For most fans looking for the current NHL video game, start with EA SPORTS NHL 26—if you have a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. It is the latest release covered by the official sources, with modes for career play, team management, and online competition. If you already own NHL 25, though, compare the games’ current prices and the changes that matter to you before upgrading: one reviewer described the differences as incremental.
Which NHL game should you play now?
EA’s NHL 26 is the straightforward pick if you want the latest release and play on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. EA announced a worldwide launch on those platforms for September 12, 2025; the sources here do not establish a PC or Nintendo Switch version. The recommendation is about release status and fit, not a claim that NHL 26 is best for every player.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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EA SPORTS FC 24 Standard Edition PS5 Game | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Perp The Persistence Enhanced Amélioré(e) Anglais PlayStation 5 | $18.18 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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NBA BOUNCE - PlayStation 5 | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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EA SPORTS College Football 27 - Standard Edition PS5 |Disc I VideoGame | $49.94 | Buy on Amazon |
EA highlights ICE-Q 2.0 with NHL EDGE data, a reimagined Be A Pro mode, and ongoing Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) and World of Chel content. Those are the publisher’s descriptions of the game. Your preferred mode, console, experience with hockey games, and whether you own NHL 25 are more useful decision points than a blanket ranking.
Choose by the way you want to play
For offline team management: Franchise
Franchise is the mode to consider if you want to run a team rather than control only one player. In a September 2025 review, TechRadar said its reviewer spent much of more than 30 hours with NHL 26 in Franchise mode and enjoyed managing budgets and trades. The same reviewer judged the changes from NHL 25 incremental, so this is a reason to try the mode—not proof that the new game is a major leap for every Franchise player. Read TechRadar’s NHL 26 review.
#1 Best Overall
- 5035228125117
For a player-career story: Be A Pro
EA’s NHL 26 materials call Be A Pro reimagined. That makes it a relevant option if you want a career centered on an individual player, but the available material does not establish how well the changes work in practice. Treat the feature description as a publisher claim, not an independent verdict on the mode.
For online team and collectible-card play: World of Chel and HUT
EA lists World of Chel content and HUT seasons among NHL 26’s ongoing offerings. These are the modes to investigate if online play or building a HUT roster is your priority. Their appeal depends on your preferences; the sources do not establish current online service conditions or subscription requirements, so check those details before buying if they affect your decision.
Rank #2
- PS5 Features include raytracing modes and immersive haptic feedback for DualSense
- Use darkness and cover to avoid being overwhelmed by the ship's deadly new inhabitants
- Seek out the weapon fabricators to increase your firepower as you journey deeper, into the dark and terrifying depths, but beware ammo is limited
- Gather materials & schematics for weapon upgrades and suit customizations with buffs
- Harvest DNA material to improve health, toughness and defensive capabilities.Survive an ever changing labyrinth. Each and every expedition into The Persistence will be disorienting and different.Death is just the beginning. Fatal encounters will result in Zimri's consciousness being uploaded into a new cloned body, ready to try again, with any upgraded stats, suits & weapon schematics kept to aid the next attempt to save the ship
Is NHL 26 a good first hockey game?
It can be a starting point, but expect practice rather than instant mastery. TechRadar’s reviewer found NHL 26 difficult as a beginner, particularly when trying to score. The review also notes adjustable difficulty, multiple control schemes, basic remapping, and control reminders—options that may help you get comfortable as you learn.
If someone asks, “What modern game should I get for my first game?”, NHL 26 is the current option in this guide for a player with a supported console. Start with a forgiving difficulty setting and use control reminders while learning; adjust your controls if the defaults feel awkward. That is practical guidance based on the options reported in the review, not a promise that the game has no learning curve.
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- FUN & EASY HOOP PLAY: Players of any age and level can learn the basics and play in style as they shoot, dunk, and block.
- CO-OP ON THE COURTS: Shoot hoops with family and friends and amp up the challenge with up to 4 players.
- PRACTICE YOUR MOVES: Choose your game mode and work on your lay-ups in Training, compete in a Full Season or Party playing Ball Pop and more.
- MASCOT MAYHEM: Jump into the shenanigans with your favorite team mascot in Party Mode.
- BUILD YOUR PERFECT LINEUP: Choose an Eastern or Western Conference team and design your players from the hair to the sneakers and funky trails.
Should you buy NHL 26 if you own NHL 25?
Not automatically. NHL 25 remains a relevant comparison: EA lists PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S store paths for it and says it joined EA Play’s Play List in April 2025. That historical addition does not guarantee it is in the subscription catalog now. Check the live catalog, retailer availability, and price in your region before deciding.
| Option | Platforms established by the sources | Best fit | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA SPORTS NHL 26 | PlayStation 5; Xbox Series X|S | Players seeking the current release and its highlighted modes | TechRadar’s reviewer found the learning curve challenging for beginners and described changes from NHL 25 as incremental. |
| EA SPORTS NHL 25 | PlayStation 5; Xbox Series X|S | Players who already own it or find it at a worthwhile current price | Current price, availability, and EA Play catalog status are not established here; check live listings. |
The sources do not establish today’s prices or prove which game is better value. If NHL 25 already gives you the modes and experience you want, compare the current cost of NHL 26 with the specific features you would use before upgrading. If you are buying your first game, compare the available editions and current listings in your region rather than relying on an old price or subscription mention.
Rank #4
- Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 (disc) includes the full EA SPORTS College Football 27 game.
- DYNASTY BLUEPRINT – Control your program’s future with recruiting, NIL, staff, facilities, and Athletic Director Expectations..
- ROAD TO GLORY – Build your player, explore new positions, earn NIL deals, chase the Heisman, and raise your Legacy Score.
- MASCOT MASHUP – Play as your favorite mascot, collect 120+ icons, and compete in wild 11-on-11 matchups full of school spirit.
What to check before choosing
- Console: NHL 26 is established here for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Confirm compatibility on the exact store listing before purchase.
- Preferred mode: Match your choice to Franchise management, Be A Pro career play, HUT, or World of Chel.
- Experience level: New players should allow time to learn controls and scoring and use the available difficulty and control options.
- Existing copy: If you own NHL 25, weigh its current usefulness against the changes you want in NHL 26.
- Current availability: Prices, stock, subscription catalogs, and online service details can change. Verify the live listing and terms for your region.
What this guide can—and cannot—rank
The available evidence supports NHL 26 as the current release to consider and NHL 25 as a prior-year comparison. It does not support a reliable ranking of older NHL games, tabletop hockey games, or other hockey video games, nor a claim that one title is objectively the most popular or highest quality. EA’s September 2025 statement that NHL broadcasts reached more than 160 countries and territories describes broadcast reach, not game sales or player numbers.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
