Though there are earlier portable versions of EA's NHL, this Game Boy Advance release promises classic action directly worthy of the series' esteemed reputation. For the first time, the game comes to a handheld system capable of graphics and gameplay similar to that of the 16-bit consoles that established the title as one of the most enduringly popular and universally praised in sports video gaming. The game is designed to look and play like the classic Genesis and SNES versions of NHL 94 or NHL 95, with tight pixel graphics, windowed face-offs and penalty calls, and fast-paced team-oriented action. Like its line mates on the PC and consoles, the GBA's NHL 2002 is licensed by the NHL and NHLPA to include all the teams and players from the most recent full season (2000-2001).