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For a current, officially licensed NHL simulation on console, EA SPORTS NHL 26 is the clearest choice: it launched worldwide on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It is not listed for PC on EA’s product page. PC players should instead look at games such as Tape to Tape or Super Blood Hockey, which offer different, non-equivalent hockey experiences.
Best hockey games by platform and play style
| Game | Best for | Platforms identified by the sources | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA SPORTS NHL 26 | A current NHL-branded simulation on console | PlayStation 5; Xbox Series X|S | EA announced a worldwide launch on September 12, 2025. Its official product page links to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S stores, not a PC store. EA SPORTS NHL 26; EA launch announcement. |
| Tape to Tape | PC players looking for an indie hockey game | Windows PC, according to a secondary reference | The reference identifies it as a Windows game released in 2023. That listing does not establish current storefront availability, price, or hardware requirements. List of ice hockey video games. |
| Super Blood Hockey | Players interested in arcade-style hockey | Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, according to a secondary reference | The platform list is secondary and may not reflect current availability in every store or region. Verify the relevant listing before buying. Super Blood Hockey. |
| EA SPORTS NHL 25 | Players considering an earlier NHL entry | PS5; Xbox Series X|S store links on EA’s page | Its current local price and value against NHL 26 are not established here; compare price, rosters, and features before choosing it as a lower-cost option. EA SPORTS NHL 25. |
What is the best hockey game for PC?
Tape to Tape is a PC option identified in the available reference listing as a Windows hockey game. Super Blood Hockey is another possibility if you want an arcade-style game and can confirm its current PC listing. Neither is presented by the cited sources as a substitute for EA’s current licensed NHL console simulation. Check the current store page for regional availability, price, and system requirements before purchasing; those details are not established by the references above.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
EA SPORTS NHL 27 - Physical Disc - Xbox Series X | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
NHL 23 - XB1 | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Hasbro Gaming Hypershot Electronic Tabletop Hockey Game | 5 Games in 1 | Music, Lights, and Sounds |... | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
NHL 24 - Xbox One | $39.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
NHL 25 PlayStation 5 | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Can you play NHL 26 on PC?
EA’s official NHL 26 product page links to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S stores and does not list a PC version. Based on that official page, do not treat NHL 26 as a PC release. Check EA’s NHL 26 product page for its listed platforms.
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What makes NHL 26 the console pick?
EA positions NHL 26 as an authentic NHL experience and says its ICE-Q 2.0 system uses official NHL EDGE positional data. That supports recommending it to players who prioritize NHL branding and simulation authenticity; it does not establish that it is the best choice for every play style or that it has a particular mode advantage. EA’s launch announcement.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
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Bestseller No. 4
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
NHL 25 PlayStation 5
- ICE-Q - This is true hockey intelligence. Built on an all-new logic-driven animation system, ICE-Q responds to contextual events on the ice with unprecedented authenticity and is the foundation of Chel’s gameplay overhaul.
- SKILL BASED ONE-TIMERS – Skill Based One-Timers create authentic gameplay tension as offensive excitement and expectation mix with defensive concern and anticipation, each pass creating unique moments and opportunities for high-scoring probability shots.
- GRUDGE MATCH - Hockey is at its best when the competition is fierce. The all-new Grudge Match System tracks the history of matchups between teams across all major online and offline modes in NHL 25 to add more context, stakes and heat to showdowns with your rivals.
- NEXT-GEN CHARACTERS - The next best thing to the real thing. Thanks to the introduction of Sapien Technology to the NHL franchise and the power of our Frostbite Engine on next-gen consoles, all of NHL 25’s in-game characters have received a serious visual overhaul.
Rank #4
NHL 24 - Xbox One
- EA SPORTS NHL 24’s all-new gameplay features bring authentic on-ice action to life.
- Experience the rush and fatigue of a high-pressure game with the Exhaust Engine, where sustained pressure in the attack zone leads to new game-changing effects.
- Chel is more connected than ever with cross-play in all online team play modes, along with HUT Moments, which lets you recreate classic moments in hockey history and today’s biggest plays.
- Flex Moments introduces 75+ new goal celebrations, and a wholly refreshed presentation complements an enriched crowd atmosphere that makes playing the game feel like you’re at the game.
- Some features may require an internet connection and an online subscription.
Rank #3
Sale
Hasbro Gaming Hypershot Electronic Tabletop Hockey Game | 5 Games in 1 | Music, Lights, and Sounds | Ages 8 and Up | for 1 to 2 Players | Kids Board Games
- ELECTRONIC TABLETOP HOCKEY GAME: Get ready for action-packed excitement with the Hypershot electronic kids game! It’s up and moving fun, as players slide their puck and try to hit the lights before their opponent
- COMPETITIVE, PUCK-SHOOTING FRENZY: In this air hockey-themed game for kids, players shoot their pucks at moving or stationary lights and compete to own the “ice.” The first to win 4 rounds is the champion
- 5 HIGH-ACTION GAMES IN 1: Play again and again with 5 game modes! Go head-to-head in four different 2-player games—Ricochet, Slap Shot, Shoot-Out, and Face-Off—or hone skills solo in Trainer mode
- MUSIC, LIGHTS, AND SOUNDS: Featuring 5 sports-themed songs, lights, and sound effects with every game mode! At the end of each round, the game unit announces the score
- PORTABLE AND STORABLE: Compete at home and on the go! With easy, in-game storage, this portable game is a snap to pack up and toss in a bag. It’s an ideal kids travel game for busy families
Rank #2
NHL 23 - XB1
- Grab your friends, hit the ice, and make history in NHL 23
- Get the best players in the world on one lineup with the introduction of mixed women’s and men’s teams in HUT
- Last chance puck movement gameplay animations let you control how a play unfolds after any level of contact is taken
- Gear up and hit the ice for the most dynamic, connected, and visually rich Chel experience yet
#1 Best Overall
EA SPORTS NHL 27 - Physical Disc - Xbox Series X
- Full version of EA SPORTS NHL 27 on physical Blu-ray disc for Xbox Series X. Xbox Series X only – not compatible with Xbox Series S and Xbox One consoles.
- Experience authentic NHL atmosphere across all 32 arenas with real goal songs, new pre-game presentations and a fully revamped crowd that captures every team's unique identity.
- Take control in Connected Franchise with up to 32 user-controlled teams, roster management, league customization, commissioner tools and full online seasons.
- Powered by NHL EDGE data, 32 unique Team Playbooks bring authentic strategies, team identities and realistic gameplay to every matchup on the ice.
How to choose the right hockey game
- Start with your platform. NHL 26 is supported here for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. PC players should choose a separately listed PC title and confirm its current storefront page.
- Decide between licensed simulation and a different style. Choose NHL 26 if current NHL branding and simulation authenticity are priorities. Consider Tape to Tape or Super Blood Hockey as distinct indie or arcade-style alternatives, not verified NHL-licensed equivalents.
- Check current price and availability in your region. These can change, and the references do not establish current prices or regional stock for the games listed.
- Check the experience you care about. The available sources do not support a detailed comparison of career, franchise, or multiplayer modes. Consult the current game listing for the features that matter to you.
- Plan for input if needed. A compatible controller may be useful, but no particular controller model is required by the evidence cited here.
