If you're looking to snag one of the biggest sports game this holiday season, there are really three frontrunners in FIFA 22, NBA 2K22, and Madden 22.
Even with all of them on sale through Christmas, you may only wanna bite on one of these three to occupy your gaming time into the new year.
FIFA 22 vs NBA 2K22 vs Madden 22: Which is the best sports game as a holiday gift?
One of the most important factors in which of these you decide to get won't actually be the games themselves, but rather which console players will be using.
For players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, the world is your oyster and any of the titles will be available in their truest and most complete forms.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said across the board, as current gen players on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch will want to steer clear of NBA 2K22.
While a strong installment, the title is missing huge features like The City and is severely hindered when not playing the next gen version.
If you're on Nintendo Switch, your money is better spent on one of their stylized local sports titles like Mario Tennis Aces or Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
For Nintendo Switch players who insist on a more traditional sports experience, you'd be better off getting last year's NBA 2K21 or FIFA 21 for significantly cheaper, as this year's Switch installments just aren't worth their price.
The real gem for PC players would be Football Manager 2022, but of the big three sports titles it's FIFA 22 that takes a slight edge on PC compared to NBA 2K22 and Madden 22.
As for gamers on Xbox One or PS4, you'll still be missing some next gen features, but Madden 22 and FIFA 22 stand stronger on current gen when compared to how inferior current gen NBA 2K22 feels next to the same title on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
If you're still undecided after factoring in your favorite sport and your console's influence on which game stands out, let's look at what makes each title shine most this year.
FIFA 22 vs NBA 2K22 vs Madden 22: What did they do best?
While we've touched on how it struggles on current gen, NBA 2K22 did take a huge step forward for the series this year on next gen.
The City, a massive online-only Career Mode that feels like basketball has been ported into a GTA-style RPG, is the shining star of NBA 2K22.
Madden 22 struggled in a lot of areas this year, but Franchise Mode is at least making the right moves since the addition of an upgraded scouting system.
There are still more Franchise updates potentially coming in the next few months, but even with clear improvements that could be made down the line, Franchise is where Madden 22 shines most.
Finally, FIFA 22 took the biggest steps forward in actual core gameplay this year, with our FIFA 22 review emphasizing that it's "more akin to real football rather than another arcade-like simulation."
When the dust cleared, here are the scores our reviews gave these three juggernauts of sports games (for their ideal Next Gen versions):
- Madden 22 RealSport Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (Full Madden 22 Review)
- FIFA 22 RealSport Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (Full FIFA 22 Review)
- NBA 2K22 RealSport Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Full NBA 2K22 Review)