In an era where the lines between the real world and the virtual one are continually blurring, your living room isn’t necessarily just a cozy nook for Netflix and chill. With the right console, it can turn into a bustling stadium, a pulsating arena, an immaculately manicured 18-hole course, a desert racetrack, a caged arena, or any other setting that piques your interest in the realm of competitive sports.
In this article, we’ll explore this fusion of the physical and digital realms through the prism of some of the best multiplayer sports games for Xbox Series X/S. Many of these titles will already be familiar to gamers, as they represent the latest iterations of the best Xbox One sports games from previous years. Additionally, we’ll also delve into how the world of gaming has exerted an influence on the landscape of real-world sports.
The Top Games
According to a compilation from several sources, including Rookie Road, Game Rant, Games Radar and Game Spot, the best Xbox sports games currently include:
- FIFA 23
- F1 23
- NBA 2K23
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2
- PGA Tour 2K24
- Forza Horizon 5
Let’s look at all of them in more detail.
FIFA 23: Your Ultimate Football Showdown
There must be a reason why this is among the most popular franchises of all time with over 250 million copies sold worldwide. Back in the day it also happened to be one the best sports games for Xbox One. Well, it’s back for another year and it does not disappoint. You might as well start lacing up your virtual boots because this latest installment has absolutely jaw-dropping graphics, super immersive gameplay and extremely realistic player movement.
F1 23: The Fast & Furious Of Gaming
The 16th version of this EA Sports racing game is so immersive, you can practically smell the rubber burning. The graphics are sharper than Lewis Hamilton’s reflexes, while the gameplay is so lifelike that if someone walked in on two players duking it out they may be forgiven for thinking that they are watching an actual race.
NBA 2K24: Full Court Pressure
The NBA 2K franchise is the most popular basketball video game of all time and was one of the best sports games for Xbox One. The latest version of this iconic game lives up to its predecessors in all aspects, from visuals, player animations and game modes.
Since the series does not have an exclusive deal with the NBA, there are other types of games that are included, such as the brand new side quest called Streetball, where players compete in urban environments in a 3v3 format. If b-ball is your thing, here’s your chance to lace up your digital Jordans and lead your own Dream Team to victory.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2: A 360-Degree Kickflip Through The Digital Skatepark
Not a new release, but rather an oldie-but-goldie, as some might say. The latest version of this game was released in 2021 and is a remake of the first two games in the Tony Hawk series.
Having been one of the best Xbox One sports games back in the day, it remains one of the best Xbox sports games overall. It features tricks and stunts the likes of which you’ll probably never see in real life.
PGA Tour 2K23: A Hole-in-One Golfing Experience
Golf may not be the most physically demanding sport, but the precision and strategy it requires are second to none and that remains true for the digital adaption as well. Talking of precision, the developers of PGA Tour 2K23 managed to make the game as realistic as Happy Gilmore’s swing was wild.
It features an array of the most lush and meticulously designed courses and some of the best golfers in the game with whom you can tee up and perfect your virtual putts.
Forza Horizon 5: Speed and Style Meet In Mexico
While not a conventional sports title, Forza Horizon 5 is a must-mention in this lineup. Set in the franchise’s largest open-world environment to date, it offers much more than just zipping through the diverse and super-realistic Mexican landscape that is the canvas for this full-throttle festival of speed.
The exceptional audio design and breathtaking graphics, along with an extensive selection of vehicles, elevate it to the ultimate road trip experience, dialed up to the max.
Beyond The Digital Realm – What Sports Make The Most Money
An interesting element in this admixture of the physical and digital realms is the effect that today’s super realistic games are having on the real life world of professional sports and betting.
Nowadays video games offer:
- Professional teams the ability to analyze, strategize and enhance their performance in real-life
- Additional revenue sources for teams, leagues and players
- Complimentary marketing and advertising platforms
- Additional channels to connect with fans
- Insights for punters and bookmakers to make more informed bets
All of this is coupled with the advent of Esports, a segment that many professional sports teams are embracing and which has its own separate supplementary income streams, betting markets, ways of connecting with fans and marketing avenues.
Amid all of these developments and extra revenue inflows, an intriguing question then arises: what sports make the most money?
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Xbox Series X/S continues the tradition of the gaming console bringing a world of exhilarating multiplayer sports games to your living room and transforming it into a digital sports arena. Whether you’re into football, basketball, golf, or high-speed racing, these titles offer something for everyone.
The competitive spirit, realistic gameplay, and stunning visuals will keep you engaged for hours on end, making these games a great compliment to watching real matches. Get those controllers ready and let the games begin!
