It was the first in the series to feature a franchise mode, while the Xbox version became the first online console hockey game.

NHL 2K7, released on September 12, 2006, featured new animations, mainly geared towards skating, and 'Cinemotion' which is designed to capture the intensity of hockey through close up angles and orchestral music.

Goalies will challenge the puck carrier when appropriate, perform spectacular butterfly saves, and guard the post.

NHL 2K9 was released in September 2008, with Columbus Blue Jackets' captain Rick Nash as the cover athlete.

[3] NHL 2K10 was released on September 15, 2009, with Washington Capitals left-winger Alexander Ovechkin on a special 10th Anniversary cover.

We want to become a stronger competitor in this category and taking a year off on PS3 and Xbox 360, while focusing on making the best possible game for Wii, should allow us to accomplish that goal."

[5] In September 2014, 2K Sports announced that the series would return exclusively on the iOS and Android platforms with NHL 2K.