3 Best Skateboarding Games for PS5 2026

Raw, unfiltered realism defines Session: Skate Sim, a game that throws players into the gritty heart of street skating with zero hand-holding. What sets it apart is its dual-stick control system, where each analog stick mimics one foot on the board—forcing you to master weight distribution, pop timing, and balance like a real skater. This isn’t about flashy combos or arcade scoring; it’s about authentic progression, where landing your first kickflip after dozens of tries feels like a legitimate victory. If you’ve ever watched a skate video and wondered what it really takes to pull off those tricks, this is the closest you’ll get without scraping your knees.

In real-world testing, the game shines brightest in its freestyle sandbox mode, where you’re free to explore meticulously recreated spots like Brooklyn Banks and FDR Park. The physics engine treats every curb, stair set, and handrail with surgical precision—no two grinds feel the same, and terrain imperfections matter. Landing a smooth frontside boardslide after adjusting your speed and angle? Pure satisfaction. But the steep learning curve can be unforgiving—beginners may find themselves stuck in a loop of failed ollies and awkward foot placement. There’s no training wheels here: mastery demands patience.

Compared to the high-octane arcade thrills of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2, Session plays like a documentary next to a blockbuster. It doesn’t chase points or time limits—it chases style, realism, and culture. While Tony Hawk delivers instant gratification, Session rewards persistence, making it ideal for simulation purists and skaters who value process over spectacle. It lacks the nostalgic flair and fast-paced gameplay of its counterpart, but for those seeking a true-to-life skate experience, it offers unmatched depth—even if it means sacrificing accessibility. In terms of performance and authenticity, it outclasses Tony Hawk in realism, though at the cost of broader appeal.

Nostalgia meets modern polish in Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2, a masterclass remake that resurrects two of the most influential skate games with explosive energy and buttery-smooth gameplay. From the moment you launch into your first 900, the game delivers arcade-style adrenaline, where massive air, breakneck combos, and score-chasing create an addictive feedback loop. The revamped graphics and fluid animations honor the original spirit while feeling entirely at home on PS5, and the tight, responsive controls make pulling off tricks feel intuitive—even for newcomers. If you crave the rush of chaining grinds, flips, and manuals across sprawling levels, this is the ultimate thrill ride.

On the digital pavement, the game excels in high-speed flow and creative line-building, letting you string together hundred-thousand-point combos across reimagined classics like Warehouse, School II, and Venice Beach. The 60fps performance and near-instant load times enhance the momentum, keeping you airborne and engaged. Each skater handles uniquely—Tony Hawk’s power versus Bob Burnquist’s finesse—adding strategic depth without overcomplicating. However, the over-the-top scoring system and emphasis on big air can feel disconnected from real skating, and the lack of a true free-roam mode slightly limits exploration outside objectives.

When stacked against Session: Skate Sim, this remake is the polar opposite in philosophy: where Session demands realism, Tony Hawk celebrates fantasy. It’s not trying to simulate skating—it’s amplifying it into a superhero version of street culture, where you’re constantly chasing bigger, better, faster tricks. This makes it far more accessible and immediately rewarding than the simulation-heavy Session, though less appealing to purists. For players who want fast-paced action, nostalgic vibes, and endless replayability, it’s the clear winner—and even with fewer customization options, it delivers a richer overall package in fun, polish, and variety.

True-to-core authenticity is the heartbeat of Session: Skate Sim /PS5, a game that doesn’t just simulate skating—it immerses you in the entire culture, from nailing a perfect line to filming it like a pro. The dual-stick control system remains its defining innovation: left stick for your front foot, right for the back, demanding real coordination and timing. Every ollie, flip, and grind feels earned, and the physics engine reacts to subtle shifts in balance and speed—this is skateboarding as a craft, not a checklist. If you’ve ever wanted to feel the struggle and triumph of street skating, this version doubles down on realism with no compromises.

Exploring legendary spots like Black Hubbas and Brooklyn Banks isn’t just background scenery—it’s central to the experience. The game encourages you to study each location, test angles, and discover hidden lines, just like real skaters do. Film mode elevates this further: after landing a tricky ledge combo, you can switch to director mode, adjusting camera angles and replay speed to create a cinematic clip worthy of a part. But the lack of guided progression means beginners may feel lost, and the absence of structured goals can lead to aimless cruising. It’s a freedom-first design, which empowers experts but overwhelms novices.

Against Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2, this edition of Session stands as the anti-arcade statement—a meditative, skill-based alternative to point-chasing chaos. While Tony Hawk dazzles with color and combos, Session draws you in with silence, rhythm, and consequence. It’s best suited for players who identify with skate culture beyond tricks—filmmakers, purists, and those who value expression over points. Though it lacks the broad appeal and immediate fun of its competitor, it surpasses it in depth and realism, offering a more grounded, immersive journey—for those willing to put in the reps.