Best NBA 2K26 controller settings for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S

For NBA 2K26 players on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, optimizing controller settings is essential for an optimal gameplay experience. With better gameplay, improved AI, and game mechanics, the game runs significantly better when you have the controls right.

Choosing the right settings on the console can improve your gameplay and help you perform better, whether in career mode or in an online setting. This guide looks into the best controller settings for NBA 2K26 on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

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The best NBA 2K26 controller settings for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S

Controller settings for 2K26 explored (Image via 2K Games)

NBA 2K26 delivers both familiar functions and useful tweaks in its settings menus. Several new features like Slow Motion Euro-Step and Wrap Passes have been introduced, each one impacting gameplay and your performance.

The most important changes are disabling vibration to minimize input lag, enabling manual control for lobs and passing, so that the game doesn't make the choices for you.

These are the best controller settings for the game on console:

Shooting and Dribbling

• Shot Timing: On
• Layup Timing: On
• Free Throw Timing: On
• Shot Timing Visual Cue: Push
• Shot Meter Input Type: All
• Pro Stick Function: Default
• Pro Stick Orientation: Absolute
• Passive Dribble Hand Switches: Disabled

Passing

• Skip Pass: Disabled
• Icon Passing: Default
• Icon Lead Passing: On
• Pass Target Profile: Default
• Pass Target Direction: 70
• Pass Target Distance: 10
• Pass Target Openness: 5
• Pro Stick Pass Type: Normal
• Hold Lob Pass Button: Skip Pass
• Auto Lob to Moving Receiver: Disabled

Off-Ball

• Off-Ball Offense Mode: Absolute
• Call for Pack and Roll Vs Fade: Manual
• Receiver Control: Receiver Get Open

Defense

• Help Defense Button Function: Double Team
• Shading Indicator: On
• Who To Guard: On
• Pro Stick Defense: Absolute
• Double Team Reaction: Auto
• Icon Swapping: Swap Controls Only

Controller Functions

• Vibration Function: Off
• Trigger Effect: Off
• Boxout Assist Strength: 50
• Player Icons: On

While the Shot timing visual cue is personal preference, we've set it to Push. You could set this to your liking, as it won't affect your performance. We recommend turning off Auto Lob to prevent the game from throwing random lob passes. This is because such automated throws can be stolen more easily by opponents and potentially cost you the game.

Settings like 'Who to Guard' help you in the game by indicating which player to guard during defense and can be particularly helpful during online play. Furthermore, though not a controller setting, it is recommended to have motion blur all the way down for better performance.

It’s best to leave most other settings at default, as altering too many can lead to confusion or unwanted effects.

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This concludes our guide for the best NBA 2K26 controller settings for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Customizing shot, dribble, and defensive settings can dramatically improve performance on both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

So, while it can be time-consuming, it is suggested that you tune inputs and spend time mastering the new settings. This will ensure a much smoother and skillful gameplay experience for both offline and online modes.

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