The 5 Greatest NES Sports Games

1. Mike Tyson’s Punch Out!! (1987)

There’s really no arguing this one. No other NES character, with the exception of Mario and Link, is as recognizable as the ultimate underdog- Little Mac. This was a white knuckle, bleeding thumbs, bang your head against the wall, excruciating, AMAZING video game. Realism is again tossed aside in exchange for fun, as you step into the shoes of a vertically challenged, malnourished fighter who has to brawl his way to the top of the heavyweight ranks.

As daunting as the task may seem, you are blessed with lightning-fast speed, and the greatest mentor since Mickey from the Rocky movies- Doc Louis. Your wise teacher will groom you into the greatest fighter the world has ever seen. That is, of course, until you face Mike Freaking Tyson. If you have ever beaten Mike Tyson in this game then I need to shake your hand. I’ve made it to him, but that’s about it. As soon as he takes one swing, it’s lights out for Little Mac. I don’t mind, really. I mean it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey, right? The memorable opponents you face in Punch Out!! will probably stay engrained in your head forever.

3 seconds before hurling my controller into the wall.

So through trial and error, you will eventually figure out the timing and punch combinations needed to defeat your opponents and claw your way through the ranks, and beating the upper-level fighters in this game is one of the most satisfying feelings you will have on an NES.  The game holds its own to this day, and is in my opinion the single greatest boxing game ever. I also love how, when you are battered and bleeding between rounds, the wise Doc Louis will sometimes shout “Join the Nintendo Fun Club today, Little Mac!”  That’s hilarious to me.

And there you have it; I hope you enjoyed reading the list as much as I’ve enjoyed making it. Feel free to post your thoughts on the Top 5. If there are other games that you feel should have made the cut, then let’s hear ‘em.