Basketball fans have a reason to celebrate. NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition arrives on Apple Arcade on October 16. The new release brings updated rosters, fresh features, and immersive modes that let players relive NBA history.
New Modes and Features
Players can build teams, revisit historic NBA eras, and explore The Association mode to experience classic league moments. MyCAREER mode also returns with improvements. This year, templates make it easier to design a player modeled after legends like Vince Carter, Allen Iverson, or cover star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Apple Arcade Expands Its Lineup
The launch follows the recent arrival of NFL Retro Bowl ‘26, another popular sports title on the platform. On October 2, Apple Arcade will also add three new games: Thomas & Friends: Let’s Roll, Piffle+, and Dominoes: Classic Tile Game+. These releases show Apple’s push to attract both casual gamers and dedicated sports fans.
Engaging Storytelling for Fans
NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition is more than an update. It pays tribute to basketball legends while shining a light on today’s stars. “It’s an honor to pay tribute to the legends who shaped this sport,” said Rebecca Chan, general manager of Visual Concepts. She added that the team cannot wait for players to dive into the new edition.
What Players Can Expect
With multiplayer modes, championship-building challenges, and enhanced graphics, the game aims to be a highlight of Apple Arcade’s catalog. Fans can already visit the App Store page and enable notifications to be ready on launch day.