PlayStation 5 Critic Reviews

From a suite of real-world data to on-field animation expansions, MLB The Show 26 promises authenticity on stat screens and in stadiums alike.

Knocking it out of the park once again, San Diego Studio continues to make MLB The Show 26 a premier sports sim.

MLB The Show 26 builds on a rock-solid foundation and improves across the board, even if there is still room for improvement.

MLB The Show 26 from developer San Diego Studio and publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment is a solid improvement from last year’s game, with more data inclusion, smoother career decision-making, and better backend gameplay refinements. While not a huge leap from the previous year, it’s still a good release with enough reason to consider it, especially if you’re a new player who doesn’t have last year’s game.

Fun, varied, and packed with different game modes, MLB The Show 26 offers a complete experience that leaves little to be desired, easily catering to baseball fans of all kinds. While this year’s changes don’t make a major impact — mostly refining what was already an excellent gameplay foundation — the core experience remains as strong as ever. For those ready to dive back in for another season of pitching duels, strikeouts, and towering home runs, the game delivers a well-rounded package that suits both a more casual playstyle and those looking for a true Major League-level challenge.

The question is always the same: is it really worth opening your wallet and buying this new incarnation of baseball from Sony San Diego Studio? Once again, the answer is yes, marked by steady growth without losing its identity, both in terms of gameplay and in its technical aspects and content. Everything that was already great about the series remains in MLB The Show 26, but this year too brings some interesting new features that make virtual baseball even more satisfying and believable. The revamped controls for batting and pitching will win over both newcomers and veteran players, while those who prefer not to change their style can still rely on the comfort zone of previous options. Sure, there’s no revolution, but it’s guaranteed fun for anyone who loves baseball—or perhaps wants to get closer to this fantastic sport.

I enjoyed playing MLB The Show 26, despite the laggy menus. Those same menus are much easier to navigate, but could use some quality of life tweaks to make things fully optimized.

MLB The Show 26 isn’t a dramatic overhaul but it is a step in the right direction. Its improvements to data presentation, career progression, defensive realism and strategic depth make it a richer and more satisfying entry. Newcomers and players who skipped last year’s release will find plenty to enjoy, while long-time fans will appreciate the refinements that keep the franchise comfortably ahead of its rivals. Solid!

MLB The Show 26 once again confirms the series’ solidity. It doesn’t revolutionize the formula, but it improves it in several key aspects, offering an extremely refined and content-rich sports experience. For baseball fans, it remains simply the most complete simulation available today.

Gameplay remains solid, with small additions that hardcore players will appreciate, but the lack of real innovation and the limited evolution of some modes are starting to weigh on what remains, despite everything, the best sports simulation game on the market.