Top 10 Best Sports Video Games of All Time

Sports video games aren't just about button-mashing for bragging rights. They're about reliving classic rivalries, rewriting history, or inventing a career where you rise from nobody to all-time legend. Some titles keep things realistic, giving you playbooks and stat sheets to pore over. Others throw realism out the window in favor of gravity-defying dunks, impossible trick shots, or body slams that would send an actual wrestler straight into retirement.

This list asks you to decide which sports video games belong at the very top. Other fans have already voted for their favorites, and now it's your turn to weigh in. Think about the games that gave you the most fun, the ones that still make you want to dust off an old console, and the ones you'd recommend to someone who's never touched a sports title before. Your vote helps shape the ultimate ranking of the best sports video games of all time.

The Top Ten

ESPN NFL 2K5

ESPN NFL 2K5 is also really awesome, but I think Madden is pretty good too. They're both super awesome. Anyway, I love football, so I love both games.

Alright people, let's get this straight. ESPN NFL 2K5 was, and still is, one of the best football games created!

Best sport-related game EVER made. Madden could take a few pointers from Boomer and the gang at 2K.
NBA 2K11
Madden NFL 2005
Wii Sports

Only reason I haven't and won't purchase a Nintendo Switch. Too bad.

Come on, Nintendo. Bring this and Resort to Switch already.

Come on, it is the best-selling video game ever.
FIFA Soccer 13
NBA Jam
Backyard Baseball

Specifically '01 and '03. Ya boy Pablo Sanchez makes Michael Jordan look like a used napkin.
NBA Street Vol 2

Hell yeah, baby.
FIFA Soccer 09

Not particularly this FIFA, but it has to be obvious. Best sport in the world. Best sports game in the world.

One of the only ones on here I've ever played.

Best sports. Best game.
NBA 2K12

This game has very few errors and breakdowns. Best game modes probably ever in a sports game.
This series has had a lot of great games: NBA 2K14, 11, 12, and 13. Greatest sports game of 2012!

The Newcomers

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Mario Superstar Baseball
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Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

The Contenders

WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

Well, this is an awesome game. It should be released for other consoles also. This game has great graphics, story, and awesome gameplay.

This would smash a lot of PS2 games on a large scale. This is one of the greatest of all time. It totally deserves a remake on PS3.

AMAZING! Best wrestling game.
Mike Tyson's Punch‑Out
Madden NFL 07
NFL Street

I've actually never played this game, but it looks great!

THIS GAME SHOULD BE NUMBER 1!
This lets you make your own team. I mean, in other NFL games you can do that, but... but... but... ah, you know what I mean.
NBA 2K3

Amazing franchise mode, gameplay, graphics, and strategy in this game.

Without question the best. Derek Anderson is a beast.
NCAA Football 14
Wii Sports Resort

The best thing about this game is that you can do everything! Almost every sport is in this game, and it is very entertaining.
I personally think it should be higher on the list, but that is only my opinion. I understand why it is only 16th on the list. If I had played some of the other games on the list, then maybe I would've had the same opinion.

Best sports game.
NBA 2K14

Now of course NFL 2K5 is #1 and will always be... but this is #2. Why? It took a huge step forward in gaming and helped people see the future in technology.
Also, the gameplay is good.

Who put this game at 11? It should be at 1. It is the biggest game on this list. This game's graphics are rare, and in this game, you can talk to LeBron on My Player Mode.

Watch the Next-Gen Trailer now. It will blow your mind.
MLB 14: The Show
Mario Strikers Charged
MVP Baseball 2005
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2

By far the best Tony Hawk game! It never gets old. Can't be 8th... needs to be 1st.
NBA 2K13
NBA 2k10
Madden NFL 12

This is one of the best games ever. When I got it, I exploded!