This year’s entry in the long-runningMaddenfranchise,Madden NFL 26, potentially now has a release date after some leaks, and there may be more information coming about whether a potential Switch 2 version will happen. While the series has become stagnant in some fans' eyes, with onlyminor improvements fromMadden NFL 24toMadden NFL 25, this yearly-entry franchise still generates a lot of buzz for fans of NFL football.
As reported byDealabswriter and leaker billbil-kun (text in French),Madden NFL 26isreportedly releasing on August 14, the same week the NFL preseason begins in 2025 (viaVGC). There will allegedly be a reveal for the game this week, and we may also find out if a Switch 2 version is on the way. Earlier this month, EA Sports confirmed that theMadden NFLseries will be coming to Switch 2 eventually, so this could be the first entry on a Nintendo platform in over a decade. However,none of this information is officially confirmed.
Madden Hasn’t Been On Nintendo Platforms Since 2012
Madden Is Long Overdue For A Return To Nintendo
While the prospect of an August release date to coincide with the NFL preseason is probably exciting for football fans, what may be of equal interest to a lot of fansis the possibility thatMadden NFL 26could be on the Nintendo Switch 2. The lastMaddengame to appear on a Nintendo console wasMadden NFL 13on the Wii and Wii U. With the launch window of the Switch 2 focused on just a couple of first-party titles, namelyMario Kart WorldandDonkey Kong Bananza, theSwitch 2 is planned to have extensive third-party support.
The possibilities of using the new Switch 2 hardware inMaddencould be exciting for a lot of fans. Being able to playMaddenon the go on a handheld and also possibly use theSwitch 2 GameShare featureto play with friends and family while only owning one copy of the gamecould be a game-changerfor a lot ofMaddenfans, if these rumors prove to be true and if the title does support GameShare.
Our Take: Bringing Madden Back To Nintendo Is Only A Benefit For The Console And Series
If The Game Does Come To Switch 2, The Series May See Some Much-Needed Innovation
TheMaddenseries has beenregularly criticized for its lack of innovation and for removing features from previous entriesto just slightly tweak them and then rebrand them as “new” features in later installments. PuttingMaddenon Switch 2 would allow the game to see larger play with friends and family while traveling or visiting relatives, and be a nice complementary piece to the real-life NFL season.
The potential innovation on Switch 2 could also see the title make use of the Switch’s gyro motion controls or the newSwitch 2 mouse functionfor throwing passes or selecting plays. WhileMadden NFL 26has not been officially announced for any platform, hopefully, these rumors prove true, and we get a reveal this week. It would be great to see the game come to Nintendo Switch 2 and reach an audience that has previously been left in the past.
