Xbox Series X is one of the best platforms for sports fans. Not only does it offer some of the biggest titles in the genre, but many are even included with your monthly Xbox Game Pass subscription — making it a one-stop shop for armchair athletes.
Whether you’re looking for a realistic baseball sim or a fast-paced football game, there’s no shortage of great sports titles on Xbox Series X. The list is largely dominated by seasonal entries from EA and 2K, but you’ll also find some great remasters and under-the-radar gems.
Here are the 10 best sports games on Xbox Series X.
Further reading
- The best sports games on Nintendo Switch
- The best Xbox Series X games for 2022
- The best games on Xbox Game Pass for 2022
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Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
Vicarious Visions
Publisher
Activision
Release
September 04, 2020
The newer Tony Hawk entries never managed to stack up to those first few releases, so Activision figured it might as well re-release the treasured titles. And thankfully, it turned out to be more than just a quick cash grab. A radically reworked graphics engine, a soundtrack that includes classics and new songs alike, and a laundry list of quality-of-life changes make this the best way to experience the arcade skater. Even if you’re not familiar with the sport, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2 is an absolute blast and remains approachable for players of all skill levels.
E10
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Fighting, Shooter, Sport, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Velan Studios
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
May 21, 2021
It’s a bit different from other games on our list, but no doubt Knockout City (and the sport of dodgeball) deserve some time in the spotlight. Knockout City is a unique take on the sport, with two teams going head-to-head across a variety of maps as they attempt to pummel the other team with dodgeballs. Timing is everything, as you can perform fake throws, slow throws, or speed up your throws as you try to fool your opponent into making a wrong move. Defenders aren’t helpless, however, as they’re able to catch incoming dodgeballs and throw them back at their aggressor. With plenty of post-launch content and tons of unlockable content, there’s no doubt Knockout City is one of the best sports games on Xbox Series X — even if it’s often overlooked for its more popular peers.
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Racing, Simulator, Sport
Developer
Ubisoft Annecy
Publisher
Ubisoft
Release
October 28, 2021
If you’re an extreme sports fan of any kind, Riders Republic is the game for you. Ubisoft’s creative title gives you the freedom to explore a wide variety of environments based on real-life National Parks such as Canyonlands, Zion, and Yosemite Valley. Bikes, snowboards, skis, and more are all accounted for, and you’ll need to master them all if you’re hoping to unlock everything the game has to offer. Whether you’re racing for first place or pulling of stunts to light up the scoreboard, Riders Republic is always a blast.
Read our full Riders Republic review
E
Platforms
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
SIE San Diego Studio
Publisher
MLB Advanced Media
Release
April 05, 2022
MLB The Show was previously a PlayStation exclusive, but that all changed with MLB The Show 21. Fast-forward to today, and MLB The Show 22 is without a doubt one of the best sports games on Xbox. The Show 22 offers more than just a great on-field experience, as you’ll get the chance to create your own character and walk them through Road to the Show — a robust career mode that sees you making a variety of high-stakes decisions. You’ll also benefit from cross-play and cross-progression, new game modes, and the availability of MLB The Show 22 on Xbox Game Pass.
E
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
EA Canada
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
September 30, 2021
FIFA makes big strides every year, and 2022 was no different. Players on Xbox Series X will benefit from Hypermotion — a new engine that offers improved animations and realistic motions while on the pitch. There’s also a lengthy career mode that sees you climbing the ranks of the soccer world. All told, more than 700 teams, 17,000 players, and 30 competitions are featured in FIFA 22, making it one of the most complete soccer games ever made.
E
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Simulator, Sport, Strategy
Developer
EA Tiburon
Publisher
EA Sports
Release
August 20, 2021
Madden has fallen into a bit of a rut lately, but Madden 2022 is still the best football game on Xbox. The moment-to-moment action is just as fast-paced as usual, but there are plenty of off-field enhancements that push Madden 2022 to new heights. You can dive into a new scouting mode to find the next NFL star, enjoy the new gameday atmosphere that brings unique modifiers to each stadium, or check out the franchise mode — which sees you piecing together a dynasty to rival the 1970s Steelers or Tom Brady’s Patriots.
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Fighting, Simulator, Sport
Developer
Visual Concepts
Publisher
2K Sports
Release
March 11, 2022
After the dumpster fire that was WWE 2K20, 2K Sports and Visual Concepts took a year off to regroup and refocus their efforts. That hiatus was time well spent, as WWE 2K22 is a huge leap forward for the pro wrestling franchise. A new gameplay engine and controls are just the tip of the iceberg, as you’ll also get the chance to step into the shoes of a WWE General Manager and make some big decisions for your show. There are also two MyRISE campaigns to play through that give you unprecedented freedom to choose how your career unfolds.
Read our full WWE 2K22 review
E
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
Visual Concepts
Publisher
2K
Release
September 09, 2021
If you’re looking for an authentic basketball experience, look no further than NBA 2K22. Shooting, passing, and maneuvering around the court feel better than ever, and the action looks stunning on Xbox Series X. Mix in MyCareer, MyGM, and MyLeague, and you’ve got a winning formula for a basketball game. Oh — and there’s an incredible soundtrack too, with tracks from The Game, Travis Scott, Thundercat, Bronson, and more.
E10
Platforms
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Sport
Developer
EA Vancouver
Publisher
EA
Release
October 11, 2021
NHL 22 is radically different from its predecessors. The game runs on the new Frostbite engine and benefits from a huge graphics update for Xbox Series X. There’s also been some big updates to superstar players, with iconic athletes getting unique animations and skills that differentiate them from the competition. Like any good sports game, NHL 22 gives you plenty to do when you’re not on the ice, including Ultimate Team, World of Chel, and Franchise modes.
E
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Genre
Simulator, Sport
Developer
HB Studios, Illogika Studios
Publisher
2K
Release
August 21, 2020
There are plenty of golf games to choose from nowadays, but none off a more authentic experience than PGA Tour 2K21. Not only is there a staggering list of professional golfers to challenge, but real-life courses have been scanned and translated for a realistic golfing experience. If things become a bit too real — and you find yourself constantly in the rough — there are plenty of options you can enable to make the sport a bit more approachable.
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