With the next-gen (current-gen, actually) of consoles already in full swing, one of the genres that you can feel and see the most difference with last-gen are with sports game. Titles like the NBA 2K franchise include gameplay-related features that are exclusive to next-gen. For hockey fans who have yet to make the jump though, you’ll be glad to know that for NHL 23, both the las-gen and next-gen versions are relatively the same outside of their visual differences.

This was revealed by EA Vancouver themselves in an invite-only press interview which MP1st was part of earlier this month. When asked if there are notable differences between gen 5 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) and gen 4 (PS4, Xbox One) versions of the game, here’s what Creative Director Mike Inglehart had to say.

Q: Are there any notable differences between the gen 5 and gen4 ?

Mike Inglehart (Creator Director): The big differences are the visual differences with the exception of the player visors, the improvements to the player models. The lighting changes, the improvements to the ice and the wear in the stadiums. Those are the specific things in gen5 this year; the rest of the stuff you see are on both platforms. Just some key art changes we are taking advantage of gen5 console for NHL 23.

While this is good news for those who don’t have next-gen platforms, those who do own one might be a bummed out at the news. But don’t forget, the next-gen version of the game looks way better, which is a major leap in itself.

For NHL 23’s new features and pre-order bonuses, head on over here.

NHL 23 release date is set for October 14 for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.