Play Tony Hawk's Proving Ground Online

Tony Hawk's Proving Ground came out on the Nintendo DS in 2007, published by Activision. It was part of that wave of handheld skateboarding games trying to capture the console feel on a smaller screen, back when the DS was full of experimental control schemes and dual-screen setups.

You control a custom skater, building their reputation by completing challenges across open areas like Baltimore and Philadelphia. The main goal is to progress through different story paths (amateur, rigger, or career) by landing tricks, winning contests, and filming video parts. Signature mechanics include using the touch screen for special moves, like flicking the stylus to perform nail-the-trick maneuvers, and employing the microphone for certain audio-based actions. The pacing is steady, with a moderate learning curve that rewards persistence. It feels like a condensed, tactile version of the console experience, where every successful trick is a small victory.