Following the immense popularity of College Football 25, it comes as no surprise that nostalgic sports video games from the childhoods of millennials are making a return. Playground Productions announced today that the “Backyard Sports” series will be revived after nearly ten years since its last release.
The company revealed that the new installment will roll out “in the coming months,” bringing back its distinctive visual style and beloved characters like Pablo Sanchez, Kenny Kawaguchi, and Pete Wheeler.
“We’re thrilled to bring Backyard Sports back to a new generation,” said Chris Waters, Chief Product Officer at Playground Productions. “We’re committed to preserving the original charm while incorporating modern features and gameplay that today’s players expect.”
With this revival, many fans are speculating on which other cherished sports video game franchises might also see a resurgence soon.
Among the series fans would love to see return are:
**Mario Super Sluggers**
Mario remains an iconic figure in gaming, and despite his various sports ventures, his baseball appearances have been limited to just two titles: “Mario Superstar Baseball” and “Mario Super Sluggers.” While “Mario Tennis” has seen recent updates for the Switch, the baseball games have remained stagnant for over fifteen years. With new characters introduced in recent Mario titles, there is ample opportunity to breathe new life into Mario’s baseball adventures.
**NFL Blitz The League**
Despite its extreme violence, the concept of reviving “NFL Blitz The League” sparks interest. Given the dissatisfaction among fans with recent Madden titles, a new, over-the-top football game could reignite excitement for NFL gaming.
**The Bigs**
This fun baseball game has not had a new release since before 2010. It captivated players with engaging mini-games, the influence of star athletes on gameplay, and the use of Wii’s motion controls. The Bigs series was unique in its playful interpretation of baseball, making it a standout title.
**SSX Tricky**
It’s been a while since the gaming world saw a snowboard racing game. The reintroduction of “SSX Tricky” could fill this niche market. While some might consider its gameplay mechanics, like attacking opponents on the slopes, to be too intense for today’s standards, its fast-paced and exaggerated style could prove popular again.
**NFL 2K**
A revival of the NFL 2K series is something many fans would welcome. While some prefer simulation-style games, Madden has dominated this space since gaining exclusive rights. Despite the anticipated end of this dominance in 2026, creating competition in the simulation NFL game market would be a notable challenge. However, 2K Sports has the resources and knowledge to craft a compelling NFL game, a fact evidenced by the longstanding admiration for NFL 2K5, which is still regarded as one of the best simulation NFL games.