ICE-Q 1.0 was so last year...
NHL 26 has today been revealed, and fans of the franchise don’t appear to be happy with what’s changed in this yearly iteration.
According to EA, more X-Factors have been added alongside ICE-Q 2.0.
“Play like a superstar in EA Sports NHL 26,” EA said. “That starts with ICE-Q 2.0, now powered by NHL EDGE data, so your favorite superstars think, move, and play like their on-ice selves. Data-informed Attributes and Tendencies make star players perform in true-to-life fashion, with their playstyles and decision-making game-aware and impactful.
“A fine-tuned and enhanced arsenal of 28 X-Factors spans five different categories and is driven by unique animations, tactical gameplay outcomes, and tiers of impact, turning each into a formidable on-ice weapon. Superstars now truly feel like superstars.”
EA said NHL 26 will also boast an “all-new Goalie Crease Control System” and a “redesigned Be A Pro mode”.
Fans, though, don’t seem convinced.
“This is the most abysmal Features lineup since NHL 15,” reads the title of a new thread on Reddit, awash with similar sentiment.
“This is worse than last year,” replied a Redditor. “These guys are barely working there, and coasting off of HUT sales. At this point, with how they treat us like a joke, I wouldn’t mind if the franchise folds.”
“This confirms no GM Connected?” asked another.
“Stop buying the game,” advised another. “I [haven’t] gotten NHL since 2020. I got 24 as a free game of the month on PlayStation and it’s still horrible.”
Love it or hate it, NHL 26 heads to Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PS5 from 13 September. You can pay for a pricier Digital Deluxe Edition of the title that provides early access (and more Tkachuks on the cover) from 5 September.
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NHL 2612 September 2025PS5 Xbox Series S & X
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