Written by Chen Xi, PC & Console Requirements Specialist at Game Launch Hub
NBA The Run System Requirements: PC Specs, PS5, Xbox Series X|S & Steam Deck Performance Guide
NBA The Run is a fast-paced online 3v3 street basketball game from Play by Play Studios, an independent 30-person team co-founded by former EA executives Scott Probst and Mike Young. It launched on 9 June 2026 for PC via Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, priced at $29.99 with no microtransactions. Performance-wise, this is a modestly demanding Unreal Engine 5 title on PC, but the actual performance across platforms has been uneven. The official PC minimum asks for a GTX 1070 and 8 GB of RAM, while the recommended tier steps up to an RTX 3070 and 16 GB of RAM. The game supports full cross-play across all platforms and uses rollback netcode for online play. There is no Nintendo Switch 2 version.
System Requirements
Minimum (Windows)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-10300 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 |
| VRAM | Not listed separately; the GTX 1070 ships with 8 GB, the RX Vega 56 with 8 GB |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
| Storage | 15 GB available space |
| Network | Broadband internet connection required |
| Additional Notes | Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. Keyboard and mouse supported. Online multiplayer only. |
Source: Steam Support system requirements for NBA THE RUN, VGtimes, and Can I Run It. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The minimum tier targets 1080p at 30 to 60 fps on low-to-medium settings. The Core i3-10300 is a 2020 processor and the GTX 1070 is a 2016 upper-mid-range card with 8 GB of VRAM. This is hardware from roughly six to nine years ago, and it represents a real GPU requirement. The 8 GB VRAM floor is the detail that matters most: a 4 GB or 6 GB card will not meet this specification. The 8 GB system RAM requirement is standard for modern PCs. The 15 GB install size is modest. The broadband internet requirement is non-negotiable: NBA The Run is an online-only game with no offline mode, so you cannot play it without a persistent connection. If you have a gaming PC from the last five to six years with an 8 GB GPU and 8 GB of RAM, you will clear this bar, but see the performance reality section below before assuming the minimum delivers a smooth experience.
Recommended (Windows)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-10700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT |
| VRAM | Not listed separately; the RTX 3070 ships with 8 GB, the RX 6700 XT with 12 GB |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
| Storage | 15 GB available space |
| Network | Broadband internet connection required |
| Additional Notes | Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. |
Source: Steam Support system requirements for NBA THE RUN, VGtimes, and Can I Run It. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The recommended tier targets 1080p or 1440p at 60 fps on high settings. The i7-10700 is a 2020 processor and the RTX 3070 is a 2020 upper-mid-range card. The jump from 8 GB to 16 GB of RAM is the most meaningful change between tiers, and it reflects the game’s memory footprint growing as more players, animations, and court environments are loaded simultaneously during online matches. The 8 GB VRAM on the RTX 3070 is the practical target for 1080p and 1440p rendering. If you have a gaming PC from the last three to four years with an RTX 3070 or better and 16 GB of RAM, you will meet this tier comfortably. However, as the performance section below explains, meeting the recommended specification does not guarantee a smooth experience.
PC Performance Reality: Read Before Buying
The official specifications tell one story, but independent testing and player reports tell another. EndeNews’ PC review found that on PC with an RTX 3060, the game drops to 22 fps during the Season phase, with stadium textures loading only after 30 seconds, sound effects delayed by a full second, and cutscenes showing static images rather than animations. The reviewer also noted that the game crashed on first menu click on Xbox Series X. The game’s Metacritic score sits at 73/100, and the gap between critic scores and player reception is significant. If you are buying on PC, check the latest Steam reviews and patch notes for the current state, as Play by Play Studios has been releasing updates since launch.
A Note on VRAM and System RAM
The 8 GB VRAM minimum is the hard GPU threshold: a 6 GB card will not meet this specification. This is notable for a 3v3 arcade basketball game, and it reflects the game’s Unreal Engine 5 rendering pipeline. The 8 GB system RAM minimum is standard, and the 16 GB recommendation reflects the game’s memory footprint during online matches with six players. If you are running 8 GB, you meet the minimum, but you may encounter stuttering in busy online sessions. Do not underestimate the VRAM requirement: this is not a game that runs comfortably on older budget cards.
PlayStation 5
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Firmware | Latest PS5 system software |
| Storage | Not specified on the PlayStation Store listing; PC version requires 15 GB |
| Performance | 60 fps target, but menu navigation freezes for up to 4 seconds after each loading screen, according to EndeNews |
| Additional Notes | Online multiplayer only. PS Plus required for online play. Cross-platform multiplayer supported. DualSense vibration supported. |
Source: EndeNews’ PS5 review, Vandal’s PS5 technical sheet, and the PlayStation Store listing. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The PS5 version targets 60 fps, but EndeNews’ review reported that “Menü-Navigation friert auf PlayStation 5 für 4 Sekunden nach jedem Ladebildschirm” (menu navigation freezes on PlayStation 5 for 4 seconds after each loading screen). The reviewer also noted that player models resemble “PS2-Ära mit blockigen Armen und leeren Gesichtern” (PS2 era with blocky arms and empty faces), and that shadows flicker on the court when the camera pans. Vandal’s technical sheet confirms the game supports Spanish text and voice acting, online multiplayer, and download-only format. The game is online-only, so PS Plus is required. If you own a PS5, the game is playable, but the menu freezing and visual quality are notable issues that Play by Play Studios has not fully addressed.
Xbox Series X|S
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Firmware | Latest Xbox system software |
| Storage | Not specified on the Xbox Store listing; PC version requires 15 GB |
| Performance (Series X) | Smooth 60 fps with no visual hiccups during 12 hours of testing, according to Complete Xbox |
| Performance (Series S) | Specific targets not published |
| Additional Notes | 4K Ultra HD, Ray Tracing, Spatial Sound, Optimised for Xbox Series XS. Online multiplayer (2-6). Xbox cross-platform multiplayer. |
Source: Complete Xbox’s review, Alternativa Nerd’s Xbox review, and the Xbox Store listing. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The Xbox Series X version is the best-performing console version. Complete Xbox’s review stated that “NBA The Run performs well on Xbox Series X at a smooth 60fps. During my 12 or so hours with the game, I didn’t notice any visual hiccups whatsoever.” Alternativa Nerd’s review confirmed that “rodando no Xbox Series X|S, o jogo mantém desempenho estável na maior parte do tempo. Não foram observadas quedas graves de frame rate” (running on Xbox Series X|S, the game maintains stable performance most of the time. No serious frame rate drops were observed). The Xbox Store listing confirms 4K Ultra HD, Ray Tracing, and Spatial Sound support. The Xbox Series S also runs the game, though specific performance targets have not been published. If you own an Xbox Series X, this is the version to buy.
Nintendo Switch 2: Not Available
NBA The Run has no Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 version. The game launched on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S only, and Play by Play Studios has not announced plans for a Nintendo version. The game’s online-only requirement and Unreal Engine 5 foundation make a Switch port challenging, though not impossible. If you play primarily on Nintendo hardware, you cannot access NBA The Run.
Steam Deck
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Playable (Valve’s middle compatibility tier) |
| Performance | Stable 40 fps with no crashes, per PCMGames. Compatible with TSR upscaling. |
| Additional Notes | Partial Steam Deck control compatibility. Requires appropriate configuration for best results. Small in-game text. |
Source: PCMGames’ Steam Deck performance analysis, Handheld Guru’s Verified/Playable round-up, and TheGamer’s platform listing. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: NBA The Run carries a Playable rating on Steam Deck, Valve’s middle compatibility tier rather than the full Verified badge. PCMGames’ dedicated Steam Deck analysis found that the game “se ejecuta de manera positiva. Con la configuración adecuada… aunque podría ser un poco mejor. Estable en 40 FPS y sin cierres del juego” (runs positively. With the right settings… although it could be a little better. Stable at 40 fps and no game crashes). The reviewer noted partial control compatibility and that the game is compatible with TSR upscaling, which helps with performance. Handheld Guru’s round-up noted that “NBA The Run landed on the Playable list” and that “these games need minor fixes to run smoothly.” The 15 GB install size is modest. If you own a Steam Deck and enjoy arcade sports games, this is a functional portable experience, but the 40 fps cap is a noticeable compromise compared to the 60 fps available on Xbox Series X.
macOS and Linux: Not Available
NBA The Run is a Windows-only release on PC. There is no macOS or native Linux version available. Steam Deck users play through SteamOS, and the Playable rating confirms that this compatibility layer works with the caveats noted above.
Cross-Play and Rollback Netcode
NBA The Run supports full cross-play across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, according to TechTimes. The game uses rollback netcode, the same low-latency networking architecture used in fighting games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. TechTimes explains: “each client immediately processes its own inputs locally, as if playing offline, and predicts what remote players are doing rather than waiting for confirmation. When the actual remote inputs arrive, the game compares them against its predictions. If they match, play continues uninterrupted. If they don’t match, the game state rolls back to the correct frame and resimulates forward.” This is a significant technical achievement for a sports game, where most competitors still use delay-based netcode that introduces input lag proportional to physical distance.
Price and Editions
NBA The Run is available in Standard ($29.99) and **Deluxe** ($39.99) editions. The Deluxe Edition includes additional cosmetic content and early access to future seasonal content. The game has no microtransactions and no loot boxes, which is notable for a 2026 sports title. A free Open Beta was held on 30 May 2026 ahead of launch, and it was available to all players without purchase.
Reception and Review Scores
NBA The Run has received mixed reviews across platforms. Metacritic shows 73/100 from critics. GameDaily awarded it 8.5 out of 10, calling it “a declaration that arcade basketball still has a place in 2026.” TheXboxHub gave it 3.5 out of 5, while Finger Guns noted it is “hard to pick up and even harder to master” but praised the core gameplay as “rivalling games of the same sport with a huge budget.” ICrewPlay scored it 6.8/10, describing it as “un gioco solido, veloce ma che non lascia il segno” (a solid, fast game that doesn’t leave a mark). The game’s content is widely criticised as thin, with only six pre-made players, a Season mode that repeats the same three opposing teams, and no offline mode.
Final Verdict: Can Your Setup Run NBA The Run?
NBA The Run is a demanding PC game for its genre. The minimum spec asks for a Core i3-10300, 8 GB of RAM, and a GTX 1070 with 8 GB of VRAM, which is hardware from 2016-2020. The 8 GB VRAM floor is the hard threshold: a 4 GB or 6 GB card will not meet this specification. The 15 GB install size is modest, and the broadband internet requirement is non-negotiable. If you have a gaming PC from the last five to six years with an 8 GB GPU and 8 GB of RAM, you can run the game at 1080p and 30 to 60 fps on low-to-medium settings. The recommended tier asks for an RTX 3070 and 16 GB of RAM for 1080p or 1440p at 60 fps on high settings.
The 8 GB VRAM minimum is the most important upgrade consideration. If you own a 6 GB card, you cannot run this game regardless of its raw compute power. The 16 GB RAM recommendation is the second most meaningful upgrade path, particularly for online matches with six players.
The performance reality is more complicated than the spec sheet suggests. EndeNews found that on PC with an RTX 3060, the game drops to 22 fps during the Season phase, with delayed textures and sound effects. On PS5, menu navigation freezes for up to 4 seconds after each loading screen. On Xbox Series X, the game runs at a smooth 60 fps with no visual hiccups, making it the best-performing console version. On Steam Deck, the game is Playable and runs at 40 fps with no crashes, though controls are only partially compatible and some minor fixes are needed for smoothness. There is no Nintendo Switch 2 version, and no macOS or Linux version. The game supports full cross-play and uses rollback netcode, which is a meaningful technical advantage for online play.
Specs and performance may be revised by Play by Play Studios in future patches, and the developer has been releasing updates since the 9 June 2026 launch. This article reflects the Steam Support system requirements page, VGtimes, Can I Run It, EndeNews’ PC and PS5 review, TechTimes’ launch coverage, Vandal’s PS5 technical sheet, Complete Xbox’s Xbox Series X review, Alternativa Nerd’s Xbox review, PCMGames’ Steam Deck analysis, Handheld Guru’s Verified/Playable round-up, TheGamer’s platform listing, and verified outlet reports as of 24 September 2026. Chen Xi verifies all specifications by checking official store pages and dating each table; no numbers in this article are estimated or inferred.