There’s excitement in theair as we approach what promises to be a thrilling summer of sport. As we race towards the summer months, we’ve already enjoyed some classics, including the Australian Open, Devon Haney vs Ryan Garcia, and the Grand National. But there’s plenty more to come, with some huge international tournaments on the horizon. If you love attending professional sports fixtures or watching games live on television, the coming weeks and months will be breathtaking.
Do you love boxing?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is the biggest fight in a generation, with the warriors set to meet in May for the undisputed world heavyweight title. Facing off in Saudi Arabia, that bout will give fans something they’ve not had for over 25 years: one recognized champion. And as soon as the dust settles at the Kingdom Arena, attentions turn to Germany for the UEFA European Championships in Germany. England is the pre-competition favorite with the top sports betting apps, but Germany is determined to make home advantage count.
Euro 2024 will draw a global audience, and you can follow the play live on television or the best live-streaming apps. The action runs for exactly a month between June and July, with the host nation playing Scotland in the opening fixture. Soccer fans can call the outright winner of the trophy or predict one of many exciting specials, like top scorer and best player. There’s something for everyone.
Paris takes center stage
When the result of Euro2024 is in the books, sports fans quickly make the short journey to France for this summer’s Olympic Games. It’s always exciting when we have an Olympic Year, and France 2024 promises to be something quite special. Organizers aim to prove the Olympics have bounced back from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and France has an opportunity to host a sporting celebration.
Events will take place across the country, but Paris is the host city and provides the backdrop for many of the most popular events, including the opening and closing ceremonies. Which nation do you expect to top the medal table, collecting the most golds? Are you supporting the locals and expecting France to lead the way, or are you firmly behind Team USA? Other major players include Australia and the United Kingdom. We’re all set for a thrilling few weeks in Paris.
As it’s an Olympic Games year, we can also enjoy the release of Paris 2024 console games. Sports fans can run down the clock until the opening ceremony by playing their favorite Olympic Games console titles, and there are many to choose from today. Will you go for the most modern release and try to emulate the stars, or walk down memory lane and enjoy a retro Olympic Games option? Keep reading as we select the best Olympics console games from the past. Some are more modern than others, but every game is well worth rediscovering.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Series
Developed by Sega in collaboration with Nintendo, the “Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games” series brings together iconic characters from both franchises to compete in a variety of Olympic events. The series debuted in 2007 with the release of “Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games” for the Nintendo Wii and DS platforms. Since then, several sequels and spin-offs have been released, including “Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games” and “Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games.”
These games feature a diverse selection of events inspired by the Olympics, ranging from track and field to swimming, gymnastics, and more. Players can choose from a roster of beloved characters, including Mario, Sonic, Luigi, Tails, and others, each with their unique abilities and attributes.
Summer Athletics Series
Developed by 49Games and published by Deep Silver, the “Summer Athletics” series offers a comprehensive collection of Olympic-style events for players to enjoy. The series includes titles such as “Summer Athletics: The Ultimate Challenge” and “Summer Athletics 2009,” released for various gaming platforms, including the PlayStation 2, Wii, and Xbox 360.
These games feature a wide range of track and field events, including sprints, hurdles, long jump, javelin throw, and discus throw, among others. Players can create their custom athletes and compete in single-player tournaments or multiplayer modes against friends and family.
Beijing 2008
Developed by Eurocom and published by Sega, “Beijing 2008” is an officially licensed video game based on the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China. Released for multiple gaming platforms, including the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, the game allows players to compete in a variety of Olympic events across different venues in Beijing.
“Beijing 2008” features over 30 events, including track and field, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, and more. Players can choose from a roster of international athletes and compete for gold medals in single-player or multiplayer modes.
London 2012
Developed by Sega Studios Australia and published by Sega, “London 2012” is the official video game of the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London, England. Released for various gaming platforms, including the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, the game offers a comprehensive Olympic experience with a wide range of events and modes.
“London 2012” features over 30 Olympic events, including swimming, diving, archery, rowing, and track and field, among others. Players can compete in single-player or multiplayer modes, striving to set new records and win medals for their chosen country.
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
Developed by Sega and published by Sega and Square Enix, “Olympic Games Tokyo 2020” is the official video game of the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan. Originally scheduled for release alongside the real-world Olympics, the game was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was eventually released for various gaming platforms, including the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.
“Olympic Games Tokyo 2020” features a diverse selection of Olympic events, including track and field, swimming, gymnastics, judo, and skateboarding, among others. Players can compete in single-player or multiplayer modes, customizing their athletes and representing their favorite countries on the virtual world stage.