NBA 2K26 will become available through a free Nintendo Game Trial on Switch and Switch 2 on August 7, 2026. Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will be able to download either version and play without paying during the trial window.
The trial begins at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST. It will end on Thursday, August 13, at 11:59 p.m. PT, which is August 14 at 2:59 a.m. ET / 7:59 a.m. BST.
NBA 2K26’s full trial includes online play
This is not a short demo with only one mode or a small section of the game. The Game Trial provides access to the full NBA 2K26 experience, including its online multiplayer features, during the available period.
Once the deadline passes, the game will stop launching unless players purchase it through the Nintendo eShop. They can also remove it from their Switch or Switch 2 console. Progress made during the trial will remain available if they decide to buy the game afterward, so a week of basketball will not vanish into the digital void.
Players who continue with the game can also check the active NBA 2K26 locker codes for MyTEAM cards, a WNBA option pack, and boosts.
NBA 2K26 is the 27th entry in the basketball series developed by Visual Concepts. Sega published the franchise from 1999 through 2004 before Take-Two Interactive acquired Visual Concepts in January 2005, launched its 2K label, and continued the series there.
The series has received praise for its basketball presentation and on-court play, while 2K’s use of microtransactions and sponsorships in some modes has also drawn criticism.
If you try the free week, share your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
NBA 2K26
Developed by Visual Concepts
Bragging rights are on the line in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now. Showcase your bag of moves with hyper realism, Powered by ProPLAY, and challenge your friends, or rivals, in NBA 2K26’s competitive modes—and leave no doubt that you wear the crown.
- Genre Simulator, Sport
- Platforms Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Perspective Third person
- Modes Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
- Release September 5, 2025
- Publisher 2K
-
Age Rating
