Welcome to the world of sports video games, where the thrill of real-life competition meets the deep immersion of gaming. The sports genre has advanced by leaps and bounds, with incredible graphics, stunning life-like audio, and detailed physics that closely emulate the real-life experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a sports enthusiast looking to explore new digital arenas, there’s a sports game out there. I’ll share some of my favourite sports titles and the top games currently available while also looking at what’s coming next. Let’s dive into the gaming sports genre and find an experience right for you!
Major league video game sports
If you are a pro sports fan, many franchises release titles annually. From basketball to golf, all major leagues, like the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, PGA, and soccer, have games to help you live out your professional sports fantasies.
Each year, many sports games go through a refresh, adding updated rosters, improvements to visuals, new gameplay mechanics and features that continue to bring them closer to their real-life counterparts. If you hit the gridiron, hard court, ice, or field, your favourite players and teams await. Here are some of the pro league experiences you can bring home today:
FC 25
Get ready for kick-off with FC 25, which looks to build upon last year’s installment with many exciting features. The biggest highlight is the new social gameplay experience 5v5 Rush, Play Styles, and FC IQ, which will be overhauled to offer greater strategic control, authentic women’s career experience, and more.
College Football 25
After an 11-year hiatus, the beloved EA Sports College Football experience has returned! It’s left football fans like me excited for a new era in video game college football. The latest entry in the storied franchise includes 134 FBS teams, realistic environments, and a new playoff format. Along with next-gen graphics and new gameplay additions, this installment introduces “CampusIQ,” offering player “Wear & Tear” and home field advantage, creating a more immersive and realistic experience.
Madden NFL 25
Get ready to step onto the gridiron with Madden NFL 25, the latest installment in the football franchise. This season introduces new features like BOOM Tech physics-based tackling, signature styles for NFL stars, and an enhanced Franchise Mode with dynamic storylines. Build your dream team in Ultimate Team and enjoy next-gen graphics and lifelike presentations from the pre-game show to the Super Bowl Trophy Presentation. Get ready for the snap, Madden 25 is lined up to bring you the most immersive football experience yet.
NBA 2K24
Developer 2K Games just announced NBA 2K25 is on the horizon, releasing this September. But if you want to hit the digital hardcourt today, NBA 2K24 is out now. With 2K24, you can relive the legacy of Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players ever. Step into Kobe’s shoes and recreate his most memorable moments and milestone records. Enjoy realistic graphics and fast-paced gameplay with the best NBA and WNBA teams. Get ready for tip-off!
NHL 24
NHL 24 lets you experience the intensity and realism of pro hockey. With the new Exhaust Engine, powered by Frostbite, you can feel the rush and fatigue of high-pressure games as you battle for possession and momentum. You can also unleash your creativity and skill with Vision Passing and Total Control Skill Moves, giving you more control on the ice. And with Physics-Based Contact, you can see the impact of hits and collisions on the ice.
MLB The Show 24
The Show 24 returns with the Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the cover star, bringing his powerhouse hitting and dynamic playstyle to the virtual diamond. Along with Vladdy comes a new “Impact Plays” mechanic, allowing you to make big defensive plays to alter the course of the game. The batting mechanics have also been refined to be more responsive and balanced, rewarding offence and defence. Along with all the new changes, franchise, home run derby, and retro modes return, offering a wide variety of baseball experiences.
NBA 2K25
Get ready for tip-off with NBA 2K25, the latest in the long-running basketball franchise. This season, gameplay gets better with ProPLAY technology, delivering the most realistic basketball action yet. Dribbling mechanics have been reworked, over 9,000 new animations have been added, and MyCareer and MyNBA modes have been updated. Get ready to step up your game with NBA 2K25.
Sports racing video games
Motorsports are one of the most fun and exciting parts of this genre. The depth and breadth of how you can take a checkered flag on a track are incredibly varied. From arcade racers like Mario Kart to the ultra-realistic Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo simulators, they challenge gamers of all skill levels. Let’s look at some of the category’s best games:
Arcade-style video game sports racing
If you want a more accessible, action-packed experience, arcade racing has plenty of fun in store. Born and bred in arcade cabinets, classics like Out Run, Daytona USA and Ridge Racer shaped the modern arcade racer experience we enjoy on gaming consoles today.
These games come in many styles and settings, from cartoony kart racers to out-of-this-world sci-fi showdowns. They aren’t without their challenges, but if you want over-the-top fun, these are some of my favourites:
LEGO 2K Drive
If you are looking for family-friendly fun on the open road, LEGO 2K Drive is the ultimate high-octane racer. The vibrant world of Bricklandia awaits, where you can build and customize your vehicles with over 1,000 unique LEGO pieces. Whether playing solo or with friends in co-op and competitive multiplayer modes, LEGO 2K Drive offers plenty of fun and creativity.
Kart Racers
If you want pure fun on the racetrack, try kart racing games. These titles streamline controls while adding twists like out-of-this-world tracks and even introduce combat mechanics. Be careful how you use that purple shell in Mario Kart!
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains the undisputed champion of kart racers and is one of my personal favourites. This is the game’s definitive version, featuring 42 characters, 48 courses, and 40 karts. Nintendo continues to support Mario Kart 8 through paid DLC with the Deluxe Booster Course Pass. The DLC adds a whopping 48 additional tracks that are available now with the purchase of the Course Pass or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Individual Pack Membership.
Open world racers
Open-world racers are a relatively new genre, but they have quickly become this category’s most interesting motorsport games. These games let you hop in a vehicle and take it just about anywhere your heart desires. The freedom these games offer is extremely satisfying, and they have gained a loyal following from casual and hardcore racing fans.
Forza Horizon 5
The latest entry in the legendary Forza Horizon series takes to road in Mexico. Explore the series most ambitious setting yet packed with races, challenges and a massive lineup of cars.
The Crew Motorfest
Explore the stunning island of O’ahu in The Crew Motorfest, the ultimate racing festival game. Whether you prefer street racing, drift, dirt bikes, hyper racers, or more, you can find your perfect ride among hundreds of iconic cars. You can also take to the skies or the seas with planes and boats. Discover activities, challenges, and secrets across the Hawaiian open world.
Simulation racing
When it comes to simulation racing games, developers painstakingly work to deliver a real-world driving experience. These games feature realistic physics, and mechanical details right down to aerodynamics, tire tread wear, brakes and the ability to tune your car.
F1 24
EA Sports F1 24 offers the ultimate Formula 1 racing experience with advanced car physics, realistic weather, and dynamic race events. Dive into Driver Career mode or race as your favourite F1 driver. Experience the thrill of Formula 1 with improved tire models and an all-new suspension kinematics system, giving you better control over your car’s performance.
Forza Motorsport
If you’re looking for the ultimate racing experience, Forza Motorsport is one of the most comprehensive in the genre. With over 500 real-world cars and 20 dynamic environments, Forza is as close to the real thing as possible. Enjoy realistic weather, time-of-day changes, and competitive racing in Career Mode and Multiplayer events.
Gran Turismo 7
The real driving simulator is back! Experience the life of a racer by building your professional career, customizing your cars, competing in numerous tracks, and participating in real-life leagues in this visually stunning motorsports game.
Arcade Sports Video Games
Step into the wild side of sports, where all the limits and boundaries are pushed by athletes who push themselves to the limit. Alongside the wild side of extreme sports are arcade experiences that bend the sport’s rules to create more fun for their audiences. Here is my top pick:
Nintendo Switch Sports
Unleash a new world of gaming experiences with the Nintendo Switch Sports for Nintendo Switch. Featuring six different sports, this switch lets you play your favourite sport with a far-away opponent or as a team sitting in the same room. With the intuitive Leg Strap accessory and Joy-Con controllers, you can curve the bowling ball, hit a tennis shot or even kick a soccer shot.
Sports-based prizefighting
If you are a boxing, MMA or wrestling fan, this is the sports subgenre for you. These games emulate sports with hand-to-hand combat, delivering the thrills of the ring or octagon right to your gaming console. Get ready to rumble!
WWE 2K24
Step into the ring with WWE 2K24, which offers ultra-realistic graphics and new features. Choose from a variety of WWE stars, such as John Cena, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Roman Reigns, “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, and more. Experience the thrill of the new WrestleMania in the 2K Showcase of the Immortals and build your dream faction with MyFACTION mode. This year, new match types like Ambulance, Special Guest Referee, Casket, and Gauntlet have been introduced. With a roster featuring current Superstars and Legends, plus online multiplayer, WWE 2K24 offers big-time entertainment for wrestling fans.
UFC 5
Step into the octagon with UFC 5, powered by the Frostbite engine. The game features next-generation graphics, all-new damage systems and doctor stoppages that make every fight more realistic and immersive. You can play as your favourite UFC fighters, create your own fighter, or challenge yourself with daily and weekly tasks.
Undisputed
Step into the ring for the most authentic boxing experience with lifelike visuals, licensed boxers, and enhanced character customization. Todd Grisham and Johnny Nelson call your bouts, which will feel like instant classics. Jimmy Lennon Junior’s fighter introductions offer more authenticity and excitement. Will you become the Undisputed champ?
High adrenaline action awaits with video game sports
The sports genre offers a wide range of experiences that look to light a competitive fire in you while playing. Whether you are a fan of big-league sports, racing, extreme competition or prize fighting this genre has something for you. I recommend trying a title from each category above and see which is the best fit for your gaming tastes.
Let us know what your favourite sports game is in the comments below!
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