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If NBA 2K26 is crashing, freezing, or refusing to start on PS5, work through these ten checks in order, testing the game after each change. They adapt Sony’s general PlayStation troubleshooting guidance; they are not confirmed NBA 2K26-specific fixes, and no particular cause or guaranteed solution is established. First note whether the game closes to the home screen, freezes, causes the console to crash, or shows an error code—and whether other games work. Those details help narrow the next step.
Before troubleshooting, identify the symptom
Write down what happens and when: for example, whether the game fails at launch, freezes during play, or closes with an error code. Note whether the issue affects only NBA 2K26 or other games and apps too, and whether your copy is on disc, internal storage, or USB extended storage. Sony’s advice covers general PS5 game-launch problems; it does not identify a specific cause for NBA 2K26. If you see an error code, record it exactly.
Try these 10 PS5 troubleshooting checks
1. Restart the PS5
Restart the console, then launch NBA 2K26 again before changing other settings. Sony lists restarting among its first steps for a game that will not start. Sony’s game-launch troubleshooting
2. Check the game’s storage location
If NBA 2K26 is installed on USB extended storage, move the game data to the PS5’s internal storage and test again. This is a troubleshooting check, not evidence that external storage is the cause. Sony recommends internal storage for game-launch issues. Sony’s game-launch guidance
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- 【Compatibility Notice】Please confirm your console model before ordering. This cooling fan is designed for 2020 PS5 Disc & Digital models. Not compatible with the 2023 PS5 Slim models or 2024 PS5 Pro version. Not include the Bottom Cooling Station Piece
- 【Keep Your OLD CONSOLE Plenty Cool】Upgraded cooling fan pushes hot air out of your console, helping your disc and digital editions gaming console stay cool and run smoothly. Our fan can automatically monitor the console's temperature and adjust the fan speed in real time when set to Auto mode. Plus, in Constant or Auto mode, the fan auto-on/off with your console—set it and forget it!
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3. Inspect the disc, if you play from disc
Make sure the disc is clean and inserted correctly, then try launching again. If the PS5 also has trouble reading other discs, that points to a possible disc or drive issue rather than an NBA 2K26-only problem. Follow Sony’s disc-game troubleshooting guidance.
4. Restore licenses if content appears locked
If NBA 2K26 or its content appears inaccessible or shows a padlock, restore licenses: open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. Sony includes this in its game-launch troubleshooting, but it is most relevant when access or licensing seems to be the issue—not a universal fix for crashes. Sony’s license and launch guidance
Rank #2
- Attention: Compatible with PS5/PS5 Slim/PS5 Pro.
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5. Check for a game update and retry a troubled download
Highlight NBA 2K26 on the home screen, press the options button, and choose Check for Update. If an update will not download or install, test the internet connection, restart the console, and retry. Sony’s update guidance covers checking for updates and connection-related troubleshooting. Sony’s update instructions
6. Update PS5 system software
Check that the console has the latest system software installed: go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings, then select Update System Software if an update is available. Sony recommends checking system software when a game will not start or update. Game-launch guidance and system software and update guidance
Rank #3
- Available only on PS5 models.Not compatible with PS5 PRO.Not compatible with PS5 SLIM.Not compatible with PS5 PRO.Not compatible with PS5 SLIM.Not compatible with PS5 PRO.Not compatible with PS5 SLIM.Not compatible with PS5 PRO.Not compatible with PS5 SLIM
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7. Delete and reinstall NBA 2K26
Delete the installed game, then download it again or reinstall it from disc. Allow time for the reinstall and make sure you have enough storage and a working network connection if downloading. Sony recommends deleting and redownloading a game that will not start; its guidance for error CE-109573-5 also includes reinstalling before rebuilding the database. Game-launch steps and CE-109573-5 guidance
8. Clear the system software cache in Safe Mode
Sony lists clearing the cache as an option for system feature issues or performance drops. To open Safe Mode, turn the PS5 off, then hold the power button until you hear the second beep. Connect the controller to the console with a USB cable and press the PS button. Select Clear Cache and Rebuild Database > Clear System Software Cache. A compatible USB cable is required to use the controller in Safe Mode; check that its connector fits your controller.
Rank #4
- 【Perfect Compatibility】Notice：Please confirm your console model before placing the order. This cooling fan is designed for PS5 Disc & Digital models. Not compatible with PS5 Slim models or PS5 Pro version.
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See Sony’s Safe Mode instructions for the available options and steps.
9. Rebuild the database in Safe Mode
From Safe Mode, select Clear Cache and Rebuild Database > Rebuild Database. Sony describes this as scanning the drive and creating a new database of system content, and includes it in guidance for certain game-start errors. Choose Rebuild Database, not Reset PS5; these are different options with different consequences. Safe Mode options and CE-109573-5 troubleshooting
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- 【Perfect Compatibility】Special designed for PS5 Slim digital/disc editions console. This PS5 Slim accessories cooler consists of 3 fans to evenly disperse heat and quickly dissipate heat from the whole PS5 system, prevents overheating issues, malfunction lags, this helps keep your PS5 Slim Console / PS5 Slim Digital Edition cool & run smoothly, and greatly improves consoles lifespan. Note: NOT for Original PS5 2020 or PS5 Pro 2024 versio
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10. Escalate only after the simpler checks
If the game still crashes, check 2K Support for a current NBA 2K26 notice, then contact PlayStation Support or use PlayStation Repairs if the problem appears console-related. Sony lists backing up data and reinstalling system software as later troubleshooting; do not treat a reset as an early step. Resetting deletes data, and Safe Mode options can have different data-loss effects. Back up important data before destructive reset or system-software reinstall steps. Sony’s CE-108262-9 guidance warns that some Safe Mode options result in data loss.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to give support if the crash continues
Make the report actionable by including the exact error code or message, what you were doing when the issue occurred, and the steps that reproduce it. Add a screenshot or video if possible. Also say whether other games work and where NBA 2K26 is installed; these details help distinguish a game-specific symptom from a wider console or storage problem. Sony requests error information, a detailed description with reproduction steps, and visual evidence when available. Sony’s support information checklist
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