Highlights

• Boxing games may not be as popular as they once were, but there are still hidden gems to discover.
• Punch Club offers a unique twist on boxing games by focusing on being a manager rather than a fighter.
• Creed: Rise to Glory is a must-have VR boxing title that strikes a balance between simulation and arcade gameplay.

Sports often experience fluctuations in popularity, and boxing is no exception. Throughout the 2010s, boxing saw a plethora of high-profile matches and renowned fighters. Naturally, video games accompanied this surge in popularity, featuring titles like Knockout Kings, Fight Night, and Ready 2 Rumble.

While recent releases may not be as popular as they once were, there are still hidden gems to discover. PSVR enthusiasts have several titles to explore, and for those who prefer traditional controls, there is still a notable number of releases to satisfy their boxing fix.

Updated on January 17, 2024, by Mohamed El Ouardighi: Though boxing games may not enjoy the same level of popularity as they once did, there's still a variety of them to relish in 2024. We've refreshed this list to feature a few more options for those who remain enthusiasts of these games.

8 Punch Club

Punch Club takes a unique approach, shifting the focus from being in the ring to becoming a manager. Your role involves guiding an emerging fighter by ensuring they maintain a proper diet, engage in exercise, and build relationships. These efforts boost your stats, giving you an edge against any opponents you encounter.

The matches revolve more around the preparation than the actual fights. You allocate skills to the fighter that best suit the opponent, and then you initiate the fight, witnessing the outcomes of your training. If you've been diligent, you'll see your efforts pay off; however, slacking off might lead to your fighter getting injured. Not everyone may appreciate the hands-off approach to controls, and for some, the training process may feel like a bit of a grind if the system doesn't quite align with their preferences.

7 Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

While not a full boxing title, it does offer an arcade boxing game within it. Think of it as a more modern Wii Sports. You take control of a fighter as you watch your meter, delivering haymakers, jabs, and super punches. It’s not the only game in the package, so if you ever feel like moving on, you can switch to the next game.

The simplistic control scheme means that practically anyone can pick it up, making it perfect for those family gatherings or keeping the kids occupied. The mechanics are easy enough to grasp, even for those that still call every game system a “Nintendo.” While the graphics may leave a lot to be desired, it more than makes up for it in the fun department.

6 Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions

Creed Champions brings fan-favorite characters from the entire Rocky universe to battle each other, allowing for matchups like father versus son with the Creeds facing off. As an arcade fighter, it lets you unleash cool moves within minutes, sparing you the need to spend hours mastering intricate controls.

This accessibility is a double-edged sword. While it's enjoyable to grab a controller and quickly execute flashy moves, the game may not offer much beyond that. Nevertheless, the satisfaction of pummeling your friend is undeniable, even if you only indulge in a few matches at a time.

5 Pato Box

If you're in search of a Punch-Out replacement, look no further. Pato Box adopts a graphical style popularized by Mad World and draws inspiration from the Wii version of Punch-Out. The gameplay involves keenly observing opponents to identify patterns and using that knowledge to bring them down.

Pato Box doesn't confine you to the boxing ring alone; you'll apply your skills everywhere, from the streets to the kitchen. Yes, really—there's a boss who challenges you with soup and kitchen utensils. While it might take a few attempts to defeat some adversaries, once you master the timing, it turns into an enjoyable experience.​​​​​​​

4 Thunder Ray

Arcade, retro, and boxing enthusiasts, rejoice! These words perfectly encapsulate the essence of Thunder Ray. Set in a dystopian future, you find yourself navigating a world teetering on the edge of collapse, immersed in a gripping narrative of survival and rebellion. The protagonist, who is a reluctant hero, wields the power of thunder to confront formidable enemies and expose the secrets of a corrupted society.

Just give it a look, and you'll surely enjoy the art style at least. But be warned, you will lose more matches than you will win until you get the hang of the gameplay.

3 Knockout League

If you’ve ever played Ready 2 Rumble, then you’ll be right at home here. Knockout League is a VR fighter with a colorful cast of characters who will provide banter as well as beatdowns. It also has a splash of Punch-Out in that you’ll have to look for patterns in order to dodge opponents effectively.

The main problem is that you don’t need a lot of technique to beat up on people. You can just kind of flail away, and dodge when appropriate to beat a lot of the fighters. While this can provide a good workout, it may not be engaging for some people. However, when you encounter an opponent who challenges you, and you finally ring their bell, it is so satisfying.

2 EA Sports UFC 5

UFC 5 stands as the latest addition to the series, offering a knockout experience that seamlessly merges stunning visuals with refined gameplay from its franchise predecessors. Featuring an extensive roster of fighters, step into the ring and immerse yourself in the adrenaline rush as you execute precise strikes, grapples, and knock down your opponents. Whether you prefer to play solo or with friends, the game caters to both online and local split-screen multiplayer options.

For those who have enjoyed previous UFC games, UFC 5 is bound to be a favorite. The game presents a dynamic and challenging experience, turning each bout into a pulse-pounding spectacle that will keep you on the edge of your seats.

1 Creed: Rise To Glory

If you've ever contemplated getting a VR system, Rise to Glory is practically a must-have. It leans more towards being a simulation boxer than an arcade one, managing to strike a balance that caters to both casual players and enthusiasts. Unlike many other VR boxing titles that let you punch without limits, it delves deeper into the gameplay.

Thanks to a stamina mechanic, your fighter can get fatigued, causing your VR peripherals to lose track of your real-life movements. Consequently, you need to carefully manage your attacks and movements for optimal effectiveness. The game offers less predictable patterns, with opponents adapting to your punches to counter them. This dynamic keeps you on your toes, making it possible to inadvertently leave yourself wide open with an errant haymaker.