Play NHL '96 (USA, Europe) on gb Online

NHL '96 for the Game Boy came out in 1995, published by EA Sports. It was one of the few hockey games available on the handheld at the time, offering a portable version of the sport during an era when Game Boy titles often focused on simpler, more condensed experiences. The game let you take on the role of a full hockey team, with rosters based on the real NHL teams of the mid-90s.

You control all five skaters and the goalie, switching between them as play develops. The main objective is to outscore your opponent within three periods. Signature mechanics include executing body checks with a dedicated button to separate opponents from the puck, and aiming slap shots or wrist shots with a simple two-button system. The pacing is fast, almost frantic, with constant back-and-forth action and a difficulty that feels challenging but fair. It feels satisfying to set up a breakaway and slip the puck past the goalie, especially with the tinny crowd roar that follows a goal.