National Sports Day: Sports video games to slam dunk on this week

From the underarm bowling we all loved as kids to bowling strikes at the mall, we all grew up playing sports. However, with jobs, family time and other elements taking up our mental space and time as we age, keeping up with our favourite sports can be tough. While nothing can replace the thrill and enjoyment of playing cricket, football or any other sport with your buddies, technology can help you enjoy the next best thing.

On the occasion of National Sports Day in India, let’s have a look at five video games you can try out the next time you’re longing for some sports on a rainy day. Most of these games will be available both on PC as well as consoles like the Sony PlayStation 5.

FIFA 23

Perhaps the world’s most popular sports game, Electronic Arts’ iconic football title is enjoyed by players both casually and professionally the world over. While the collaboration between EA and FIFA has unfortunately ended, the game is still enjoyed by many. With features like cross-play, PC gamers can even play against console players.

ALSO READ: 4 tips to get the best of your gaming laptop

FIFA 23 is also available on consoles like the Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, along with older consoles like the PlayStation 4, the Xbox One and even the Nintendo Switch.

Madden NFL 23

The following of American Football may not be as widespread as cricket or football in India, but the Madden NFL series is a good way for the few who follow the sport in the country. The latest in the series, Madden NFL 23, comes with features like FieldSENSE, which gives players more control over their team and tactics.

Madden NFL 23 is available on Windows, but can also be enjoyed on the Sony PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, as well as the Xbox Series X/S and the Xbox One. However, there is no cross-play support, so you can’t play against console players with a PC version of the game.

NBA 2K23

The NBA series needs no introduction, but while many basketball fans watch the sport every week, did you know you can just as much fun stepping into the shoes of your favourite dunkers, if not more? NBA 2K23, the latest title in the series, lets you enjoy basketball the way you want, using strategic tactics, or flaunt-worthy, ankle-breaking skills.

NBA 2K23 can be played on Windows, but you can also enjoy the game on other platforms like the Sony PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch. NBA 2K23 is also available on Apple Arcade.

Super Mega Baseball 3

Another sport that may not have much following in India is baseball. Unfortunately, like some of the other titles in this list, baseball doesn’t really have signature games made by big developers like EA. However, players looking to casually enjoy baseball on their gaming PCs and those just wanting to try out a new sport game can try their hands on Super Mega Baseball 3.

ALSO READ: How to game on a medium budget laptop

Super Mega Baseball 3 is available to play on Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Its successor, Super Mega Baseball 4, will likely be also available for next-gen consoles like the Sony PS5 and the Xbox Series X/S.

Rocket League

For our last suggestion, we’d take away from traditional sports for Rocket League, a very popular title that blurs the lines between motorsport and football. While you can’t use your Maruti Suzuki or Toyota Prius to play football with a giant ball, you can do exactly that in Rocket league for hours and hours of fun.

Rocket League can be played on Windows, the Sony PlayStation 4, and the Xbox One. The title is also available on macOS, Linux and Nintendo Switch.

Those are some of the most exciting sports games you can try right now. However, there are also plenty of other sports games to explore and enjoy, and even upcoming titles you can pre-order, like EA Sports FC 24, the successor to the FIFA series.