Ranking the Best PS5 Sports Games So Far

The PS5 is still so early in its lifecycle that you suspect developers are still yet to understand its full capabilities. It could be a while, then, before we see the console’s power harnessed to maximum capacity, although that’s not to say that the PS5 hasn’t delivered already on its incredible potential.

In the category of sports games, we have already seen huge improvements when comparing PS5 titles to their older generation counterparts, and so lovers of the various sporting franchises can be particularly excited about what the future holds.

However, as of right now, these are what we consider to be the finest sports games that the PS5 has to offer.

NBA 2K21

One of the major criticisms of some sports games is that they don’t tend to change much from year to year, instead, the developers implement a few tweaks and update team rosters and then sell the ‘update’ for a pretty penny, hugely frustrating given how much each new release costs.

So kudos to Visual Concepts and 2K Sports, the team behind the NBA 2K franchise. They’ve taken on the comments of gamers from their PS4 iterations and implemented these in the NBA 2K21 title, which was released in time for the 2020-21 season.

The improvements are vast, both in terms of the actual basketball gameplay and in how the action is presented visually. With the MyCareer game mode getting a much-needed overhaul and the online community still growing, NBA 2K21 is a slam dunk for players and a monumental leap forward for the franchise.

Madden NFL 22

It’s fair to say that Madden NFL 21 was not beloved by fans of the franchise and casual American football gamers, alike. The slightly clunky controls were a turn-off for many, and the on-field action seemed to lose some of its charm, too. The good news is that Madden NFL 22, released in August, has obliterated those weaknesses and delivered a game that’s more of a nod to the classics of the series.

The Franchise mode has been given a complete makeover, and the result is a career mode that is as satisfying as it gets – it feels so rewarding building a winning roster. In addition, the on-field simulation has been enhanced, with more realistic contact between players and better AI adding to the feeling that you’re actually watching a football game, rather than a bunch of code on a screen.

Madden’s cover stars have often been a portent of what’s to come in the season ahead, and with Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes on the box for 2K22, it’s clear justification for the Super Bowl LVI American football odds, which currently have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as second-favorites with odds of 13/2 and Kansas City Chiefs as the odds-on favorites at 9/2. There’s a long wait ahead till that monumental final, penciled in for 13th February 2022. However, thanks to Madden NFL 22, you can ready your own franchise for Super Bowl glory, and have immense fun doing so.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2

You don’t need to be a fan of skateboarding to enjoy Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. You also don’t need to be a fan seeking a nostalgia trip either.

Instead, Pro Skater 1 + 2 have both been rebuilt from the ground up, taking the classic formula and tweaking it for next-generation consoles. The results are epic, with quintessential Tony Hawk gameplay meshing nicely with new single-player and online game modes designed to suit all tastes.

One thing we do know is that if you pick up a copy of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, or either of the other titles featured on this list, you will have hours of fun to look forward to. Say goodbye to your social life!