Best Sports Games to Play 2023

Whether you’re a golfer, boxer, footballer or you’re into any other sport for that matter, in the world of esports there’s bound to be a virtual version of this game for you. If you’re taking a break from physical sport, then virtual gaming can be an excellent way to keep your mind occupied whilst your body rests. You can even use some of these games for light exercise if they’re motion controlled. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best sports games across different platforms that you can play in 2023. No matter if you’re an avid PC gamer, or a Playstation fan, there are numerous options to choose from. Keep reading to find out the top sporting games of 2023.

Best Playstation & Xbox Sports Games

For those who prefer the classic gaming consoles, the following games are selected as some of the best sports games for PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X.

FIFA 23: The FIFA series has become a staple name in any household with a Playstation or Xbox. It is continually one of the most popular games to play on these platforms. FIFA 23 is the final installation of the series, making it a must-play sporting game for 2023. The game won’t get your body moving, but the challenges are sure to keep your mind active. FIFA 23 will be released across platforms on September 30th 2022, but it is recommended to play on PS4 or PS5 for the best experience. FIFA 23 standard edition starts at £59.99.

F1 2020: F1 2020 is a racing simulator game with 22 circuits and 20 drivers to choose from. There are also 10 teams, but the game offers you the chance to create your own 11th team. Designed to be the most realistic in the series, the game offers you the opportunity to try F1 racing at home. F1 2020 can be purchased for £17.99.

Art of Rally: For the indie gamers, this game offers a unique experience of racing sports. Choose from free roam mode for a more relaxed game, or career mode for a challenging play. This is a sports game best played on Xbox, though it is available on PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Pricing for Art of Rally starts at £16.99.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2: With outstanding reviews, this is a remaster of the first two games in the Tony Hawk’s series. It has won several ‘best sports game’ awards over the past two years and continues to be one of the best heading into 2023. If you like skating, or are a fan of the classic Tony Hawk games, this one is worth a try. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 starts at £24.99 and can be purchased for PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Football Manager 2023: If you’re more interested in the logistics of football rather than the physical playing aspect of it, then Football Manager is for you. Try your hand at managing teams and individual players. Football Manager is due to be released in November 2022, and will likely be one of the best sporting games of 2023. Football Manager 2023 prices start from £35.99 if pre-ordered.

Best Nintendo Switch & Wii Sports Games

If you prefer a handheld console, the Switch is perfect. You can use it when travelling between sports practices or during breaks. With a variety of sports games to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the best sporting games for the Switch (or the Wii if you’re an old school gamer).

Switch Sports: Made as a revival of the classic Wii Sports games, Switch Sports brings a contemporary gaming experience, with the ability to play online. With its arrival in 2022, it became one of the best selling Switch games to date, and is well worth a play in 2023. Get moving by choosing from football, tennis, badminton, chambara, bowling, or volleyball. Using the joycon gets you moving in the comfort of your own house with your favourite sports. You can buy Switch Sports for £30.99.

Fitness Boxing: Fist of the North Star. Fitness boxing is a great sport to keep in shape and workout. If you have a lack of time to take up fitness boxing with physical trainers, or aren’t fond of sports, this game will combat a lack of daily exercise by bringing a fun element to boxing. Without the risk of getting hurt by real life opponents, punch your way through various stages to the boss levels to get your cardio in. This game is due to hit the platform in March 2023, and is worth keeping an eye out for as one of the best sporting games of 2023.

Mario Strikers: Battle League Football: New to the platform, Mario Strikers is a fun football game with a Nintendo twist. The characters show so much personality, and the mechanics of the game make it fun and accessible for everyone to play. You can play with AI or with friends, selecting from a roster of your favourite Mario characters. This game won’t get you up and moving, but it’s an extremely fun sporting game. Mario Striker: Battle League Football is priced at £49.99.

NBA 2K23: If you love basketball and career based sports games, this is a great option. In the latest instalment of official NBA games, you can compete as your favourite basketball stars. Take part in the Jordan challenges or create a league of your own. Priced at £49.99, find out more about the NBA 2K23 game.

PBA Pro Bowling: PBA Pro Bowling is a bowling simulation game, and with current and past bowling champions, the game is more realistic than others on the market. This makes it perfect for bowling enthusiasts to enjoy in their downtime. Play in career mode, or play online matches to compete across the globe. With prices from £26.99, click here to find out more about PBA Pro Bowling 2023.

Tee Time Golf: Whilst Tee Time Golf has been around since 2018, it continues to rack up positive reviews. You can play in three different modes, or design your own courses for you and your friends to play. Its continual pleasant gaming experience means that it still ranks as one of the best sporting games to play in 2023. Prices for Tee Time Golf start at £19.99 on the Nintendo e-store.

Now for the old school gamers, we’ve included a couple of notable Nintendo Wii nominations. If you still own a Wii, you can revive some sporting nostalgia.

Nintendo Wii Sports & Sports Resort: Arguably one of the most memorable games ever created. Even though many people have moved away from the Wii to the Switch, there’s still a fondness for these classic Nintendo games. Wii Sports & Sports Resort are great for competitive people, and you can pick from a variety of sports, many of which act as a small cardio workout. If you ‘re looking for some sporting or gaming nostalgia, we recommend revisiting the Wii sports games.

Just Dance: Just Dance is a true classic that gets you moving. Available on most console platforms, you can choose your preference. We picked the Wii as it adds to the nostalgia of the game. Since the songs vary across each game, you can pick which one suits you best. For the 2023 game you can expect to be dancing to songs such as Stay by Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber, Dynamite by BTS or more old school songs like Telephone by Lady Gaga and Beyonce. A fantastic sports game to get you moving indoors.

NB: With the arrival of the Switch, stores won’t sell brand new Wii games, source these from a trusted pre-owned item selling platform.

Best PC Sports Games

Many of the games listed above are all suited to PC gamers, but the following are a select few that really stand out as the best sporting games to play specifically on PC.

Rocket League: Rocket league is a fun football game with a unique twist, played as custom cars that hit a giant ball. You can choose from a variety of modes such as basketball, ice hockey, rumble mode, and more. Play online with friends or with global competitors to boost your rank and earn items. Rocket League consistently ranks as one of the best sports games to play year after year. Free to play with in-app purchases available, learn how to download Rocket League on their official site.

Super Mega Baseball 3: A quirky baseball simulation game that you can play solo or with friends. Super Mega Baseball 3 offers a free demo that you can play before you decide to buy. Practice your hand-eye coordination with this sports game, consistently ranking highly with players, this is one of the best sporting games out there at the minute. What’s more, you play Super Mega Baseball 3 on PC, Xbox PlayStation or Nintendo Switch.

Golf With Your Friends: This is a fun crazy-golf simulation, that you play with your friends or online with other worldwide contestants. Golf your way through creative golf courses, or even design your own on the Steam Workshop. This game provides hours of fun for any sports or gaming enthusiast alike.

With prices starting at £10.99, discover more about this cross-platform golf game on Team17’s site.

Knockout City: Offering something different to the world of esports, Knockout City is a fun ‘dodgebrawl’ game. Accessible to new or experienced gamers, the game is easy to pick up and play. Knockout City is fun and exciting, and should be added to your wishlist for sporting games to play in 2023.

Learn more about this free-to-play game on the Knockout City site.

Prefer Physical Sport?

These are our recommendations for the best sporting games of 2023, perfect for holiday and colder seasons when sports are subject to cancellations and weather conditions. If you want to keep up the physical sport, you can check out our range of sportswear to keep you comfortable whilst you work out. We also provide team sportswear for those wanting to compete with friends outside of the world of esports.