The best hockey games on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One

Updated October 17, 2026

If you want to play hockey on a PlayStation or an Xbox right now, the main answer is EA Sports NHL, the yearly series. The newest is NHL 27, released on September 11, 2026, for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Older NHL games still play on newer consoles, a couple of indie hockey games are on the stores, and there is a free option that needs no console at all. This guide answers the questions people search for most, in plain terms.

The quick list

"PS4 version" means the PS4 game, played on a PS5. "Xbox One version" means the Xbox One game, played on an Xbox Series X|S. Store listings change, especially for older games whose licenses run out, so check the store before you count on a digital copy.

What is the newest NHL game?

NHL 27, released on September 11, 2026, on the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. People who bought the Deluxe edition could start about a week early. It brings back a Connected Franchise mode where up to 32 people can each run an NHL team, adds team playbooks based on how real teams play, and has a new broadcast team, John Buccigross and Darren Pang. San Jose's Macklin Celebrini is on the cover.

Reviews have been lukewarm. NHL 27 got mixed reviews: critics mostly liked the play on the ice more than the presentation. Critics mostly complained about player faces that did not look right and about some of the new commentary. If you already own NHL 26, which reviewed a little better, there is no rush to upgrade.

Can I play NHL 27 on a PS4 or Xbox One?

No. EA stopped making NHL games for the PS4 and Xbox One after NHL 24 in 2023. NHL 25, NHL 26 and NHL 27 are only on the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. If you still have a PS4 or Xbox One, NHL 24 is the newest hockey game you can play on it.

Do older NHL games work on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S?

Yes, in most cases. The PS5 plays nearly all PS4 games, and the Xbox Series X|S plays Xbox One games. So every NHL game from NHL 15 (2014, the first one on PS4 and Xbox One) through NHL 24 can be played on a newer console, either from your old disc or a past digital purchase. NHL 22, NHL 23 and NHL 24 also came out in separate PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions.

Two things to know. First, EA shuts down online play for older years. NHL 23's online servers, for example, closed on August 31, 2026. Old NHL games are mostly for playing offline. Second, the digital stores sometimes remove older licensed games. A used disc is often the easiest way to get an older year.

Is NHL on Game Pass or EA Play?

Through EA Play, yes. EA Play is EA's subscription. You can buy it on its own on PlayStation or Xbox, and on Xbox it is also part of Game Pass Ultimate. It works in two ways for hockey:

• A trial of the new game. When a new NHL game comes out, EA Play members usually get a 10-hour trial. That was offered for NHL 25 and NHL 26, and announced for NHL 27.
• Older games in the library. In the spring after launch, the NHL game tends to join the EA Play library. NHL 25 joined in April 2025, and NHL 26 joined on April 16, 2026.

NHL is not a regular Game Pass game outside of EA Play, and the newest year is not in the library at launch. Library games can also leave later, so check before you subscribe for one game. One more: NHL 24 was a free monthly game for PlayStation Plus members in the summer of 2025.

Can two people play on one console?

Yes. EA NHL has always had local multiplayer. You can play against each other, or on the same team against the computer. You need a controller for each person. A few things to know:

• Same-team play is great for beginners. One experienced player and one new player against the computer is a friendlier start than head to head.
• Lower the difficulty and turn off a few rules. Sliders and rule settings let you turn off offside or penalties, which helps new players a lot.
• Arcade 3-on-3 modes. EA added NHL Threes, three-on-three with big hits and no offside or icing, in NHL 18. NHL 25 brought back a version of its old 3 on 3 NHL Arcade game as a World of CHEL event. Modes rotate, so check what the current game offers.

The indie games on the list are also built for couch play. Super Blood Hockey is about fighting and blood, so it is not for younger kids. For a broader look, see 2-player hockey games.

Which NHL game should I buy?

For most people: the newest one you can get at a fair price. If NHL 27 is on sale, or you want this season's rosters and the new franchise mode, get it. If not, NHL 26 is the better-reviewed game, sitting at 73 on the PS5 and 70 on the Xbox Series X|S on Metacritic, and it is in the EA Play library.

On a PS4 or Xbox One: NHL 24.

For a retro night: NHL 94 Rewind, EA's updated NHL 94 with 2020-21 rosters, came out for the PS4 and Xbox One in October 2020. It was first a bonus for NHL 21 pre-orders and later sold to everyone. See NHL 94 vs NHL 95 for why the original is still loved.

If you are trying to decide between a realistic game and a fast party game, our guide to arcade vs simulation hockey games explains the difference.

Are there any indie hockey games on PlayStation and Xbox?

A few. These are the two we could confirm on these consoles:

• Super Blood Hockey. A pixel-art hockey game by a single developer, Loren Lemcke, first on PC in 2017. It came to the PS4 on June 4, 2019, and the Xbox One on June 7, 2019. The Xbox store says it plays on the Xbox Series X|S too. Fights, blood and fast play, so not one for young kids.
• Old Time Hockey. Released in March 2017 on the PS4 and PC. It came to the Xbox One later that year under a new name, Bush Hockey League, a change the developer made to avoid a conflict with another company's name. A rough, old-school indie game.

Small games like these sometimes leave the stores, so check before you plan around one.

What about the old NHL 2K and NHL Hitz games?

They are not sold on modern PlayStation or Xbox consoles. The 2K series left consoles after NHL 2K10 in 2009 and a Wii-only NHL 2K11 in 2010. NHL Hitz ended with NHL Hitz Pro in 2003. To play them, you need the original consoles and discs. Read about them on EA NHL vs NHL 2K, NHL Hitz 20-02 vs 20-03 vs Pro and the best hockey video games of all time.

Is there a free hockey game for the TV?

Yes, though not as a console download. Brudvig Hockey 2027 is our free 3-on-3 arcade hockey game. It runs in a web browser on phones, tablets, computers and TVs, with no account needed. To play on a big screen, put the game on the TV and use your phones as controllers, so everyone in the room can join without extra gamepads. You can also play a friend online or work through the Challenge Cup tournament mode. The steps are on play on your TV.

It is a different kind of game from EA NHL: arcade hockey with original teams, not a simulation with NHL players. Brudvig Hockey is not connected to the NHL, EA, Sony or Microsoft.

Is NHL on PC or Switch?

Not the recent EA games. NHL 27 is only on the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. There are other good options on those platforms, which we cover on hockey games on PC and hockey games on Switch.

Verdict

Best hockey game on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S: EA NHL, and in late 2026 the choice is between NHL 27 for the newest rosters and modes and NHL 26 for the better reviews and the lower price through EA Play.

Best on PS4 and Xbox One: NHL 24, the last NHL game made for them.

Best for a party: an arcade 3-on-3 mode inside a recent EA NHL, or Super Blood Hockey if everyone is old enough.

Best free option: Brudvig Hockey 2027 on a TV with phones as controllers, no console needed.