How to Activate Crossplay in NBA 2K26

By Daniel Hidalgo | 2025-09-08 07:57:29
The introduction of cross-platform play, or crossplay, has been a game-changer for the NBA 2K series, and NBA 2K26 continues this trend by breaking down barriers between gaming communities. This feature is essential for connecting with friends and competing against a massive, unified player base. However, understanding its limitations and setup is key to a seamless experience.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crossplay in NBA 2K26, including platform compatibility, the crucial difference between crossplay and cross-progression, and simple step-by-step instructions to activate it.

Understanding NBA 2K26 Crossplay Compatibility


Before diving in, it's vital to know which platforms can play together. NBA 2K26 supports crossplay between the latest generation of consoles: the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and the Xbox Series X|S. This means players on these systems can seamlessly match up in online game modes.
Important Note: PC (via Steam) is notably excluded from the crossplay pool. This is a common design decision often made to preserve competitive balance, as the PC platform can have different performance metrics and potential input advantages. Unfortunately, this also means that players on last-generation consoles (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) cannot participate in crossplay with PS5 or Xbox Series X|S users.

Crossplay vs. Cross-Progression: What’s the Difference?


It's easy to confuse these two features, but they serve different purposes:
  • Crossplay (Cross-Platform Play): The ability to play an online game with people on different video game platforms.
  • Cross-Progression (Cross-Gen Progression): The ability to carry your saved data, progress, and in-game items between different console generations within the same family.


NBA 2K26 offers robust cross-progression for the MyTeam mode and Virtual Currency (VC). This means:


  • Your entire MyTeam collection, including points, cards, and challengesprogress, can be transferred between PS4 and PS5, or between Xbox Oneand Xbox Series X|S.
  • Any VC you earn or purchase is shared across generations within your console ecosystem (PlayStation or Xbox).
  • You cannot transfer progress or VC between different platform families (e.g., from a PlayStation to an Xbox or to PC).

How to Enable Crossplay in NBA 2K26: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough


Activating crossplay is a straightforward process found within the game's settings. Follow these steps to get started:


Once enabled, the matchmaking system will automatically search for opponents on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, expanding your competitionpool and making it easier to find games.

Conclusion: A Connected, But Limited, Experience


NBA 2K26's crossplay functionality is a powerful tool for uniting thenext-gen console community, offering a larger and more dynamic onlineenvironment. While the exclusion of PC and last-gen consoles isdisappointing for some, the feature significantly enhances theexperience for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S owners. By combining this withstrong cross-progression support for MyTeam, 2K has ensured that yourinvestment of time and money is protected as you upgrade your console.Now that you know how to activate it, you're ready to hit the court with a whole new world of competition.

  • Launch NBA 2K26 and navigate to the main menu.
  • Select the 'Options/Features' tab on the right-hand side.
  • Within this menu, click on 'Settings'.
  • You will be presented with several setting categories. On this main Settings page, look toward the bottom of the list.
  • You will find the 'Crossplay' option situated just below 'NBA Email Notifications'.
  • Click on the 'Crossplay' option to toggle it from 'Off' to 'On'.
  • Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC, PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
    Genre(s): Sports
    Developer(s): Visual Concepts
    Publisher(s): 2K
    Engine: Unreal Engine 5
    Mode: Single-player, multiplayer



    Other Articles Related

    How To Upload A Custom Photo in NBA 2K26
    Learn to upload your custom photo in NBA 2K26! Enhance your gamingidentity with our easy-to-follow instructions 
    How To Evolve a Card in NBA 2K26
     how to evolve your cards in NBA 2K26 with our step-by-step guide. Unlock new abilities and enhance your gameplay 
    How To Change Teams in MyCareer Mode in NBA 2K26
    Master switching teams in NBA 2K26's MyCareer mode. Learn how torequest a trade, hit free agency, and strategically build your value tojoin your dream NBA franchise.
    How To Create Custom Shoes in MyCareer in NBA 2K26
    Unleash your creativity in NBA 2K26! Design custom shoes in MyCareer and elevate your player's style on the court. 
    Should You Play With a Controller or a Keyboard and Mouse in NBA 2K26
    Choose the best control setup for NBA 2K26. We break down the pros and cons of Controller vs. Keyboard & Mouse for dribbling,shooting, and defense to elevate your game.
    How to invite players to MyCOURT in NBA 2K26
    Invite friends and players to your MyCOURT in NBA 2K26. Learn how to sendinvites, set up private games, and host online hangouts on allplatforms.
    How to Change MyCareer Difficulty in NBA 2K26
    Level up your MyCareer with our guide on changing difficulty in NBA 2K26.Maximize your VC earnings and find the perfect challenge to dominate the court.
    How to Get Custom Shoes in NBA 2K26 MyCareer
    Lace up your virtual legacy. Learn how to design, unlock, and equip your own signature custom shoes in NBA 2K26 MyCareer and stand out on the court.
    How to Fix NBA 2K26 build specialization not working
     Resolve NBA 2K26 build specialization issues effortlessly. Discover tips and solutions to fix your gameplay  
    How to tempo shoot in NBA 2k26
     art of tempo shooting in NBA 2K26 with our expert tips and strategies. Elevate your game and dominate the court!
    How To Change Control Keybinds in NBA 2K26
    Master your gameplay in NBA 2K26 with our guide on how to change controlkeybinds. Customize your layout for dribbles, shots, and defense on anyplatform.
    How To Reach Shellwood in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Struggling to find Shellwood in Silksong? Our guidereveals the exact steps to unlock this area, find its hidden secrets,and continue Hornet's journey through Pharloom.
    How To Invite Friends To MyCourt in NBA 2K26
    Master the art of expanding your squad. This guide details how to invitefriends to your MyCourt in NBA 2K26 for private games, hangouts, andshowing off your customizations.
    Where To Find Reaper Crest in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Unlock new abilitieswith the Reaper Crest. Our guide shows you exactly where to find thisvital item in Hollow Knight: Silksong to empower Hornet's journey.
    How To Get Wanderer’s Crest in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Struggling to progress? Our guide shows you exactly how to get the Wanderer's Crest in Hollow Knight: Silksong to unlock new areas andenhance Hornet's movement.