NHL 23 has taken a significant step forward by introducing cross-platform play, a feature that hockey fans have been eagerly waiting for. Cross-platform play allows gamers to compete against each other regardless of their gaming console, expanding the player base and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
However, it’s essential to understand that NHL 23’s cross-platform functionality comes with certain limitations. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of cross-platform play in NHL 23, so you know exactly what to expect.
Is NHL 23 Cross Play?
Unfortunately, NHL 23 does not support cross-gen play. So, if you own a PS4, you won’t be able to play against someone using a PS5, and the same applies to Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players.
Same-Gen Console Compatibility: A Key Limitation
One of the main limitations of NHL 23’s cross-platform play is that it only works for same-gen consoles. This means that PS5 players can only compete against Xbox Series X/S players, while PS4 players can only face off against Xbox One players.
Cross-Platform Play Is Limited to Specific Game Modes
Another important aspect to keep in mind is that cross-platform play in NHL 23 is only available for two game modes: Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) and World of Chel. HUT is a popular mode that allows players to build their dream team by collecting player cards, while World of Chel is a suite of game modes that includes EASHL, Pro-Am, and Ones Now.
If you prefer playing regular head-to-head online matches, you’ll be disappointed to know that this mode does not support cross-platform play in NHL 23.
EASHL Restrictions: No Cross-Platform Teaming Up
In the EA Sports Hockey League (EASHL) mode, which falls under World of Chel, you can create your own custom player and join a team to compete against other teams online. However, NHL 23 imposes a restriction on cross-platform play in this mode.
While you can participate in cross-platform matchmaking and play against teams from other consoles, you cannot invite friends from another console to join your team. This limitation may be disappointing for players who have friends on different consoles and want to team up with them in EASHL.
Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) is a highly popular mode in the NHL series, allowing players to build their ultimate hockey team by collecting player cards. In NHL 23, the HUT marketplace, where players can buy, sell, and trade items, remains separate for each platform.
This means that if you’re playing on a PS5, you won’t be able to trade or sell items with players on an Xbox Series X/S or any other console. The separation of HUT marketplaces is a limitation that players should be aware of when engaging in cross-platform play.
The Future of Cross-Platform Play in NHL Games
Despite the limitations, the introduction of cross-platform play in NHL 23 is a promising start for the series. EA has acknowledged the importance of this feature and has stated that they are actively working on expanding cross-platform capabilities for future NHL games.
As technology advances and gaming consoles evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more comprehensive cross-platform integration in upcoming NHL releases. This could potentially include full cross-gen play, cross-platform teaming up in EASHL, and a unified HUT marketplace across all platforms.
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