The conversation around NBA 2K26 has been dominated by new gameplay systems (such as “green-or-miss“), tweaks to the MyPlayer Builder system, and (of course) the presence of shamelessly pay-to-win microtransactions. However, these are just the standard talking points. Beneath all that, there’s a darker undercurrent that players keep bringing up: The rise of cheating using Cronus Zen.
For those who might not be familiar with it, Cronus Zen is a controller adapter that allows you to run scripts, macros, and tweaks that can automate button inputs. In NBA 2K, that often means things like “auto-greens” on jump shots, perfect timing for free throws, or even automated dribble moves that would normally take skill and practice to master.
In other words, it’s a piece of hardware that does the work for you.
NBA 2K26 Players Are Over It
If you search “NBA 2K26 cheating” on Google or YouTube, you’ll quickly find players calling out the use of Cronus Zen devices as one of the biggest new issues in online play. Much of that frustration stems from 2K’s decision to lean fully into its “green-or-miss” shooting system this year, which shifts the outcome of shots away from random number generation and onto precise timing. That shift has made external tools like the Cronus Zen more powerful than ever.
The problem is most noticeable on Xbox. Sony previously rolled out a PlayStation 5 update that blocked Cronus Zen devices, effectively cutting off that avenue for cheating on its platform. Microsoft, on the other hand, hasn’t taken similar steps, leaving Xbox players to deal with opponents who are still taking advantage of the exploit.
And it’s not just regular NBA 2K players and content creators who are noticing it either. Popular streamer xQc pointed out issues when the game was still in early access, stating that every lobby he loaded into was allegedly full of players who were cheating by using Cronus Zen devices.
YO @NBA2K THERE IS NO WAY THAT IN 2025 THERE ARE NO SOLUTIONS TO THE CHEATER EPIDEMIC. EVERY SINGLE LOBBY IS RIDDLED FULL OF ZEN USERS. THE GAME IS UNPLAYABLE HOW IS THIS ACCEPTABLE? YOUR PLAYER BASE DESERVES BETTER
— xQc (@xQc) September 1, 2025
Just to confirm the issue was actually a thing and not some urban myth that was being perpetuated by message boards and YouTube creators, I even spoke to my brother, who is a dedicated NBA 2K player and plays online way more than I do. And even he seems to think that cheating is way more commonplace in 2K26 than it has been in the past.
So, why is this such a big issue now? Well, that’s because Cronus Zen is no longer some pet project being done in a Discord by a collection of nerds looking for an advantage — the device is mainstream and can be bought from retailers such as Walmart and Best Buy for around $100.
The Effects Of Cheating In NBA 2K26
This is usually the part of the article where certain writers would try to play devil’s advocate by asking a question such as, “But is it really cheating?” But I’m not gonna waste anyone’s time by even entertaining that question, because using a Cronus Zen in NBA 2K26 is 100% cheating. The device exists strictly to give players an edge by automating timing and inputs. It’s not the same as having a good controller or a comfortable setup, and is way more akin to using an aimbot in a first-person shooter.
And it’s not just bad for players who can’t compete with a literal bot. It’s also poisoning the well for players who are putting in the work to master the new shooting mechanics, and will be accused of cheating by others. That breaks down trust in online games, and when you lose trust, the whole competitive scene starts to feel pointless.
So, what is 2K doing about this? Well, as of right now, no policy explicitly bans the use of Cronus Zen devices when playing NBA 2K26. However, 2K has said that script-assisting violates fair play rules, and many Zen users were banned during 2K25’s cycle.
The bigger problem, though, is that Microsoft still allows devices like the Cronus Zen to work on Xbox (NBA 2K26 is cross-platform). Until that changes, 2K can only do so much on its end to keep things fair, which means the issue isn’t going away for players anytime soon.
