You’re playing against Kobe Bryant in the last minutes of the game, and he scores the winning shot. You lose, but you’re still happy to see him win. That’s how playing the best sports video games of all time can make you feel.
Gaming has got to be one of the most thrilling adventures technology could give, and being part of the sports club you already love? And playing with your favorite sportsman on top of it? Takes the cake. The genuine fun is getting to play every other video game that ruled in the last decades.
Try out the FIFA series or get the WWE 2k series; find the adrenaline-rushing with the OGs listed down before.
The Best Sports Video Games of All Time
If you are a fan of sports games, then you may look for the best sports video games. Today, there are several platforms where you can play games. So I made the list of the best sports video games of all time for PC, Android, iOS, and consoles like Wii, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Best sports video games of all time for PC
Don’t be worried about the configurations; these games can be played on any modern gaming PC, Here’s the list to try out the best sports video games of all time.
| Game Title | Description | Platform | Where to Play |
| FIFA Series (1993-present) | This is the ultimate FIFA Soccer match with real-world teams and players. You can play single matches, full seasons, or manage a team over multiple seasons. | PC | Origin, Steam |
| NBA 2K Series (1999-present) | The Basketball you wished for! Play NBA games with real teams and players, manage a team, or create your own player for a career mode. | PC | Steam, Epic Games Store |
| Madden NFL Series (1988-present) | Take to the gridiron in this American football game. Play full NFL seasons, manage a team, or create your own player for a career mode. | PC | Origin, Steam |
| Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) (2001-present) | Another iconic soccer game, this series is known for its realistic simulation of the sport. Similar to FIFA, you can play matches, manage teams, or create a player for a career mode. | PC | Steam |
| Rocket League (2015) | Get an arcade experience with this game where you use rocket-powered vehicles to play soccer! It’s a crazy and fun take on the sport. | PC | Steam, Epic Games Store |
| Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (2000) | This classic skateboarding game lets you pull off sick tricks and combos as legendary skater Tony Hawk or create your own skater. | PC | GOG, Steam |
| MLB The Show 21 (2021) | A baseball game featuring your real MLB teams and players. | PC | Xbox Game Pass (via Cloud) |
| Football Manager Series (2004-present) | For the ultimate soccer strategist, this game lets you manage a club team, making all the decisions about players, tactics, and transfers. | PC | Steam, Epic Games Store |
| NHL 21 (2020) | It’s a Hockey game, with full seasons, managing the team and selecting the players for a career mode. | PC | Origin, Steam |
| Dirt Rally 2.0 (2019) | Get a super adrenaline rush with the epic race off-road rally cars through challenging tracks. | PC | Steam |
| WWE 2K Series (2000-present) | Step into the squared circle and fight as your favorite WWE superstars or create your own wrestler for a career mode. | PC | Steam |
| SSX Tricky (2001) | You get to do snowboarding by performing crazy tricks in this arcade-style snowboarding game. | PC | GOG |
| PGA Tour 2K21 (2020) | A realistic golf game. Play as famous golfers or create your own golfing personality with a career mode turned on. | PC | Steam |
| Fight Night Champion (2011) | Get your gloves and box it out in this stimulating boxing game featuring real and fictional boxers. | PC | EA Play (via Origin) |
Best sports video games of all time for iOS or Android
Miss playing a fun mobile game? These are the best sports video games of all time you can avail of on your devices. The PlayStore and App store have them all under one roof.
| Game | Description | Platform |
| Bike Unchained 3 (2021) | Race downhill on mountain bikes against others or compete in timed events to unlock new bikes and gear. You can also customize your rider’s appearance. | iOS, Android |
| The Ramp (2021) | This is a skateboarding game where you perform tricks and combos on a skatepark ramp. The game features realistic physics and ragdoll physics for your skater, making for sometimes hilarious crashes. You can also customize your skater’s appearance. | iOS, Android |
| Golf On Mars (2020) | As the title suggests, this is a quirky game where you play golf… on Mars! The game features cartoony graphics and simple controls. You’ll navigate various terrains and avoid hazards that could sink your putt. | iOS, Android |
| Trail Boss BMX | Glide down the hills in your own style and find your way to ace it, as you have to figure out the style best suited for each hill. | iOS, Android, Nintendo switch |
| Dirt Bike Unchained | There doesn’t seem to be a recent game by this title, but it likely refers to an older mobile game similar to Bike Unchained 3. | iOS, Android |
| 8 Ball Pool (2013) | This is a classic pool game where you play against the AI or other players online. You can play eight-ball pool, which is the most common variation, or other pool game modes. | iOS, Android |
| Big Mountain Adventure (2017) | Explore a vast mountain world by foot, bike, or snowboard. Complete challenges, discover secrets, and enjoy the scenery. | iOS, Android |
| FIFA Mobile (2016) | Build a team with real soccer players, play matches against others, and compete in seasons and events. | iOS, Android |
| Retro Bowl (2016) | Manage an American football team in a retro-style game. Make plays, win games, and aim for the league championship. The game features pixel art and simple controls. | iOS, Android |
| Virtua Tennis Challenge (2016) | Play as famous tennis stars or create your own player for a career mode in this mobile tennis game. The game features realistic controls and motion-captured animations. | iOS, Android |
| Table Tennis Touch (2013) | Play table tennis against the AI or other players online using simple swipe controls and realistic physics. | iOS, Android |
| Snowboarding The Fourth Phase (2014) | Perform snowboarding tricks and combos in various locations with realistic physics and stunning visuals. | iOS, Android |
| NBA 2K Mobile Basketball (2018) | Build a team with real NBA players, play matches against others, and compete in seasons and events. | iOS, Android |
| Carrom Pool: Disc Game (2018) | Fun & easy multiplayer board game, with smooth controls and game strategy, try it against your friends or players around the world. | iOS, Android |
| EA SPORTS UFC + (2017) | Fight as famous UFC fighters or create your own for a career mode in this mobile fighting game. The game features realistic controls and motion-captured animations. | iOS, Android |
| Cricket League (2021) | Here’s your 3D multiplayer cricket league, run around the field scoring sixes with your friends or available players around. | iOS, Android |
| Touchgrind BMX 2 (2014) | Perform BMX bike stunts in various locations with realistic physics and stunning visuals. | iOS, Android |
| Tennis Clash (2019) | Get on the court and show your best moves with this multiplayer tennis game. The visuals would make you extra competitive , you get to customize your racket, join the league and choose the players you compete with. | iOS, Android |
| Grand Mountain Adventure (2014) | Explore a vast mountain world by skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, and completing challenges. The game features beautiful graphics and realistic physics. | iOS, Android |
| Pocket-Run Pool (2016) | Play 3D pool against the AI or other players online. The game features realistic physics and various pool game modes. | iOS |
| New Star Soccer Manager (2014) | Take control of a soccer team, make decisions about players, tactics, and transfers in this quirky text-based soccer management game. | iOS |
Best sports video games of all time for console (PlayStation, Wii, Xbox)
Bored playing the same old games? Try these Best sports video games of all time on your console.
| Game | Description | Platform |
| 100ft Robot Golf” (2017) | This quirky game lets you play golf as a giant robot! You’ll navigate destructible environments and battle bosses on your way to sinking your putt. | PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, and Microsoft Windows |
| ESPN NFL 2K5 (2004) | This game was a popular American football simulation. The 2K series is no longer in production, but other football games like Madden NFL are available. | PlayStation 2, Xbox |
| NBA 2K11 | This was an installment in the popular NBA 2K basketball simulation series, the most authentic experience to ever share with the iconic players. | PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, |
| Rocket League (2015) | A wild and fun game where you use rocket-powered vehicles to play soccer! It’s a crazy and fast-paced take on the sport. | PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, and Microsoft Windows |
| Fight Night Round 4 (2009) | It’s a boxing simulation game and you can box as famous fighters like Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson, or create your own boxer and fight your way to the championship in a career mode. The game offers realistic boxing mechanics with punches, blocks, and stamina management. | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows Mobile |
| NCAA Football 14 | This game offered a deep college football experience, letting you manage your team, recruit players, and compete for the national championship. | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |
| MLB The Show 20 (2020) | Step up to the plate and experience the thrill of Major League Baseball. Play with real teams and players, manage your career, and compete for the World Series. | PlayStation 4 |
| Everybody’s Golf (2017) | This golf game offers a more relaxed and casual experience with a colorful and cartoony art style. Enjoy a round of golf without the pressure of hyper-realistic simulation. | PlayStation 4 |
| Steep (2016) | Experience the thrill of extreme sports in Steep. Paraglide, snowboard, ski, wingsuit, and BASE jump across a massive open world, performing tricks and challenges. | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows |
| Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup (2003) | Take to the skies on broomsticks and compete in the fast-paced sport of Quidditch from the Harry Potter universe. This game captures the magic and excitement of the sport from the books and movies. | PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows |
| Skate 3 (2010) | Hit the streets and pull off insane skateboarding tricks in Skate 3. Explore an open world environment, complete challenges, and create your own skateboarding legend.
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PlayStation 2, Xbox 360 |
| NBA Street Vol. 2 (2003) | This isn’t your typical basketball simulation! NBA Street Vol. 2 features exaggerated physics, over-the-top dunks, and streetball flair. Show off your skills on playgrounds around the world. | PlayStation 2, Xbox |
| SSX: Tricky (2001) | Shred the slopes and perform crazy snowboard tricks in SSX: Tricky. This arcade-style snowboarding game features a focus on stunts and combos rather than pure realism. | PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube |
| Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2
(2020) |
A remake of the iconic skateboarding games that defined the genre. Pull off classic tricks and lines from the original games or create your own skateboarding legacy. | PlayStation 2, Xbox |
| MVP Baseball (2005) | This game was praised for its realistic baseball simulation gameplay, featuring deep pitching and hitting mechanics, and authentic player rosters. It’s considered one of the best baseball games ever made. | PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox |
| Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 (2003) | Tee off with golfing legend Tiger Woods in this realistic golf simulation game. The game features accurate courses, detailed character creation, and a variety of game modes. | PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows, Xbox |
| NFL Blitz (1997) | This classic arcade-style football game is known for its over-the-top violence (by today’s standards) and fast-paced action. Focus on scoring points and tackling with reckless abandon. | PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Microsoft Windows |
| Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games series (2007-) | This series features various Olympic Games events with characters from the Mario and Sonic universes. Compete in track and field, swimming, gymnastics, and more in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. | Nintendo Wii |
| Backyard Baseball (1997) | This lighthearted game features kid-friendly baseball with caricatured versions of kids playing the sport. It’s a more casual and humorous take on baseball. | Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Wii, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Xbox 360, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube |
| Mario Tennis Aces (2018) | This game revamps the Mario Tennis series with a focus on strategic depth and energetic gameplay. Play as your favorite Mario characters on various courts, using a variety of techniques like Zone Shots and special character abilities. | Nintendo Switch |
| Super Mario Strikers (2005) | This chaotic and fast-paced soccer game features characters from the Mario universe. Use power-ups, tackle opponents, and score goals in a wacky take on the sport. | Nintendo |
| WWF No Mercy (2000) | This game was a fan favorite in the wrestling genre, featuring a large roster of wrestlers from the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and a variety of match types. Create your own wrestler or take control of your favorites. | Nintendo 64 |
| Ring Fit Adventure (2019) | This unique game combines fitness with adventure. Explore a fantasy world, battle enemies, and complete quests using real-world exercise movements tracked by the Ring-Con and Leg Strap accessories. | Nintendo Switch |
| Wii Sports (2006) | This game was a launch title for the Wii console and helped popularize motion-controlled gaming. Play various sports like tennis, bowling, baseball, and more using the Wii Remote and Nunchuck controllers. | Nintendo WII |
| Mario Superstar Baseball (2005) | This game brings the fun of baseball to the Mario universe. Play as your favorite Mario characters on various themed baseball fields. The game features a mix of realistic baseball mechanics, Mario-themed power-ups and special moves, making it a fun and accessible experience for all ages. | Nintendo |
| NHL 94 (1993) | This classic hockey game is known for its fast-paced action, responsive controls, and (somewhat) exaggerated player abilities. It’s a nostalgic favorite for many hockey fans. | Nintendo |
| Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball (1994) | This game features Major League Baseball with famous player Ken Griffey Jr. on the cover. The game offered a more arcade-style experience compared to some simulations, with a focus on fun and fast-paced gameplay. | Nintendo |
| NBA Jam (1993) | This iconic basketball game is known for its over-the-top dunks, crazy announcer commentary, and exaggerated gameplay. It’s a classic arcade-style experience that prioritizes fun over realism. | SNES |
| Tecmo Bowl (1989) | This arcade-style American football game is another classic known for its fast-paced action and over-the-top running backs. The game offers a more simplified experience compared to modern simulations but remains a fun and nostalgic choice. | NES |
| Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! (1987) | This classic boxing game puts you in the shoes of a boxer, fighting your way up the ranks to challenge Mike Tyson. The game is known for its unique punch-out mechanic and its memorable cast of boxers. | NES |
Takeaways
Those were the best sports video games of all time! Explore these exhilarating games that are still famous among seasoned gamers. Here’s your chance to be one too! Give it a shot and see for yourself. You might end up finding your next favorite game to commit to for the next few weeks.
References:
- Frydenlund, Z., DeStefano, M., Smith, P., Felderstein, B., Turuseta, J., & Olojede, Z. (2022, September 28). The 25 Best Sports Video Games, Ranked. Complex. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.complex.com/sports/a/zach-frydenlund/best-sports-video-games
- Pumerantz, Z. (2011, November 7). The 50 Best Sports Video Games of All Time. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://bleacherreport.com/articles/925327-50-best-sports-video-games-of-all-time
- Sholtz, M., & Bradbury, J. (n.d.). 17 best sports games on Android in 2024. Android Police. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.androidpolice.com/best-sports-game-android/
- Best Mobile Sports Games of 2024. (2024, April 1). Marks Angry Review. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://marksangryreview.com/best-mobile-sport-games/
