NHL 23 Early Access COUNTDOWN: Release Date & Unlock Time for the X-Factor Edition

As NHL 23 Early Access closes in, there's no doubt players are itching to get in on the action if they've got a pre order secured for the X-Factor Edition.

We've got details on exactly when the official NHL 23 Early Access Release Time is set for and how players can preload to get in on the action as soon as possible.

NHL 23 Early Access Countdown: Release Time & Date

It's almost time for the latest installment in the longstanding hockey simulation franchise arrives, and NHL 23 Early Access will be the first chance for players to hit the ice.

Following the precedent set in recent years, the NHL 23 X-Factor Edition includes three days of Early Access so players can get in on the action before launch day even arrives.

PRE ORDER NOW: Secure your copy of NHL 23 before it arrives

The worldwide NHL 23 release date is currently scheduled for Friday, October 14, 2022, but players with Early Access won't have to wait that long.

At the same time as the limited EA Play Trial goes live, NHL 23 Early Access will kickoff on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

Store listings currently show a Midnight ET unlock time, which for clarity would be 11pm CT on Monday, October 10, 2022.

You can use the countdown clock above to see how long there is to wait for NHL 23 Early Access to begin.

How to preload NHL 23 before Early Access is unlocked

If you're hoping to hit the ground running the second NHL 23 is unlocked, then there's no other option than to preload so download speeds don't get in your way.

For PlayStation users who have already secured their pre order of the NHL 23 X-Factor Edition, keep an eye on it through the weekend and check the dashboard tile to see when they finally allow preloading.

For players on Xbox one or Xbox Series X|S, you can use the Xbox mobile app to get NHL 23 downloading on your console right now.

Ensure that you've linked the mobile app to your console and adjusted settings to allow remote downloads, then simply find NHL 23 on the app and tap "Download to Console," which actually works even if you haven't purchased the game.

Make sure you've got space for it on your console ahead of time, as NHL 23 comes in at approximately 37.49 GB on Xbox Series X|S, though it's a good bit more reasonable in download size than other titles like NBA 2K23.

If you're still a little on the fence about things, you can still use this method to preload and then take advantage of the EA Play Trial (also available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) to test things out before buying.