The best basketball video games

Playing video games is one of the best ways you can spend your free time. There are so many avid online gamers out there. Some like to play online poker, some enjoy a more classic video game. No matter what your preference is, there’s a whole world of games out there to explore.

If you’re a fan of basketball, chances are you’re a fan of the video game version too. We’ve compiled a list of the best basketball video games out there – let’s see if your favourite makes the cut…

Best basketball video games ever

• NBA Jam

One of the favourite games to play on Super Nintendo had to be in the list of the best basketball games out there. This will be a throwback game for most, and maybe a new game entirely for anyone born this century.

But the action-packed gameplay and the easy controls make this game a joy to play. Whether you remember it from back in the day, or it’s totally new – the one certainty is that you’re going to have fun playing it.

• International Basketball Manager

Basketball Manager is the perfect game for people who have been dreaming of setting up their own basketball team one day. You’ll have the chance to make all your dreams come true, building and managing your dream basketball team.

You have the whole world of basketball to choose from so the only difficulty you’ll face is whittling your options down to one team!

• Basketball Classics

This game might look old, but it actually came out in 2019. It’s based on older games so the graphics are very basic, 8-bit gaming style but it works really well. It’s the perfect mix of a classic basketball game, with all the fun surprises of a modern game.

You can choose from a huge range of basketball players and teams to build your own team. Then all that’s left to do is enjoy the nostalgia!

• Regular Human Basketball

Regular Human Basketball is a bit of a curveball when it comes to basketball games – or any type of game for that matter. The premise is still based on the game of basketball, but the things you’re playing as are far from normal.

It’s one for people who like to add something weird and wonderful to their gaming experience – we’ll leave the rest for you to find out by yourself!

• NBA Street Vol 2

This game might take people back a year or two. It was one of the most popular games back in the day, and it’s still a super fun one to play. The graphics might have aged a fair bit, but it’s still just as fun to play.

It’s based on a simple game of street basketball that’s easy and fun for anyone to play. The soundtrack is a highlight for anyone who loves to listen to great music as they play too.

• NBA 2K22

NBA 2K22 is the most realistic looking basketball game out there – almost eerily so. It’s a bit of a love it or hate it thing, so it can be a little divisive. However, the gameplay more than makes up for the accurate visuals.

You can play as real-life basketball players on real teams, which is a dream for a lot of people out there. It’s easy enough to play so there’s no need to worry about your level of gaming expertise.

• Freestyle 2: Street Basketball

Street basketball is a popular way to play the sport if you don’t have access to an inside court. It’s how a lot of people learn basketball if they haven’t had the chance to play at school or on a team.

And this game is just as popular as the real thing. It also mimics real life as it’s completely free to play online. You can make your own character and choose players from around the world to play with you or against you.

It’s a very well-designed game and the quality is impeccable, especially as it’s free to play. The visuals are top quality and anyone who loves playing basketball will enjoy a game or two.

• College Hoops 2K8

Last but not least, we have College Hoops 2K8. Just like college football, college basketball has a huge following so it’s not something to be dismissed in the real world. And the same goes for the game world too!

If you’ve always dreamed of playing for your college team, this is a way you can live out your fantasy. You have a career mode option that can replicate the exact track you want your college basketball career to go down.

It’s a game that’s simple, but effective. Definitely a game for all the basketball dreamers out there.

That’s it for our list of the best basketball video games – which one is your favourite?