Since the original PlayStation‘s release in 1994, Sony‘s consoles have been home to some of the most groundbreaking and acclaimed sports video games of all time. As graphics, mechanics, online features and realism have rapidly evolved with each new PlayStation generation, iconic franchises like FIFA, NBA 2K, and MLB The Show have constantly innovated to deliver the most immersive and satisfying virtual sports experiences possible.
Let‘s look back at the absolute best PlayStation sports games that have achieved legendary status over the years by capturing the thrill of competition and pushing the boundaries of what‘s possible in a video game.
10. Riders Republic (2021)
Developer: Ubisoft Annecy
Sport: Extreme sports
Consoles: PS4, PS5
Riders Republic made a splash when it launched in 2021 by cramming six heart-pounding extreme sports into one massive multiplayer title. Players can compete in biking, skiing, snowboarding, wingsuit flying, rocket wingsuiting and more across a freely explorable landscape, with races featuring up to 50 simultaneous players.
The graphics are gorgeous, showcasing the stunning backdrops of iconic US national parks like Yosemite and Bryce Canyon. Deep career and multiplayer features allow you to progress from amateur to sponsored pro, customized with cosmetic items unlocked through competition. Approachable mechanics combined with intense races make Riders Republic a one-of-a-kind sports sandbox.
9. Gran Turismo 7 (2022)
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Sport: Motorsports
Consoles: PS4, PS5
As the latest entry in Sony‘s acclaimed 25-year-old racing simulator franchise, Gran Turismo 7 sets a new standard for virtual motorsports. With over 420 meticulously detailed vehicles from manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche and Jaguar, GT7 offers unprecedented car collecting and customization depth.
The driving physics and graphics are astounding, whether you‘re tackling world-famous circuits or challenging off-road routes. Approachable tutorials and license tests help you master advanced driving techniques, while a livery editor and Scapes photo mode allow you to make each vehicle your own. With eSports integration, offline career mode and multiplayer for up to 20 racers, GT7 has something for all fans of fast cars.
8. Madden NFL 23 (2022)
Developer: EA Tiburon
Sport: American football
Consoles: PS4, PS5
The latest installment in EA‘s juggernaut Madden franchise aims to capture the spectacle of the NFL with unprecedented authenticity. Madden NFL 23 utilizes "Gameday Atmosphere" to recreate all the drama and excitement of a real Sunday matchdown, from camera angles to commentary team banter.
Next Gen Stats-powered AI ensures players move and behave true-to-life, facilitated by stunning visuals powered by Frostbite engine on PS5. Whether you‘re calling plays as an NFL superstar QB in Face of the Franchise mode or masterminding front office strategy in Franchise mode, Madden NFL 23 offers unparalleled football immersion. Practice drills help new players learn techniques and rules, while hardcore gridiron fans can dig into the nitty gritty with customizable playbooks and schemes.
7. NHL 21 (2020)
Developer: EA Vancouver
Sport: Ice hockey
Consoles: PS4
EA‘s hockey series has consistently delivered fast, hard-hitting virtual action capturing the thrills of the NHL. With NHL 21, improved graphics and presentation dialed up the realism. Players glide smoothly across the ice, crease-crashing checks send bodies flying, and you can almost feel the chill from arena A/C.
Innovative new multiplayer modes like NHL Threes drop-in co-op amplify the fun alongside returning favorites like EASHL, Franchise Mode and Be A Pro career. Advanced skill stick controls open up a dizzying array of dekes, shots and checks to help you dominate the offensive and defensive zones. For bonus immersion, you can even take the action outside onto frozen ponds and lakes. If you live for highlight reel goals, end-to-end rushes, and crushing body checks, lace up your skates for NHL 21.
6. Tour de France 2022 (2022)
Developer: Cyanide Studio
Sport: Cycling
Consoles: PS4, PS5
For aspiring pro cyclists, Tour de France 2022 offers the most authentic simulation of the world‘s premier bike race. All 21 grueling stages of the actual 2022 Tour de France are playable, complete with photorealistic graphics showcasing wet cobblestones and lush countryside vistas. You can manage every aspect of your team‘s strategy, from drafting tactics to allotting energy consumption across varied terrain.
An intelligent AI peloton employs real-world race dynamics, attacking aggressively or working together to reel in breakaways. Accurately modeled rider attributes and randomized incidents add unpredictability. Whether you ride solo or against others online, smart pacing and careful preparation are key to pulling on that legendary yellow jersey in Paris!
5. PGA Tour 2K21 (2020)
Developer: HB Studios
Sport: Golf
Consoles: PS4
Before it got its claws into the lucratve golf simulation market, 2K made big strides with PGA Tour back in 2020. Still the best golf title you can currently play on PlayStation, PGA Tour 2K21 enables you to compete against pros on painstakingly rendered courses like TPC Sawgrass and East Lake. TV-style presentation builds the atmosphere, while accurate ball physics simulate the challenges of Reading greens, drawing fades and sticking tough lies.
An expansive career mode with sponsor challenges keeps play fresh while you develop skills good enough to beat cover star Justin Thomas himself. If tour courses aren‘t tough enough, take advantage of the industry-leading course designer to craft diabolical greens and sadistic traps. PGA Tour 2K21‘s fun, accessible gameplay mixed with loads of customization options make every round an engaging test.
4. MLB The Show 21 (2021)
Developer: San Diego Studio
Sport: Baseball
Consoles: PS4, PS5
Sony‘s first-party baseball franchise sets the sports genre gold standard when it comes to nailing TV-style presentation and broadcast authenticity. MLB The Show 21 offers multiple modes catering to rookies and veterans, from friendly quick counts to ultra-realistic full count simulation. Signature Stance and Batting Stance Creator tools enable unparalleled personalization, while Stadium Creator and custom leagues empower you to shape your baseball reality however you see fit.
Whether managing Franchise mode dynasty or building Diamond Dynasty dream teams, innovative card collecting mechanics keep you striving for rare player upgrades. On-field play benefits from finely tuned mechanics and difficulty scaling, so newcomers can smack dingers while vets can engage in epic pitcher duels. When it comes to capturing the essence of The National Pastime with polish and personality, MLB The Show 21 continues to hit it out of the park.
3. Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 1+2 (2020)
Developer: Vicarious Visions
Sport: Skateboarding
Consoles: PS4, PS5
This cheeky 2020 remaster successfully rolled back the clock to the glory days of arcade skateboarding games. Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 1+2 bundles the first two pioneering THPS titles in one nostalgia-filled package, featuring the original skaters, levels and playlists with a fresh next-gen coat of paint. Iconic maps like Warehouse and School II have been beautifully resurfaced while retaining their quirky charm.
The updated handling feels smoother than ever, chaining airs, lips, manuals and grinds with buttery responsiveness. New features like reverts and wallplants further expand your combo vocabulary alongside classic tricks. Gap challenges, collectible tapes and multiplayer modes will delight OG fans, while newcomers can tap into a vibrant skate community with maps and skaters shared daily via the Mod Browser. For a fun, breezy evolution of the PS1 classics that invented extreme sports gaming, Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 1+2 is money.
2. NBA 2K22 (2021)
Developer: Visual Concepts
Sport: Basketball
Consoles: PS4, PS5
With its ever-expanding suite of modes, wealth of legacy content and commitment to polish and depth, NBA 2K22 continues to set the sports gaming high water mark. It builds on past greatness with meaningful quality of life tuning, providing veterans smoother handling and deeper team management strategy while keeping games excitingly balanced for more casual ballers.
Play Now and Dynasty modalities benefit from intelligent AI enhancements and broadcast enhancements like alternate commentary teams and arena-specific disadvantages. MyCareer mode lets you forge a personalized NBA journey, while leaderboard integration fuels competitive ambition across multiplayer blacktop, MyTeam and more. Though incremental, NBA 2K22‘s meaningful refinements contribute to an exceptional basketball metaverse that hits nothing but net.
1. FIFA 23 (2022)
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Sport: Soccer/Football
Consoles: PS4, PS5
As the latest installment in EA‘s blockbuster soccer series, FIFA 23 demonstrates why it remains the gold-standard football experience after three decades. A massive roster featuring over 19,000 players competes across more than 700 clubs in over 100 stadiums with more than 30 leagues including the English Premier League, LaLiga and Bundesliga. Historic women‘s club teams debut to expand inclusivity.
Gameplay feels fluid thanks to HyperMotion 2 technology that incorporates motion capture data from real player movements for even more realistic animation. MyCareer mode lets you carve your own path to glory as Alex Scott and FIFA‘s first ever dual career story. Ultimate Team mode enables deep fantasy management, with co-op options transforming it into a social experience. Slick eSports integration fuels competitive ambitions, while newcomers can enjoy casual kickabouts with friends. Pitch-perfect presentation, consistently impactful updates and tremendous depth cement FIFA 23 as the definitive virtual footy experience.
