Does NHL 23 have Cross-Platform Matchmaking? Full Schedule Explained

It goes without saying that one of the main draws of sports games like NHL 23 is the ability to play with friends. But, we live in an era where console cohesion is not a thing; you aren’t guaranteed to have the same console as your friends. Heck — you might not even have the same console generation. So, the real question that’s being asked is … does NHL 23 support cross-platform matchmaking?

Does NHL 23 have Cross-Platform Matchmaking?

It will, according to an image of the schedule posted on social media by EA Sports. In the image, we can see that starting with Phase 0 on Nov. 15 and ending with Phase 4 on Nov. 28, several modes will receive cross-platform matchmaking. But, while the Phase 0 patch will be rolling out on Nov. 15, matchmaking for the disparate modes won’t truly begin until Phase 1 on Nov. 17. Here’s the breakdown:

• Phase 0 (Nov. 15) — No modes will have cross-platform matchmaking.
• Phase 1 (Nov. 17) — Ones Eliminator, HUT Rush.
• Phase 2 (Nov. 21) — 6v6 EASHL, 3v3 Drop-In.
• Phase 3 (Nov. 23) — 6v6 Drop-In, HUT Champs, 3v3 EASHL, Threes Eliminator.
• Phase 4 (Nov. 28) — HUT Rivals.

So, fans of the franchise won’t have long to wait until their favorite modes are made cross-platform.

Related: NHL 23 Releases Patch Notes for 1.2 Update

What is Cross-Platform Matchmaking?

It can be boiled down to this: if you have a PS4 and your friend has an Xbox One, you can only play NHL 23 with them if cross-platform matchmaking is enabled. Same if you have a PS5 and your friend has an Xbox Series X|S. But, it should be pointed out that this doesn’t work cross-generationally. So, if you have a PS5 and your friend has an Xbox One, you’re out of luck. It’s also worth mentioning that cross-platform, in this case, means you can only play against your Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S friend if you’re on a PS4/PS5. You can only play with your friend if you’re on the same console. The Console Wars rage on, my friends.