Update (Thu 19th Aug, 2021 16:15 BST): We now have the official details! The standard version of NHL 22 officially arrives for Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S on October 15, and the Frostbite engine will be implemented across all versions, delivering “the biggest single-year visual upgrade to [the series] ever" (thanks Polygon).

Pre-orders are available now for NHL 22 from the Microsoft Store, with both standard and pricier 'X-Factor' versions available, the latter of which adds bonuses like HUT packs and early access. This is another instance where the Xbox Series X and Series S versions are more expensive than Xbox One, and there's sadly no free upgrade option.

Keep in mind that EA Play and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can get 10% off these prices:

"Powered by Frostbite™, EA SPORTS NHL 22 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S gets the superstar treatment. For the first time ever, experience EA SPORTS NHL on one of the industry’s most powerful game engines bringing unrivaled visual detail to every hit, deke and shot."

Original story (Wed 18th Aug, 2021 14:45 BST): The official reveal trailer for NHL 22 doesn't actually drop until tomorrow (Thursday, August 19), but details about the game have leaked, with the X-Factor Edition of NHL 22 reportedly set to arrive on October 12. This is according to Aggiornamenti Lumia on Twitter, which regularly scans the Microsoft Store for new listings.

It sounds like it's going to be a massive year for the franchise, as not only is the game making its debut on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, but it's also transitioning over to EA's Frostbite engine for the very first time, which has been in use by the likes of FIFA and Madden for quite a few years now (NHL had previously been using the old Ignite engine).

Speculation has suggested the Frostbite engine will be exclusive to the Xbox Series X, Series S and PS5 versions of NHL 22, as Xbox One and PS4 aren't mentioned in the description above, but we'll have to wait for confirmation.

If you fancy checking out the reveal trailer as soon as it drops on Thursday, you'll be able to catch it on the official EA Sports NHL YouTube channel at 8am PST / 11am EDT / 4pm BST. It definitely sounds like one to watch!

Thoughts on NHL 22 moving over to Frostbite after all these years? Let us know in the comments below.

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[source twitter.com, via reddit.com]