Best Skateboarding Video Games (Right Now) From the Streets to the Console—Are Your Favorites on the List?

Ever wondered which skateboarding games truly nail that authentic feel? Dive into my top picks that capture the thrill of skating.

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But when I’m off my board, nothing beats diving into a good skateboarding game. Let’s face it, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, or maybe you’re just too wiped from a day at the park. So, which games actually do justice to the skateboarding experience? 🤔

In this roundup, I’ll share my personal favorites that span from hardcore simulators to arcade-style gems that hooked us all. We’ll explore what makes each game stand out, whether they capture the true essence of skating or just offer some good old-fashioned fun. 

Key takeaways

  • Customization: Games like Skater XL thrive with extensive mod support, allowing players to create personalized skateboarding experiences.
  • Realism: Session: Skate Sim offers a highly realistic simulation, ideal for players seeking an authentic skateboarding challenge.
  • Nostalgia Meets Modernity: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 successfully blends classic gameplay with updated graphics and controls.
  • Future Developments: The upcoming EA Skate 4 promises to potentially unify the best aspects of previous skateboarding games.

Top Skateboarding games of 2024

Game TitleRelease DatePlatforms 
Skater XLFebruary 8, 2022PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Session: Skate SimSeptember 17, 2019PC, PlayStation 4
Skate 3May 11, 2010Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2September 4, 2020PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
OlliOlli WorldFebruary 8, 2022PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
EA Skate (Upcoming)TBDPC, Next-gen Consoles
Release dates and platforms of featured skateboarding games

Skater XL: Is realism always better?

A video titled ‘Just Some Satisfying Skater XL Gameplay‘ from the Milky YouTube channel.

I’ve got to start with Skater XL. Developed by Easy Day Studios, this game aims for a realistic skateboarding simulator experience. It doesn’t bother with a story mode; instead, it offers a sandbox format with a ton of maps, both official and those created by the modding community [2].

Released on February 8, 2022, it’s available on pretty much every platform you can think of—PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and S. Critics gave it a bit of a lukewarm reception, with a Top Critic Rating of 61/100 and only 27% recommending it [2].

But here’s the thing: despite the critics, the mod community is where this game shines. You can customize your experience to a crazy degree. Want to skate a replica of your local park? There’s probably a mod for that.

So, is realism always better? Well, if you’re into tweaking every little detail and crave that authentic feel, Skater XL might be your jam. But if you’re looking for a game that holds your hand with missions and a storyline, you might want to keep scrolling.

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Best skateboarding video games (right now) from the streets to the console—are your favorites on the list? | idea icon | skateboard session

Skate real spots!

I love skating real spots (in video games I mean). In Skater XL, you can download a mod to skate in a replica of the Brooklyn Banks, a famous NYC skate spot. It’s a virtual way to revisit a piece of skateboarding history.

Session: Skate Sim: Too punishing or just right?

A video titled ‘This Is What 333 Hours of Session: Skate Sim Looks Like…‘ from the Pigeonthief YouTube channel.

Next up is Session: Skate Sim by creā-ture Studios. This game doesn’t pull any punches—it’s as close to real skateboarding as you can get without risking road rash. The controls are challenging, mimicking the actual footwork you’d need in real life. It’s been getting constant updates and new DLC packs, which keeps things fresh [2].

Released on September 17, 2019, and available on PC and PlayStation 4, it boasts a Metascore of 73 (Not too shabby) and an ESRB Rating of T [2].

But is it too punishing? I won’t lie; the learning curve is steep. But if you’re someone who appreciates the grind (pun intended) and wants a game that respects the intricacies of skateboarding, Session might be worth the effort.

Skate 3: Does old school still rule?

A video titled ‘what 3500 hours of skate 3 looks like‘ from the bruce! YouTube channel.

Ah, Skate 3—the game that many consider the pinnacle of skateboarding titles. Developed by EA Black Box and released way back on May 11, 2010, it’s still a fan favorite. Available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, it blends realistic mechanics with some outrageous stunts. The storyline is engaging, and the multiplayer functionality was ahead of its time [2].

Despite its age, Skate 3 remains highly regarded for its gameplay, map design, and park editor. I still fire it up now and then.

So, does old school still rule? Absolutely. The game’s enduring popularity speaks volumes. Just like that classic deck you just can’t part with—it may be weathered, but it still feels perfect under your feet.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2: Just nostalgia or next-level fun?

A video titled ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 Remade Nostalgia Perfectly!‘ from the Ewaii YouTube channel.

Who could forget Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series? The remastered Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 by Vicarious Visions brings back all those arcade-style thrills. Released on September 4, 2020, it’s available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S [1].

The game is pure nostalgia, but it’s been updated to meet modern gaming standards. The graphics are slick, and the controls are as tight as ever.

Is it just nostalgia, or does it offer next-level fun? Honestly, it’s a bit of both. It’s like jamming out to Blink-182—sure, it’s a throwback, but it still gets you pumped. If you’re after high scores and epic combos rather than a skate sim, this one’s for you.

OlliOlli World: Can 2D capture the thrill of skating?

A video titled ‘OlliOlli World: Who Can Get The Highest Score?‘ from the IGN YouTube channel.

OlliOlli World by Roll7 is a side-scrolling 2D skateboarding game that’s all about speed and chaining tricks. Released on February 8, 2022, it’s available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Critics love it, giving it a Top Critic Rating of 86/100 with 96% recommending it [2].

The visuals are colorful and stylish, and the gameplay is surprisingly deep. It’s easy to pick up but challenging to master.

So, can 2D capture the thrill of skating? Well, it’s not for everyone. It may not offer the realism of a 3D sim, but it delivers addictive gameplay that’ll keep you coming back.

EA Skate 4(upcoming): Will it fill the void?

A video titled ‘Skate 4 Releasing Soon?? (Newest Info and Trailers)‘ from the Nightspeeds YouTube channel.

I’ve got my eye on the upcoming EA Skate developed by Full Circle. Announced back in 2020, it’s been in development with private playtests going on. They’re pulling in former modders from Skater XL and Session: Skate Sim, which is promising [4].

Will it fill the void left by previous games? Only time will tell, but I’m optimistic. Given the talent involved and the lessons learned from past titles, this could be the game that brings everything together. Fingers crossed.

Skatebird: Too whimsical or just good fun?

A video titled ‘Skatebird: The Skateboarding Bird Game‘ from the The Dor Brothers YouTube channel.

For something completely different, there’s Skatebird by Glass Bottom Games. You play as a tiny bird on a skateboard. Yeah, you read that right [1].

It’s a unique, humorous take on skateboarding games. While it might not satisfy those looking for realism, it’s a fun diversion that’s worth a look.

Is it too whimsical? Maybe for some. But if you’re open to a lighthearted spin on skating, it’s a hoot—pun intended.

How skateboarding games impact skate culture

It’s wild how skateboarding games have influenced the skateboarding community over the years. I remember back in the day, before games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, not many people were familiar with the skate scene beyond those who actually skated. But after the game’s release, you could see a massive surge of interest in skateboarding across the globe.

These games not only introduced skateboarding to a wider audience but also inspired many to pick up a real board and hit the streets. They capture the essence of skate culture—the music, the style, the attitude—and package it in a way that’s accessible to everyone.

Additionally, the exposure of iconic skate spots through these games has been significant. Places like the Brooklyn Banks and other legendary locations have gained even more fame.

So, what’s the best skateboarding game out there?

I get this question all the time. The truth is, it depends on what you’re after. If you want hardcore realism, Session: Skate Sim might be your best bet. If you’re nostalgic for the old days and love arcade action, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a solid choice. For a blend of both, Skate 3 still holds up.

But can’t you just pick one? Alright, if I had to choose, I’d go with Skate 3. It hits that sweet spot between realism and fun, and the community is still active.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Yes, EA Skate is highly anticipated and is expected to bring new features and improvements based on feedback from previous titles, potentially revitalizing the skateboarding game genre.

While skateboarding games can help with visualizing tricks and understanding skateboard mechanics, the physical practice and muscle memory required for real-life skating can only be developed on an actual board.

Final thoughts

The skateboarding game genre is alive and kicking, with options for every type of skater. Whether you’re a purist looking for a simulator or just want to pull off insane combo tricks without risking a broken bone, there’s something out there for you.

But what about the future? With upcoming titles like EA Skate in the works, the best may be yet to come. In the meantime, there’s plenty to keep us entertained on those days when we can’t hit the actual skatepark.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to teach my little one how to kickflip in Skate 3. Gotta start ’em young, right?

Image of jedain.
Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old dad rekindling my love for skateboarding. I've been skating since I was 13 back in New York City, took a long break for adulting, and now I'm back on the board.

This blog documents my journey back to the skatepark (creaky joints and all). Follow along as I relearn tricks, reconnect with the skate scene, and share the ups and downs of returning to the sport.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail. When not working on the site, you can find him sipping Bourbon at the karaoke bar.

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