For as much as we respect and appreciate many of the sports sims available today, we miss the arcade games of yesteryear.
NBA Jam, NFL Street, SSX Tricky – previous generations played host to dozens of different pick-up-and-play sports games, which have largely gone away.
NBA The Run is bringing all of that back.
Due out in 2026 on the PS5, this arcade-inspired hooper promises “hand-keyed animations and buttery smooth controls” all as part of an experience that’s easy to pick-up-and-play.
'Every Possession Is a Highlight Reel': NBA The Run Brings Pick-Up-and-Play Basketball to PS5 2
'Every Possession Is a Highlight Reel': NBA The Run Brings Pick-Up-and-Play Basketball to PS5 4
“Every possession feels like a highlight reel,” creative director Michael Young explained on the PS Blog. He’s a former EA Sports veteran who’s worked on dozens of franchises, including the likes of FIFA Street.
The game will blend real-life NBA superstars with a fictional (and expanding) roster of Street Legends, all with their own stories to tell. You’ll compete on courts around the world in accessible, endlessly replayable rounds.
The dev says it wants to make defensive play just as fun as offense, so expect massive blocks to feel just as satisfying as your double alley-oops.
'Every Possession Is a Highlight Reel': NBA The Run Brings Pick-Up-and-Play Basketball to PS5 3
The game will also feature rollback netcode ensuring a flawless online multiplayer experience, with crossplay supported.
The main game will adopt a three-on-three format, and you’ll be able to choose whether you want to control all the players in your team, or be part of a squad with friends.
Matches will have randomised rules, so you’ll need to switch up your strategy on the fly.
“At its heart, NBA The Run is about connection through competition — fast-to-fun gameplay and unforgettable moments,” Young concluded.
Needless to say, wherever arcade sports are involved, we’re always excited.