Best Sports Games to Buy This Holiday Season Include NBA 2K21, WWE 2K Battlegrounds
Each year, sports games add more realism and better gameplay, making them popular with many video game fans. With the arrival of the next-generation PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X console, there will be plenty of people looking to buy sports games this holiday season.
A number of games will be playable on the new consoles, either due to backwards compatibility, or because they are completely designed for the new consoles. Here are several of the best sports games to buy this holiday season for the current and next-gen consoles.
NBA 2K21 basketball simulation for current and next-gen consoles
When it comes to basketball simulation games, NBA 2K has become the go-to franchise. It features an extensive roster of current players for all NBA teams and also brings in past legends and all-time greats. The popular MyTeam game mode allows fans to build their dream lineups full of past and present stars, and then compete in a variety of different challenges.
Also popular is the MyPlayer Career mode where gamers can guide their created basketball star up the ranks. Compete in high school and college, and then get drafted into the NBA to build your All-Star career. Players can also head to the 2K Beach Neighborhood to compete against other created players online and earn rewards.
The game also got a considerable next-gen upgrade for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. It includes quicker load times, better animations and gameplay, and other fine-tuned details that basketball fans will love. A new next-gen gameplay video shows some of these key details.
The Standard Edition of NBA 2K21 for current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC) was first available for $59.99.
There was also the Mamba Forever Edition, in honor of Kobe Bryant, for $99.99. That edition gives gamers the game for the current-gen and next-gen console (of the same brand). For those who simply want the next-gen version, it will cost $79.99 for PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.
See more details about purchasing the versions at the 2K website here.
PGA Tour 2K21 golf sim game
In 2020, 2K retooled the longtime golf sim game known as The Club, this time bringing pro golfers into the mix. PGA Tour 2K21 features a roster of professionals and several recognizable golf courses from the tour. Gamers create their own customized golf star to compete in a Career mode, ultimately trying to outduel the pros during the PGA Tour.
Headlined by cover star Justin Thomas, others in the game include Sergio Garcia, Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk, and Bryson DeChambeau. Golf fans will love the visuals as well as the on-screen guides for tackling each shot, whether it’s 300-plus yards away or a close 10-yard putting situation.
PGA Tour 2K21 is currently available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PCs (Steam). There is no next-gen edition available for the game.
More details about the golf sim game including purchase information is available at the PGA Tour 2K website.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds – Pro wrestling arcade-style
WWE 2K Battlegrounds is a professional wrestling meets arcade fighting game where players battle it out in the squared circle. In this game, WWE fans will get to use some of their all-time favorite stars from the past and present. That includes Roman Reigns, The Rock, John Cena, Hulk Hogan, Sasha Banks, and more. There’s also the option for fans to create their own superstars to guide through the game.
The game features the ability to play in well-known matches both online and offline against friends or other community members. There’s a standalone career/story mode to guide a created superstar wrestler through, unlocking new superstars and items along the way. Matches become larger than life with the visuals and crazy extras that get involved such as animals, helicopters, and exploding cars.
The Standard edition game was first available for $39.99, and then a Deluxe Edition at a cost of $49.99. The latter of these includes bonuses such as WWE Hall of Famer Edge, and different versions of Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Ronda Rousey.
The game is available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, and Windows PC. While there won’t be an exclusive next-gen version, WWE 2K Battlegrounds is backwards compatible with the new consoles, allowing gamers to enjoy it on the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
See the WWE 2K website for more details on purchasing the game.
It’s clear 2K has some of the best sports games to buy this holiday season, whether you have a basketball, golf, or pro wrestling fan on your list. All three games make excellent gifts for a number of sports games, with NBA 2K21 looking to take things to a new level via the next-gen experience!
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