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- Best overall: EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5
- Best budget: EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5
- Best premium: Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console
- Sony DualSense Wireless Controller: EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S
- Choose EA Sports Madden NFL 24 for NFL teams, football strategy and FieldSENSE gameplay.
- Choose EA Sports NHL 24 for hockey action, line changes and its Exhaust Engine system.
- Both games are available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with cross-play limited to supported modes.
- Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Disc Edition and Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console are strong platform picks.
- Match the game edition to your console before buying during Black Friday 2026.
Madden NFL 24 vs NHL 24 Black Friday 2026 comes down to the sport you want to play and the console you already own. EA Sports Madden NFL 24 puts you in charge of football teams, play-calling and franchise decisions. EA Sports NHL 24 delivers fast hockey, player movement and puck battles. Both games offer distinct modes and support current-generation consoles.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to map out the best game editions, consoles and accessories for different players. Here's the bottom line: pick Madden for NFL action and NHL for hockey depth. Check platform compatibility first, then weigh modes, local multiplayer and cross-play support. The product picks below make that decision easier without losing sight of your Black Friday 2026 setup.
How We Picked
- Compared each game’s platform compatibility and edition details for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- Reviewed core gameplay systems, modes and features that distinguish football from hockey.
- Considered owner feedback and review themes alongside published specifications.
- Selected consoles and controllers that pair directly with the games in this guide.
- Prioritized clear fit by sport, play style, platform and multiplayer needs.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Local players | Cross-play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 | PS5 football fans | PlayStation 5 | 1-4, mode dependent | Select modes; 3 platforms |
| EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S | Xbox football fans | Xbox Series X|S | 1-4, mode dependent | Select modes; 3 platforms |
| EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 | PS5 hockey fans | PlayStation 5 | 1-4, mode dependent | Select modes; 2 console families |
| EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S | Xbox hockey fans | Xbox Series X|S | 1-4, mode dependent | Select modes; 2 console families |
| Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Disc Edition, 1TB | PlayStation disc and digital libraries | PlayStation 5 | Up to 4 controllers | Not applicable |
| Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console | Disc-capable Xbox setup | Xbox Series X | Up to 4 controllers | Not applicable |
| Sony DualSense Wireless Controller | Extra PlayStation controller | PlayStation 5 | 1 controller | Not applicable |
| Xbox Wireless Controller – Robot White | Extra Xbox controller | Xbox Series X|S | 1 controller | Not applicable |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5
The EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is the best football pick for PS5 owners who want NFL teams and franchise play, with 1-4 local players depending on mode.
Best for: PlayStation 5 players who prefer NFL football, franchise management and local matchups.
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Local players
- 1-4, mode dependent
- Core feature
- FieldSENSE gameplay system
- Cross-play
- Supported in select modes across 3 platforms
- NFL teams and player rosters
- FieldSENSE adds control-focused gameplay
- Includes franchise and Superstar modes
- Not a hockey game
- Cross-play is mode and platform limited
Is the EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is worth considering for PS5 owners who want NFL gameplay and franchise modes. The edition supports local play for 1-4 players in applicable modes and offers FieldSENSE controls.
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#2
EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S
The EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S is the best football pick for Xbox owners who want NFL matchups and cross-play, with support across 3 platforms in select modes.
Best for: Xbox Series X|S players looking for football modes and supported cross-play.
- Platform
- Xbox Series X|S
- Local players
- 1-4, mode dependent
- Core feature
- FieldSENSE gameplay system
- Cross-play
- Supported in select modes across 3 platforms
- Built for Xbox Series X|S
- Includes franchise and Superstar modes
- Select modes support cross-play
- Requires an Xbox Series X|S console
- Mode availability differs
Is the EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S is a strong match for Xbox football fans. The game features FieldSENSE, several NFL modes and cross-play in select modes, with multiplayer details varying by mode.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5
The EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is the best hockey pick for PS5 players who want quick shifts and player-control systems, with 1-4 local players in supported modes.
Best for: PlayStation 5 players who want hockey action, team play and career modes.
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Local players
- 1-4, mode dependent
- Core feature
- Exhaust Engine
- Cross-play
- Supported in select modes across 2 console families
- Hockey-focused gameplay and teams
- Exhaust Engine tracks sustained pressure
- Includes Hockey Ultimate Team and World of Chel
- Not a football game
- Cross-play applies to select modes
Is the EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is worth a look for PS5 owners who want hockey modes and active on-ice play. The EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5's Exhaust Engine and support for 1-4 local players in applicable modes add variety.
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#4
EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S
The EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S is the best hockey pick for Xbox owners who want online team modes, with cross-play across 2 console families in select modes.
Best for: Xbox Series X|S players who want hockey, online clubs and supported cross-play.
- Platform
- Xbox Series X|S
- Local players
- 1-4, mode dependent
- Core feature
- Exhaust Engine
- Cross-play
- Supported in select modes across 2 console families
- Supports Xbox Series X|S
- Includes Hockey Ultimate Team and World of Chel
- Select modes support cross-play
- Requires an Xbox Series X|S console
- Online features depend on mode and connectivity
Is the EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S suits Xbox owners who want hockey modes and online team play. The game includes the Exhaust Engine, local multiplayer for 1-4 players in supported modes and select cross-play.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Disc Edition, 1TB
The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Disc Edition, 1TB is the best platform pick for players who want both disc and digital games, with 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for: Players building a PlayStation setup for sports games and physical game discs.
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Disc drive
- 1 included
- Video output
- Up to 4K
- Players
- Up to 4 local controllers, game dependent
- Plays PlayStation 5 game discs and digital titles
- Compact Slim design
- Pairs with both PlayStation game picks
- Disc drive adds physical setup space
- Game compatibility depends on the edition
Is the Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Disc Edition, 1TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Disc Edition, 1TB is a good fit for players who want disc access and 1TB of SSD storage. The console supports both PlayStation game picks in this guide and offers up to 4K output.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console
The Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console is the best premium Xbox platform for sports-game fans who want a disc drive and 1TB SSD, with support for Xbox Series X|S editions.
Best for: Xbox players who want a disc-capable console for sports games and more.
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Disc drive
- 1 included
- Video output
- Up to 4K
- Controller
- 1 Xbox Wireless Controller included
- Pairs with both Xbox game picks
- Supports physical discs and digital games
- Includes 1 wireless controller
- Requires space for a full-size console
- Disc access is unnecessary for all-digital libraries
Is the Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console is a strong option for players who want Xbox sports games, a disc drive and 1TB of SSD storage. One included controller gets a solo player started, with local multiplayer depending on the game.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller
The Sony DualSense Wireless Controller is the best accessory pick for PlayStation 5 sports-game players who want adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, with 1 built-in microphone.
Best for: PlayStation 5 players adding a second controller for local games.
- Wireless connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Built-in microphone
- 1
- Feedback features
- 2: haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Convenient second-player option
- Integrated microphone and motion controls
- Designed primarily for PlayStation platforms
- Battery life varies by use
Is the Sony DualSense Wireless Controller worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sony DualSense Wireless Controller is a smart add-on for PlayStation 5 owners who play local sports matches. One controller adds haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and an integrated microphone, while a second pad makes local multiplayer easier.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#8
Xbox Wireless Controller – Robot White
The Xbox Wireless Controller – Robot White is the best Xbox accessory pick for local sports gaming, with 2 AA battery slots and broad Xbox Series X|S compatibility.
Best for: Xbox Series X|S owners who want a spare controller for local multiplayer.
- Battery
- 2 AA batteries
- Wireless connectivity
- Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth
- Platform
- Xbox Series X|S
- Share button
- 1 dedicated button
- Pairs with Xbox Series X|S
- Bluetooth supports compatible devices
- Dedicated Share button
- AA batteries are separate
- Battery life varies by use
Is the Xbox Wireless Controller – Robot White worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Xbox Wireless Controller – Robot White is a useful second pad for Xbox Series X|S owners who play local sports matches. The controller uses 2 AA batteries, includes a Share button and supports Bluetooth on compatible devices.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Madden NFL 24 or NHL 24?
EA Sports Madden NFL 24 suits fans of NFL teams, play-calling and franchise management. EA Sports NHL 24 is for hockey fans who prefer puck control, quick shifts and hockey modes.
For Black Friday 2026, choose the sport and console that match your regular play group. Both games offer local and online play, with mode-specific rules.
What gameplay features separate Madden NFL 24 and NHL 24?
EA Sports Madden NFL 24 uses FieldSENSE for football movement, tackles and player actions. Franchise focuses on team and season decisions; Superstar follows an individual career.
EA Sports NHL 24 features the Exhaust Engine for sustained offensive pressure, Total Control skill moves and goalie fatigue. Hockey Ultimate Team and World of Chel offer distinct ways to play. Hockey’s quick shifts and line changes set its pace apart from football.
Which platforms support Madden NFL 24 and NHL 24?
Both games have PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S editions. Match the edition to your console; PlayStation and Xbox versions are not interchangeable.
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Disc Edition, 1TB is the PlayStation option. Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console is the Xbox option. Both have disc drives for physical games.
Does Madden NFL 24 or NHL 24 support cross-play?
Cross-play is available in selected modes, with platform groups varying by game. Madden supports cross-play among supported PC and current-generation console versions. NHL supports cross-play between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in selected modes.
Check mode and platform rules before setting up a league or club. Cross-play does not guarantee shared matchmaking or progression across every mode.
What should I buy for a Black Friday 2026 sports-game setup?
Choose Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Disc Edition, 1TB or Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console based on your friends, existing games and preferred controller. Each console has 1TB of SSD storage.
For local play, add a Sony DualSense Wireless Controller or Xbox Wireless Controller – Robot White to the matching console. Check mode requirements, network access and accessory compatibility before checkout.
Buying Guide
Start with the console family
Match the game edition to your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. A disc-drive console supports physical games as well as digital libraries.
Choose your sport and mode
EA Sports Madden NFL 24 focuses on football strategy, franchise management and Superstar play. EA Sports NHL 24 centers on hockey, pressure systems and club modes. Pick the modes you plan to play.
Check multiplayer needs
Local, online and cross-play rules vary by mode. Confirm the console generation and platform group before arranging a league or club.
Decide whether you need a console
Existing console owners can choose the matching game edition. New buyers should compare disc access, storage and the platform their friends use. Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console and Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Disc Edition, 1TB each have 1TB of SSD storage.
Pick the right extra controller
Sony DualSense Wireless Controller is for PlayStation 5; Xbox Wireless Controller – Robot White is for Xbox Series X|S. Check compatibility and battery needs before adding a controller.
FAQ
Is Madden NFL 24 better than NHL 24 for Black Friday 2026?
EA Sports Madden NFL 24 is the better pick for NFL fans, while EA Sports NHL 24 is the better pick for hockey fans. Both games support local play for 1-4 players in applicable modes, so choose by sport, preferred modes and console.
Can Madden NFL 24 and NHL 24 play between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S?
EA Sports Madden NFL 24 and EA Sports NHL 24 support cross-play in select modes, but the available platform groups differ. NHL cross-play connects PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in supported modes. Check each game’s mode details before inviting friends.
Which Madden NFL 24 edition should I buy for Xbox?
EA Sports Madden NFL 24 Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S is the edition for Xbox Series X|S consoles. The PlayStation 5 edition is not compatible with Xbox. Confirm the platform name in the product listing and choose the edition that matches your system.
Which NHL 24 edition should I buy for PlayStation?
EA Sports NHL 24 Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is the matching edition for PlayStation 5 owners. The Xbox Series X|S edition is a separate version. Check the platform and supported modes on the listing before buying for a specific console.
Are the games good for local multiplayer?
EA Sports Madden NFL 24 and EA Sports NHL 24 offer local multiplayer in supported modes, with 1-4 players depending on the mode. A second compatible controller helps make couch games easier. Check each mode’s player count before setting up a group.
Do I need a new console to play Madden NFL 24 or NHL 24?
Players with a compatible PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S can buy the corresponding game edition without purchasing another console. Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Console – Disc Edition, 1TB and Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console are options for shoppers building a new setup.