Get your controllers ready, as NHL 23 is getting set to hit a console near you in the coming weeks.
EA Sports' latest NHL game has been revealed, with the cover release on Wednesday and the details of the game coming out on Thursday.
The game has added some new features for users, including cross-console play, which has been one of the biggest requests of users for some time now. It allows players on an Xbox to play against someone with a PlayStation, which was not available previously.
In addition, users will be able to add female players to their Hockey Ultimate Teams, as women's national team members will be included in that mode.
MORE: Who is Sarah Nurse? Canada forward becomes first female to be featured on cover of NHL video game
The Sporting News looks at what you need to know about NHL 23:
NHL 23 release date
- Date: Friday, October 14
NHL 23 will be released around the typical launch date for the video game — mid-October, ahead of the start of the season.
NHL 23 price
- PS4, Xbox One: $59.99 (Standard edition)
- PS5, Xbox Series S/X: $69.99 (Standard edition)
The standard edition for next-gen consoles is set at a customary $69.99, with last-gen consoles and PC coming in at $10 cheaper, set at $59.99.
NHL 23 trailer
EA Sports dropped the first trailer for the video game on Thursday, Aug. 25.
NHL 23 new features
Cross-platform matchmaking
The biggest change coming to NHL 23 is one that has been a constant request from fans — cross-platform play. This will allow PlayStation and Xbox players to face off against each other, something that was not an option previously.
This cross-platform matchmaking will only take place in Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) and World of Chel. It is anticipated to be available in a November update of the game.
Hockey Ultimate Team
A couple of additions and changes for coming to HUT. The biggest one is that for the first time ever, IIHF women's national team members will be available to acquire and use in the HUT lineup.
HUT will also have rotating game themes that can be played in HUT Rivals, and HUT Rivals will feature three additional tiers of rewards.
NHL 23 cover
This year's NHL 23 cover features two cover athletes, with one making history as the first-ever female hockey player to be on the cover of an NHL video game.
Trevor Zegras of the Ducks and Sarah Nurse of the Canadian women's national team are the two players on this year's cover.
What consoles is NHL 23 on?
The following consoles will have a version of NHL 23:
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X
- Xbox Series S
NHL 23 remains only available on consoles and not on PC.
NHL 23 Standard Edition vs. X-Factor Edition
NHL 23 will boast two different editions that fans can purchase: the Standard Edition and the X-Factor Edition.
The Standard Edition will cost $59.99 for last-gen consoles and $69.99 for next-gen.
The X-Factor Edition will cost $99.99, but allows the user to access the game three days earlier on the pre-release date. It also comes with the following:
| Benefits | Standard Edition | X-Factor Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Entitlement | X | ✔️ |
| 3-Days Early Access | X | ✔️ |
| 4600 NHL Points | X | ✔️ |
| HUT X-Factor Player Choice Pack (1 of 18) | X | ✔️ |
| HUT X-Factor Power-Up Starter Pack | X | ✔️ |
| X-Factor Women HUT Choice Pack (1 of 4) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 5 World of Chel X-Factor Zone Ability Unlocks | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Signed Sarah Nurse World of Chel Jersey (Digital) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Be A Pro X-Factor Slot Unlocks (2), XP Boost, and Bonus Trait Points | ✔️ | ✔️ |
NHL 23 soundtrack
EA Sports released the official soundtrack of NHL 23, highlighted with songs by Panic! At The Disco, Muse and Shinedown.
Official #NHL23 Soundtrack 🎧
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) October 3, 2022
Which song/artist is your fav? 🤔
Full playlist ➡️ https://t.co/phni8V59T1 pic.twitter.com/s816fo5E2i
