History of NHL 2K in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 4, 2025

NHL 2K is a series of hockey video games developed by Visual Concepts and published by Sega Sports (2000-2004) and 2K (2005-2014). Officially licensed by the National Hockey League (NHL) and NHL Players Association, the games simulate the experience of professional hockey. The franchise spanned multiple console generations and aimed to provide a realistic and engaging hockey experience for players.

February 7, 2000: NHL 2K Launched on Dreamcast

On February 7, 2000, NHL 2K was launched on the Dreamcast as part of the Sega Sports line-up of sports titles.

2000: NHL 2K launch by Sega Sports

In 2000, Sega Sports began publishing the NHL 2K series, officially licensed from the National Hockey League and NHL Players Association.

February 14, 2002: Release of NHL 2K2 for Dreamcast

On February 14, 2002, NHL 2K2 was released, marking the last game for the Dreamcast before its discontinuation.

November 19, 2002: NHL 2K3 Release and Xbox Online Debut

On November 19, 2002, NHL 2K3 was released, introducing the franchise mode, with the Xbox version pioneering online console hockey gaming.

August 30, 2004: Release of ESPN NHL 2K5

On August 30, 2004, ESPN NHL 2K5 was released, marking the last game published by Sega and under the ESPN branding.

2004: Sega Sports publishes NHL 2K series till 2004

In 2004, Sega Sports stopped publishing the NHL 2K series.

September 7, 2005: NHL 2K6 Release as Xbox 360 Launch Title

On September 7, 2005, NHL 2K6 was released as a launch title for the Xbox 360, marking the first game published under Take-Two's 2K company after acquiring Visual Concepts. It featured a franchise mode and 'goalie control'.

Xbox 360 250GB Slim Console - (Renewed)

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2005: 2K publishes NHL 2K series from 2005

In 2005, 2K began publishing the NHL 2K series, officially licensed from the National Hockey League and NHL Players Association.

September 12, 2006: NHL 2K7 Release with New Features

On September 12, 2006, NHL 2K7 was released, introducing new skating animations and 'Cinemotion' to enhance the game's intensity.

September 2007: NHL 2K8 Release with New Systems

In September 2007, NHL 2K8 was released, featuring a new face-off system, an improved goaltending engine, variable attendance, a new skating engine, and authentic player equipment. Jason Spezza was on the cover.

September 2008: NHL 2K9 Release and Wii Debut

In September 2008, NHL 2K9 was released, featuring Columbus Blue Jackets' captain Rick Nash as the cover athlete. It also marked the series' debut on the Wii console.

Nintendo Wii Console, White Premium Bundle (Renewed)

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September 15, 2009: NHL 2K10 Release with Anniversary Cover

On September 15, 2009, NHL 2K10 was released, featuring Washington Capitals left-winger Alexander Ovechkin on a special 10th Anniversary cover. The Wii version added online play, Mii Integration, and Wii MotionPlus. This was also the last game released on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360.

Nintendo Wii Console, White Premium Bundle (Renewed)

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March 3, 2010: 2K Focuses on Wii Version of NHL 2K11

On March 3, 2010, CEO Ben Feder announced that 2K would reevaluate their NHL strategy, focusing on releasing NHL 2K11 for the Wii to strengthen their position in the category, effectively taking a year off from PS3 and Xbox 360 development.

Nintendo Wii Console, White Premium Bundle (Renewed)

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September 7, 2010: NHL 2K11 Release on Mobile and Wii

On September 7, 2010, NHL 2K11 was released for iPhones and the Wii, with Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler as the cover athlete.

Nintendo Wii Console, White Premium Bundle (Renewed)

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2010: NHL 2K11 Exclusive to Mobile Devices

In 2010, with the release of NHL 2K11, the NHL 2K series transitioned to being exclusive to mobile devices.

May 25, 2011: 2K Sports Halts NHL 2K Console Publishing

On May 25, 2011, 2K Sports confirmed that the NHL 2K series would no longer be published on any console.

September 2014: NHL 2K Returns Exclusively to Mobile Platforms

In September 2014, 2K Sports announced the return of the NHL 2K series exclusively on iOS and Android platforms with NHL 2K. This marked the last game in the series.