PlayStation gift ideas – get sporty

Prove to your friends and family that you're a sporting winner this festive season with a selection of superb sports titles.

Sports fans have been spoiled for choice in 2009 with a glorious line-up of PlayStation games to satisfy those who like their outdoor activities to be just as much fun indoors.

The popular EA Sports FIFA 10 on PlayStation 3, PSP and PlayStation 2 offers a perfect fix for football fans, letting you step into the boots of thousands of players from dozens of international and licensed club teams. Choose your favourite side and go for glory in one of the most realistic recreations of the sport yet. And as it's appearing on a hat-trick of PlayStation systems, there's no excuse to miss out.

Also stepping onto the winner's podium across PS3, PSP and PS2 is PES 2010, which gives you another chance to indulge your dream of becoming a world class footballer. Addictive arcade action awaits, complemented by a fully licensed UEFA Champions League mode to let you become a European legend.

For PS3 football of a completely different type - American football, that is - there are two hard-hitting Madden NFL games to suit your needs. For simulation buffs, Madden NFL 10 slams home all the tactical warfare of the sport, wrapped in a glossy TV broadcast style presentation. If you're tempted by a faster paced blitz of American football, Madden NFL Arcade gives you plenty of action with its five-on-five streamlined gameplay.

A more laid-back sporting offer comes in the colourful package of Hustle Kings, a PS3 pool simulation available to download from PlayStation Store. Become pool royalty in a variety of game types, such as eight-ball and killer pool and go to the table against a roster of challenging opponents.

Getting up to speed with motorsport games is no problem on both PSP and PS3 with Need for Speed SHIFT. Taking you for a spin in an authentic driving experience, this is one title that is sure to keep you on course for many laps of racing excitement.

If you want to impress your family at the festive gathering, why not provide them with an answer to the often asked sporting question: who would win in a boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson? This is where EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 4 comes into play on PS3, with its massive range of fighting styles and legendary boxers to take into the square circle. Pit some of history's greatest heavyweight champions against each other and settle friendly disputes with the most realistic in-the-ring experience to date.

One way of beating the winter blues is by stepping onto the tennis court, something not always easily done... unless you have a PS3 system and a copy of Virtua Tennis 2009 to hand. Become number one by creating your own tennis player or by picking up the racket of 23 of the world's top stars, such as Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams.

Even if you're not the sporting type, these games are sure to bring the family together with their varied and fun activities - not to mention help keep you a bit warmer as you bask in the heat of victory against loved ones. Why not give them a try?