The best sports games: Top simulators for PC and consoles

Professional sports are a highly paid and prestigious field. But gamers don't need to put on football boots or ice skates: just jump into cool sports simulators on PC and consoles to become a real athlete.

We've put together a list of the top 10 games about basketball, motorcycle racing, Formula 1, and more. Many of the simulators on the list can be played with a friend on the same console or PC.

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eFootball PES 2020

• Release date: 30 July 2019
• Developer: Konami
• Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One

The Pro Evolution Soccer series has always been renowned for its sophisticated mechanics: if you play the game on a TV, it's not always possible to tell the difference between the graphics and a real football match. eFootball PES 2020 is the latest truly impressive instalment in the series, featuring many famous teams and leagues. It's not quite on the same level as Electronic Arts' FIFA, of course, but Japan's Pro Evolution Soccer is head and shoulders above its American competitors in terms of realism and authenticity on the football pitch.

FIFA 22

• Release date: 27 September 2021
• Developer: Electronic Arts
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

But what you can't take away from Electronic Arts' FIFA is the variety of different cups, championships and teams from dozens of countries around the world. FIFA 22 has an excellent single-player career mode where you can go from green rookie to football star. And let's not forget that EA's popular series is often referred to as a conveyor belt. FIFA 22 is an exception, proving that the developers are capable of releasing a new instalment every couple of years that is different from its predecessors.

Football Manager 2024

• Release date: 6 November 2023
• Developer: Sports Interactive
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

If you're not particularly interested in running around a football pitch yourself, Football Manager 2024 comes to the rescue. In this sports strategy game, you take on the role of a club manager and must assemble a dream team, organise training sessions, monitor matches and build team spirit. The seemingly boring and meditative gameplay will keep you hooked for hours.

NHL 24

• Release date: 3 October 2023
• Developer: Electronic Arts
• Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Hockey is played by real men — it's no coincidence that these words are in the chorus of a popular song by Eduard Khil. In NHL 24, you can battle it out on the ice for the most famous teams in the league: Detroit, Montreal, St. Louis and others. And if someone keeps pushing you against the boards, you can take off your hockey pads and knock your opponent over the head. Just don't forget that such a violation will result in a trip to the penalty box.

NBA 2K25

• Release date: 3 September 2024
• Developer: Visual Concepts
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Slam dunks, free throws and incredible ball tricks — all this beauty awaits gamers in the NBA 2K25 basketball simulator. The dribbling in the game feels extremely realistic, the animations are smooth and the controls are responsive. Many gamers criticise the series for frequent repetitions in subsequent installments, but it's worth acknowledging that NBA 2K simply has no analogues or competitors in terms of basketball simulators.

Madden NFL 24

• Release date: 15 August 2023
• Developer: Electronic Arts
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

American football fans also have the opportunity to become a sports star with Madden NFL 24. This simulator features improved animations, graphics and, most importantly, the intelligence of the artificial players. Now, your computer teammates can read your tactics well, and your opponents will give you a run for your money.

Topspin 2K25

• Release date: 23 April 2024
• Developer: Hangar 13
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Fans of tennis also have something to enjoy. In Topspin 2K25, gamers can play matches for the most titled athletes or even build a career for a character they have created and try to win world championships.

UFC 5

• Release date: 27 October 2023
• Developer: Electronic Arts
• Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S

If gamers have realised that headbutting is the best thing to do in NHL 24, then UFC 5 is just the thing for them. In this mixed martial arts simulator, you can create your own character and become a real octagon star. And if you want to try out famous fighters and champions, UFC 5 has a huge selection of athletes: Fedor Emelianenko, Jon Jones, Conor O'Neill and other giants of the ring.

WWE 2K24

• Release date: 5 March 2024
• Developer: Visual Concepts
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

If realistic and serious fights in the UFC octagon aren't your thing, WWE 2K24 is a great alternative. In this fighting game, you can try your hand at legendary Wrestlemania fighters or go through an exciting career as your own character.

F1 23

• Release date: 28 April 2023
• Developer: Codemasters
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

From octagon fights, basketball shots, hockey and football, we move on to racing simulators. Here we are greeted by the dream of every Formula 1 fan and super-fast racing car enthusiast — F1 23. The game has a very cool career mode where you can create your own character and become a championship star. And the graphics in F1 23 are mind-blowing in places.

Gran Turismo 7

• Release date: 4 March 2022
• Developer: Polyphony Digital
• Platform: PS4, PS5

If Formula 1 cars alone are not enough for a gamer, Gran Turismo 7 is an excellent choice. This racing simulator offers a wide variety of cars, cups, championships and hardcore car control. And if you have a special gaming chair, steering wheel and other accessories, you can take a Porsche or Mercedes for a spin right in front of your monitor or TV screen.

MotoGP 24

• Release date: 2 May 2024
• Developer: Milestone S.r.l.
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Who needs cars and race cars when you have two-wheeled iron steeds? In MotoGP 24, gamers become real motorsport racers. The game features cool character customisation, responsive controls and a well-developed career system. Where else can you ride a high-speed bike without the risk of getting into trouble? That's right, in MotoGP 24.

Sledders

• Release date: 5 December 2023
• Developer: Hanki Games
• Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Anyone who has ever ridden a snowmobile knows the incredible adrenaline rush you get during a ride. But you can also control this beast in games. Sledders features one of the most realistic snow physics and snowmobile controls in winter. The maps for the races are very spacious, but keep in mind the high system requirements.

Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2 Remastered

• Release date: 8 June 2020
• Developer: Vicarious Visions
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

A collection of remasters of the two cult Tony Hawk Pro Skater games. In this skateboarding simulator, gamers will find hardcore maps for performing spectacular tricks and pirouettes. The game's energetic alternative music helps set a cheerful mood and tries to bring back 2007.

Rocket League

• Release date: 7 July 2025
• Developer: Psyonix
• Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

You've played football, you've driven cars, but how about football in cars? It sounds crazy, but the creators of Rocket League thought it was a great idea, and they were right. In this game, gamers take control of colourful cars and try to win a match according to the rules of football. Rocket League features colourful designs, energetic music, and exciting gameplay. It makes you want to play one more game and then definitely go to bed.