We already published the list of best Xbox 360 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Xbox 360 sports games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Xbox 360 definitely has a great library of sports games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Xbox 360 and sports games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. NHL 14
- Release Data: Electronic Arts, 2013
- Genre: Sports » Team » Ice Hockey » Sim
From top to bottom, NHL ’14 has improved compared to the previous installment and still is one of the most exciting sports game to play.
With much better collisions and a vastly improved fighting minigame, NHL 14 is becoming more arcade-like and less of a simulation, but that gives it a distinct and interesting flavor compared to its predecessors.
#24. Madden NFL 09
- Release Data: EA Tiburon/Electronic Arts, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
Newcomers will still face a steep learning curve, but if you’re a football fan or series veteran, you can’t go wrong with Madden 09.
It looks great, plays great, and despite its few moments of inaccuracies, is still one of the best sports games in memory.
#23. NHL 08
- Release Data: EA Canada/Electronic Arts, 2007
- Genre: Sports » Team » Ice Hockey » Sim
This is a terrific game of hockey that’s both realistic and thrilling to play, a combo that’s often difficult to achieve in sports games.
In the end, if you love hockey, you owe it to yourself to check this one out.
#22. Fight Night Round 3
- Release Data: EA Chicago/EA Sports, 2006
- Genre: Sports » Individual » Combat » Boxing / Martial Arts
EA Sports’ heavy-hitting franchise doesn’t change up its approach for the third time through, but the gameplay remains as tight and enjoyable as it has always been.
So while there are no surprises in store, you can expect a great game of boxing, with a fully capable single-player experience backing up an excellent multiplayer game.
#21. UFC Undisputed 3
- Release Data: Yuke’s/THQ, 2012
- Genre: Sports » Individual » Combat » Wrestling
Like the best MMA fighters, UFC Undisputed 3 is well-rounded and impresses in a lot of different areas.
It also improves upon its predecessors at practically every opportunity.
The developer have managed to combine elements to make the experience less intimidating while still adding in a ton of new features to keep hardcore fans engaged.
#20. NBA Jam: On Fire Edition
- Release Data: EA Sports/Electronic Arts, 2011
- Genre: Sports » Team » Basketball » Arcade
It’s undeniable that this is the definitive version of NBA Jam: it plays better, looks better and lasts better than any of the previous games in the series’ history.
And for most people, this is a fun and frantic arcade game that delivers hours of enjoyment.
#19. Madden NFL 11
- Release Data: EA Tiburon/Electronic Arts, 2010
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
Despite the gameplay quirks and presentation hiccups, Madden NFL 11 is still a great football game.
The improved AI and enhanced physics system makes the on-field action even better than before, and the realistic commentary makes your quest for victory carry that much more weight.
#18. NCAA Football 11
- Release Data: EA Tiburon/Electronic Arts, 2010
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
There are still some nagging animation, commentary and AI bugs that bring down the overall quality by a touch, but they’re mostly so insignificant and inconsequential that they won’t hamper your overall enjoyment.
The NCAA Football franchise has finally found its identity, and the end product is extremely impressive.
#17. UFC Undisputed 2010
- Release Data: Yuke’s/THQ, 2010
- Genre: Sports » Individual » Combat » Wrestling
Clearly, UFC 2010 Undisputed is a game with its fair share of problems.
You shouldn’t let that put you off, though, because this is also a game that brilliantly re-creates the mixed martial arts combat that has made the UFC so popular and that boasts a roster of more than 100 great-looking contemporary fighters.
#16. NBA 2K13
- Release Data: Visual Concepts/2K Sports, 2012
- Genre: Sports » Team » Basketball » Sim
Even if you might not be a big basketball fan, you need to check this one out.
For starters, you need to see what you’re missing.
And second, you need to see this absolutely brilliant piece of work, that absolutely nails the pace and feel of professional basketball.
#15. Skate
- Release Data: EA Black Box/EA Games, 2007
- Genre: Sports » Individual » Skate / Skateboard
Skate is the first game that can ever stand up to the infamous Tony Hawk series.
It is a very fun experience and a must play for any Tony Hawk fans or skaters who want a realistic approach at skating in video games.
All in all, Skate is a great game for you to feel like you are actually skateboarding.
#14. FIFA Soccer 11
- Release Data: EA Sports, 2010
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
The improved player characteristics and animations result in a deep and rewarding experience that feels as exciting and unpredictable as the real thing.
And after a few hours, FIFA 11 clicks and becomes an incredible game of soccer for both veterans and newcomers alike.
#13. Madden NFL 10
- Release Data: EA Tiburon/Electronic Arts, 2009
- Genre: Sports » Team » Football » Sim
The graphics have taken a nice step forward from Madden NFL 09 and the presentation does a wonderful job of emulating the experience of watching a game on Sunday.
Madden NFL 10 doesn’t redefine the series or innovate in any monumental way, but that doesn’t stop it from being a truly great football game.
#12. Fight Night Champion
- Release Data: EA Canada/EA Sports, 2011
- Genre: Sports » Individual » Combat » Boxing / Martial Arts
The story-driven Champion mode is an entertaining addition, and once you get into the Legacy mode you might find that it’s hard to put down your controller.
And there’s a great deal of fun to be had with friends, pitting great boxers from different eras against each other in fights that would no doubt have been fascinating in real life.
#11. Fight Night Round 4
- Release Data: EA Canada/EA Sports, 2009
- Genre: Sports » Individual » Combat » Boxing / Martial Arts
Fight Night Round 4‘s greatest strength is that while it’s accessible and relatively easy for newcomers, it can also be challenging and rewarding for hardcore players.
Stepping into Fight Night Round 4‘s ring is definitely recommended if you have any interest in the sports whatsoever.
#10. NHL 12
- Release Data: Electronic Arts, 2011
- Genre: Sports » Team » Ice Hockey » Sim
This is a safe sequel that doesn’t advance the franchise in any significant ways, but the tweaks and new features buff up a game that was already shining.
Overall, NHL 12 is yet another great ice hockey title that will appeal to new fans of the sport as much as it will to the old veterans.
#9. NBA 2K11
- Release Data: Visual Concepts/2K Sports, 2010
- Genre: Sports » Team » Basketball » Sim
It’s easy to lose dozens of hours improving your game in practice, working your way through the ranks in My Player mode, or creating a dynasty in franchise play.
As it is, NBA 2K11 is a great realization of the sport that makes the hard work it takes to succeed well worth the commitment.
#8. FIFA Soccer 09
- Release Data: EA Canada/EA Sports, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
The gameplay hasn’t changed a lot since UEFA Euro 2008, but the tweaks and refinements have produced an incredibly rewarding game to play.
There’s still room for improvement with some AI blunders in single-player, but if you’re a soccer fan looking for something to last you for months, you can’t go wrong with FIFA 09.
#7. NBA 2K12
- Release Data: Visual Concepts/2K Sports, 2011
- Genre: Sports » Team » Basketball » Sim
NBA 2K12 is yet another great addition to the NBA 2K franchise, building upon the strengths of 2K11 with some worthy gameplay enhancements.
The My Player, NBA: Creating a Legend, and Dynasty mode are all superb and will keep you playing for hours.
#6. NHL 09
- Release Data: EA Canada/Electronic Arts, 2008
- Genre: Sports » Team » Ice Hockey » Sim
If you even have a passing interest in hockey, you owe it to yourself to play NHL 09.
EA has raised the bar yet again for its hockey franchise with engaging gameplay, excellent presentation, and enough game modes to keep you occupied.
#5. FIFA Soccer 10
- Release Data: EA Sports/Electronic Arts, 2009
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
FIFA 10 is a high-caliber football game—it plays a fantastic game, offers a wealth of modes, and addresses every major fault from FIFA 09.
The new 360-degree control in particular is a revelation, and while problems currently impacting the creation of Virtual Pro players are unfortunate, there’s still a lot of fun to be had playing with them.
#4. NHL 10
- Release Data: EA Canada/EA Sports, 2009
- Genre: Sports » Team » Ice Hockey » Sim
The bottom line with NHL 10 is that if you have NHL 09, you don’t absolutely, positively need it.
But there are enough new features and little adjustments and fixes for the gameplay that any self-respecting hockey fan should probably still go for it.
#3. FIFA Soccer 13
- Release Data: Electronic Arts/EA Sports, 2012
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
FIFA ’13 provides some great AI, a fair challenge if you go for a difficulty beyond Amateur, and a lot of content if you’re willing to delve into the various modes.
This is a fantastic title for hardcore fans and newcomers alike, and if you have a passing interest in the sport, you’d do well to check it out.
#2. NHL 11
- Release Data: Electronic Arts, 2010
- Genre: Sports » Team » Ice Hockey » Sim
One of the best things about NHL 11 is how the realism constantly takes you by surprise no matter how long you play.
Many arcade sports games reveal more flaws with every hour that you play.
Here, the good stuff just keeps coming.
#1. FIFA Soccer 12
- Release Data: Electronic Arts, 2011
- Genre: Sports » Team » Soccer » Sim
Whichever mode you play in, you’re treated to the slick presentation that the series is known for.
Menus are easy to navigate, the commentary is well delivered, and the visuals are as crisp as ever.
Also, improved player handling further cement FIFA 12 as soccer at its best—deep, rewarding, addictive, and as close as you can get to the real thing.
Browse Xbox 360 Games By Genre
See also: Best Original Xbox Games & Best Xbox One Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Xbox 360 sports game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!