EA SPORTS NHL 26 delivers a more realistic and engaging hockey experience with improved player behavior, smoother transitions, and enhanced HUT mechanics, but its lack of innovation and familiar shortcomings make it feel more like a minor update than a truly new entry.
NHL 272026
NHL 27
2026 EA Sports68Worthwhile
Playable on
Available on
- $69.99
Game modes
- 2–4 players
- 2–12 players
Details
- Launch
- September 11, 2026
- Developer
- EA Vancouver
- Publisher
- EA Sports
- Themes
Overview
EA Sports NHL 27 brings the identity of every NHL team to life on the ice, in the arena, and through the broadcast. Experience Authentic Atmospheres across all 32 NHL arenas, each designed to capture the sound, spectacle, and identity of its home team. Real-world goal songs, new pregame introductions, and a fully overhauled crowd bring every building closer to its real-world counterpart.
Screenshots
Reception
Press67
Worthwhile- Metacritic68from 15 reviews
- OpenCritic67from 11 reviews
I don’t know whether hardcore fans who play every single installment will be satisfied with this year’s entry. What I do know is that, from the perspective of someone who returns to the series only every few years, NHL 27 is in a pretty good place. There’s plenty of content to sink your teeth into, while its visual and audio presentation remains as...
EA SPORTS NHL 27 remains a great hockey game (perhaps the only one), but a sequel that's too conservative. It's fun to glide across the ice and there are good ideas in the new tactical identity of the teams, but the constant feeling of playing something too similar to the previous edition prevents a higher score.
NHL 27 delivers a solid and accessible hockey experience, but its overall evolution feels too timid for a new installment. The return of Connected Franchise and the addition of cross-platform roster sharing are welcome, while improvements to presentation and HUT add some interesting touches. However, the team-specific strategies lack depth, Connected...
The main issue I had with NHL 27 comes from some of the small inconsistencies during matches. Puck pickup can still feel inaccurate, particularly in situations where you expect a more direct puck steal, and some AI decisions make you stop for a second and wonder why a player moved that way. The number of menus also makes some modes slower than they...