Breaking Down NBA 2K27's Best New Features for This Year's Game

NBA 2K27 is nearly here, and this year's entry sees the game's developers continue to provide the most realistic, authentic on-court experience for die-hard basketball fans while also enhancing the off-the-court options for the casual audience.

Significant attention was paid to improving gameplay while also introducing a first-time-ever element to its popular The City mode.

Dive deeper into each of those in this breakdown of the new features.

Release Information

SIMON WOHLFAHRT / AFP via Getty Images

Date: August 26 (Deluxe and Ultra editions), September 4 (Standard edition)

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Stream for PC, and Nintendo Switch 2

Cover Athletes: Victor Wembanyama (Standard), Caitlin Clark (Deluxe), Derrick Rose (Ultra)

Gameplay Features

2K has committed to bringing the most authentic NBA experience to gamers with this year's release by adding several new features to the gameplay engine.

Now players can make like Anthony Edwards and use the step-up up-and-unders to create separation and knock down game-sealing shots.

Expanded dribbling customization lets gamers add every element of a player's offensive attack to their arsenal, and a new layup tool prevents the ball from clipping parts of the rim or backboard.

A new timing- and logic-based dunk meter tightens when a defender confronts you at or near the rim, and rhythm shooting is upgraded.

Perhaps most interesting is the introduction of a more physical defense.

2K has made sure to emphasize an element of the game that may not be as omnipresent on the hardwood as some would like by making considerable upgrades to the defensive side of the ball.

Defensive cutoffs and a new collision system make offenses choose the right moves at the right times or face potential blocked shots and turnovers.

The First-Ever Co-Ed City

For the first time in NBA 2K history, male and female MyPLAYERS can play together in The City.

There will be thousands of options to outfit both men and women. More importantly, all modes within The City will be co-ed.

They include:

• The REC
• The Theater
• Street Kings
• Park
• Proving Grounds
• Ante-Up
• Starting 5
• Crew HQ
• Casual Corner

The game's official website notes that female MyPLAYERS are exclusive to The City, though.