Should I Buy EA NHL 26 At Launch?

Should I Buy EA NHL 26 at Launch?

I ask myself this question every single year when EA Sports releases the newest installment in the NHL series.

I’ve loved hockey for as long as I can remember — just like many of you — and I’ve been hooked on EA Sports hockey since the very first NHL Hockey on the Sega Genesis. Those were the glory days: long nights in front of the TV, eyes stinging and watering from playing too long, my buddy next to me, and his mom yelling at us to “get outside for once.” Those moments will always be my fondest gaming memories.

But let’s fast-forward to today. In Canada, NHL 26 costs $89.99 for the standard PlayStation 5 copy. Each year, EA advertises “new features,” yet somehow, the game never looks that different. The fighting engine hasn’t evolved, the crowd models are the same, and the overall presentation feels recycled. Honestly, it often feels like I’m rebuying the same game with only a few tweaks.

Last year, I got caught up in the hype and bought it at full price — only to see it drop nearly 50% just a few months later. That stings. With a little patience, you can save yourself a lot of money by waiting.

The core problem, in my opinion, is competition — or the lack of it. EA is the only company making an NHL hockey game now. When 2K stopped producing theirs, EA lost the push to innovate. I still remember skipping EA’s version for two years in a row just to buy the 2K series — and loving every second of it.

When there’s no competition, you can get away with putting out what feels like a rehashed product every year. And that’s why I’m not sure we’ll ever see big, game-changing differences in the NHL series again.

So here’s my question for you:

Do you buy NHL 26 at launch?

Do you think the yearly changes are worth paying full price? Or do you wait for the discount a few months later?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. I’ll always cherish the first four Sega Genesis NHL games and NHL 14 — which I still think was the best hockey game of the 2000s.

Until next time…

GAME ON!

My Retron 3 HD Experience

Hey guys, welcome back to another post of mine!

Today, I want to introduce you to a retro gaming product that lets you play Nintendo, Super Nintendo, and Sega Genesis games all in one place. Some of you might already know this console, but for those who don’t—it’s called the Retron HD 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console.

I actually bought this console on a whim one day when I walked into a local gaming store here in my hometown of Toronto. Lately, I’ve been on a mission to track down and reclaim all the Sega Genesis, NES, and SNES games I grew up with—ones I lost over time. The sales guy at the store pointed me to this console, and honestly, it made perfect sense. Rather than trying to hunt down each original console (which can get pricey), why not go for a system that plays all three?

So, how long have I had it?

It’s been about a year, and I’ve used it on several occasions. I played The Revenge of Shinobi from start to finish and encountered zero issues. I also tested out Hit the Ice (SNES), Donkey Kong Country, and WWE Royal Rumble—they all worked perfectly.

The only game that gave me trouble was Donkey Kong Country 2. It didn’t seem to want to play on anything except an original Super Nintendo, which is a known compatibility issue with some clone consoles. But besides that, everything else ran fine.

As for the controllers—it depends on your preference. My buddy Dave wasn’t too impressed with them, but I personally thought they were decent and got the job done.

Final Thoughts

If you no longer own a Nintendo or Sega but still want to enjoy those classic games, the Retron HD 3-in-1 is a quick, affordable way to do it. Be warned though—it can become an expensive hobby (kind of like vinyl records). Once you get started, you’ll find yourself hunting down all the games you used to have... and even the ones you never got to try!

Like any good hobby, it comes with a cost, but it’s one I’m happy to pay. Retro gaming brings back memories and adds endless entertainment to my home.

If you're interested, I’ve linked my Amazon Affiliate link below. I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase, but it’s at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for reading, and if you’re like me and love video games and collectibles, this console is a must-have for your collection.

Until next time—Game ON!

My Top 5 Nintendo Picks

Here's a post I’ve been dwelling on for a while.

It’s such a difficult decision to make. Because of the number of titles I played as a kid, narrowing it down to just five is no easy task. It’s like when people ask me what my favorite song or band is—how do you even answer that?

So with this Top 5 list, I’m basing it purely on the games that created strong memories for me. This isn’t a ranked list—it’s just five titles that really meant something.

So… let’s get to it!

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DONKEY KONG COUNTRY (SNES)

Man, I discovered this game through my subscription to Nintendo Power magazine. I had no idea it was coming out, but when Nintendo Power sent me a VHS tape hyping it up, I knew I had to have it.

It became my birthday present—and what a gift it was. I was blown away by how much I loved it. From the graphics (which were mind-blowing for the time) to the soundtrack, everything just came together to make an unforgettable experience. My friend and I played the living hell out of it until our eyes couldn’t take it anymore.

Honestly, I think many of you reading this would agree: this is hands-down one of Nintendo’s best games ever.

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BLADES OF STEEL (NES)

Born and raised in Canada, hockey has always been the game up here. Back in the NES days, there were a few hockey options—Ice Hockey, Wayne Gretzky’s Hockey, and Blades of Steel.

For me, Blades of Steel was the clear winner. Everyone around me loved it too. The fighting mechanics were next-level for the time—it felt like a game within a game. I loved going toe-to-toe with friends in hockey fights because I got pretty damn good at it! Haha.

It was such a blast to play, and I’m currently looking to repurchase it. I’ll never forget the joy this game brought me. It’s a true classic.

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TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE ARCADE GAME (NES)

Where do I even begin?

This game was based on the arcade machine we all drooled over as kids. I was obsessed with it, so the idea of getting it on my home console felt like a dream. I remember my best friend got it super early from his mom, and I was straight-up jealous! I had to wait until Christmas, and I literally couldn’t sleep on Christmas Eve thinking about it.

This was one of two games I wanted more than anything as a kid—the other being NHL Hockey on the Sega Genesis.

Once I finally got Ninja Turtles, I was hooked for ages. It’s a no-brainer inclusion on my Top 5 list. These days, I actually own the Arcade1Up Ninja Turtles cabinet that includes both the original and Turtles in Time.

Like many other games I’ve lost through moves, I definitely need to get this one back in my collection.

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DOUBLE DRAGON II (NES)

This was a huge franchise when I was growing up, especially in arcades. I actually owned the first Double Dragon on the Sega Master System, and I was always drawn to the arcade cabinets.

Naturally, it made sense to keep playing it at home. Double Dragon II was one of those games I replayed countless times throughout my childhood, and it still brings back a wave of nostalgia every time I think of it.

This series is easily one of the best beat-‘em-up franchises ever made.

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MIKE TYSON’S PUNCH-OUT!! (NES)

Another arcade classic that made its way to both the NES and SNES. This game is insanely fun—and super addictive. Once you start, it’s hard to stop.

I used to ask myself: why is this game so addictive? For me, it’s because every opponent has a unique personality and fighting style. Once you figured out their weaknesses, and mastered the timing of your dodges and punches, you could progress further.

But the deeper you got, the harder it became. I did manage to reach Tyson back in the day, but I never beat him. Honestly, I’m not sure I ever will—but I’d love to give it another shot soon.

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So, there you have it—my Top 5 Nintendo games list.

Yes, I know I left out Mario 3, Super Mario World, Metroid, Ninja Gaiden… Ugh. The list could go on forever. That’s how hard it is to narrow it down to just five!

I’d love to hear your Top 5 in the comments—and let me know what games you think I missed.

By the way, I’ve included Amazon affiliate links for each game. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission. That said, I’d also recommend checking with your local retro game shop to compare prices.

Alright, it’s been a slice—until next time… Game on!