Blog / NHL 26 Release Date Revealed: September 12, 2025, with Early Access for Deluxe Owners
August 07, 2025
NHL 26 Release Date Revealed: September 12, 2025, with Early Access for Deluxe Owners From Ice Edge tech to family-cover drama—here’s everything we know about the release schedule, editions, and platforms
🗓️ Release Timeline & Platform Details
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Official Release: NHL 26 hits global shelves on September 12, 2025 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S—no PC or Nintendo Switch 2 support.
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Early Access: Deluxe Edition owners and EA Play/Game Pass Ultimate members unlock the game on September 5, gaining a week of gameplay ahead of the full launch.
📦 Editions & Pre-Order Perks
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Standard Edition ($69.99): Includes a HUT Player Pack, a World of Chel Battle Pass XP Boost, and a Matthew Tkachuk 99 OVR item in NHL 25.
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Deluxe Edition unlocks:
- 7-day early access
- 4,600 NHL Points
- Various HUT packs (Starter Choice, Icon, Heroes)
- Vanity items and XP boosts for World of Chel
- Instant Matthew Tkachuk 99 OVR in NHL 25
🆕 What’s New in NHL 26
- ICE‑Q 2.0 powered by NHL EDGE: Experience enhanced realism from official tracking data.
- Huge “Be a Pro” Revamp: New storylines, immersive cutscenes, richer characters, and high-pressure challenges.
- HUT Seasons: A refreshed Ultimate Team mode featuring ranked matchups, dynamic Cup Chase, and rotating Heroes/Icons.
✅ TL;DR
- Release Date: September 12, 2025 (PS5 & Xbox Series X|S only)
- Early Access: Starts September 5 via Deluxe Edition, EA Play, or Game Pass
- Standard Perks: HUT packs, XP boosts, and a 99 OVR Tkachuk item in NHL 25
- Deluxe Bonuses: Premium packs, early access, cosmetics, and bonus content
- New Features: ICE-Q 2.0 engine, revamped Be a Pro mode, and HUT Seasons