It’s not just FIFA or PES anymore. There’s a whole team’s worth of football games to get stuck into. From casual kickabouts to detailed simulations, there’s a game out there for every kind of fan. And most are cross-platform too. No matter where you like to play, you’ll still be able to match up with your friends.
We’ve booted up the best football games on all the big consoles. So, if you need a present idea for the footie fanatic in your life, kick things off with these great games.
Football games for Nintendo Switch
FIFA 23
Want to take the beautiful game with you? FIFA 23 on Nintendo Switch should be the first name on your team sheet. Play it on the train. Play it on your lunch break. Play it while heading to the big match. This is the FIFA experience you know and love, but in a portable format. It’s ideal for squeezing in a quick game or two wherever you are. There are fully licensed tournaments as well. So you can literally win the Champions League while waiting for the bus.
And you can go head-to-head against your mates too. Just slide off the wireless Joy-Con controllers for some fast-paced local multiplayer. Trash-talking in person is even better after all, right?
Mario Strikers: Battle League Football
If you want something a bit whackier, check out Mario Strikers: Battle League Football. Create a squad from your favourite characters and dominate your opponents. Whether it’s Mario upfront, or Bowser in defence, their unique stats provide different bonuses to your team. We’ve got a feeling that Waluigi is going to be pretty deadly in the air…
Special items, tackles and shots then add another layer to the action. And you can beef up your players by unlocking special gear. These unlocks improve everything from their strength to their speed. Once your club is properly upgraded, take the match online. Team up with gamers around the globe in Strikers Club and become the world’s top team.
Nintendo eShop
Don’t want to buy a physical copy? Go digital with the Nintendo eShop. Top up your Nintendo account with an eShop Gift Card and net yourself any game you want. It doesn’t have to be footie-related either.
Xbox football games
Football Manager 2023
If they’re into their tactics, then Football Manager is worth a shot. Making its debut on consoles, this is the thinking persons footie sim. Take your club to glory - from the depths of the National League to the riches of the Premier League. Make transfers. Negotiate contracts. Tweak your playing style and formation. You can take control over every aspect of your team. Then watch your decisions play out as your side fights for every point.
You can even test your managerial mettle against your mates. Online career mode pits you against one another across an entire season. Or create star-studded squads against the clock in Fantasy Draft - then play to see whose is better. You’ll prove who really knows their football, once and for all.
eFootball 2023
eFootball used to be known as Pro Evolution Soccer – FIFA’s main rival. Now, along with a name change, it’s gone free-to-play.
Konami have aimed for complete realism on the pitch here. They’ve looked at how the world’s top teams play, putting their individual styles straight into the game. Barcelona’s Tika Taka. Napoli’s rapid, fluid attacks. It’s all here. And it looks (and plays) great. There’s exclusive partnerships with some of the best clubs in the game too. If you’re a fan of the likes of Roma or Lazio, you can only play as them here. Eat your heart out, FIFA.
It’s also been billed as the “largest eSports platform for football fans around the world”. If you’re after a competitive online experience, this might just be it.
Xbox Game Pass
Things get even better with Xbox Game Pass. Don’t want to buy FIFA 23 straight away? No worries. Try before you buy with the included EA Play membership. Play for up to 10 hours before you make a permanent transfer to your game library.
Game Pass is the perfect teammate for the Xbox Series S. Download a bunch of different football games (including Football Manager 2023) to this digital-only console. Game Pass adds new titles every month, so there’ll always be a way to get your footie fix.
PlayStation Football Games
FIFA 23
There’s a reason FIFA 23 is the biggest football game around. It’s got more authentic kits, teams, players, and stadiums than you can shake a stick at. And everything is more life-like than ever. Players react and move realistically thanks to HyperMotion 2 technology. It’s made up of over 6000 new animations taken from 11v11 motion capture. Tackles, shots and saves pretty much leap off the screen.
Then you’ve got Ultimate Team – one of the most popular modes in sports gaming. Build your dream team from your favourite players and take your squad online. By completing various challenges, you’ll be able to upgrade and improve the quality of your team over time. You can even add legendary former players to your side. Think Zidane, Beckham, Pele and Cruyff. How’s that for a transfer?
Rocket League
Take a massive football. Mix it together with fast cars and an equally massive goal. That’s Rocket League. Team up with your mates and compete in tournaments. Complete fun tasks and move up the ranks as you win matches. Like the name suggests, Rocket League is fast and frantic. There’s big explosions. Crazy flips. It’s definitely not your average game of footie.
With each match only lasting a few minutes, it’s perfect to pick up and play. What’s more, you don’t even have to pay for it. Rocket League is completely free. So, there’s no excuse not to download it and take it for a spin.
Need more great gaming gift ideas? Check out what our gaming experts are playing right now. Visit ShopLive too. Our in-store staff can suggest some essential games from all the biggest consoles. And you can do it all via video chat.
