon RX 470 | GTX 1060 / RX 5500 XT / Arc A580 |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 110 GB SSD recommended | 110 GB SSD recommended |
| Features | Next-gen engine, The City | Next-gen engine, The City + updated assets and optimizations |
NBA 2K26 PC Release Date and Early Access
NBA 2K26 will officially launch on September 5, 2025, on all platforms, including Steam for PC users. Early access starts August 29, 2025, for players who purchase select editions such as the Superstar or Leave No Doubt Editions.
Standard Release Date: September 5, 2025
Early Access Start: August 29, 2025
The game will be available digitally via Steam and other platforms. While cross-progression and cross-play details remain unconfirmed, full next-gen content is confirmed for PC again this year.