AFL 26 Announced for Nintendo Switch 2: Big Ant Studios Delivers Next-Gen Footy Experience

AFL 26 Set to Launch on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025: New Era for Australian Football Games The next chapter in Australian rules football gaming is on the horizon as Nacon, Big Ant Studios, and the Australian Football League (AFL) officially announce AFL 26 for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, as confirmed by Press Start.

This marks a notable leap for the AFL gaming series, bringing unprecedented realism and advanced gameplay mechanics to Nintendo’s highly anticipated hardware refresh, scheduled for worldwide release in 2025 via retail and the Nintendo eShop. Big Ant Studios – renowned for its sports simulation expertise – is poised to elevate the AFL digital experience.

The development team has pledged to "unite fans and gamers alike" with gameplay designed to reflect the fast-paced, strategic, and distinctly Australian nature of the sport.

Every one of the league’s 18 AFL clubs will be playable, and fans will also have the opportunity to take the field as their favorite AFL and AFLW (AFL Women’s) athletes.

Among the new gameplay systems are enhanced bump and marking mechanics, plus robust Rookie Career and Pro Team modes available at launch. Bec Haagsma, AFL executive general manager for customer and commercial, commented on the partnership, saying that the announcement of AFL 26 represents an exciting step in engaging fans beyond the stadium.

"AFL 26 is an important asset for the AFL to connect with our fans off the field, and we eagerly anticipate working closely with Big Ant Studios to deliver what we expect to be the most engaging and authentic AFL gaming experience to date," said Haagsma. Key features for AFL 26 on the Nintendo Switch 2 include: Pro Team: Build and customize your squad to take on new challenges, unlock exclusive rewards, and compete against rivals in seasonal competitions to prove your team’s supremacy. Player Career: Embark on the journey from rookie to superstar, navigating everything from the draft process to game-day triumphs in both AFL and AFLW.

Players will train, climb the professional ranks, and tackle setbacks in a deeply immersive career mode. Management Career: Fans who relish strategic depth can step into the role of team manager, managing rosters, developing talent, and delivering tactical guidance on game day.

The enhanced mechanics add layers of strategy and realism to franchise leadership. Exceptional Fidelity: Utilizing state-of-the-art photogrammetry, Big Ant Studios has meticulously recreated every AFL and AFLW player, capturing signature skills and authentic physical likenesses to set a new standard for character detail. Make Your Mark: AFL 26 introduces advanced Academy Tools, empowering players to design and personalize clubs, athletes, and stadiums and share creations with the global AFL community. The upcoming release on Nintendo Switch 2 embodies the ongoing collaboration between the AFL, Nacon, and Big Ant Studios, striving to deliver the most dynamic footy simulation ever made.

AFL 26 aims to cater to both lifelong supporters and newcomers, offering robust offline and online experiences and highlighting the growing prominence of AFLW. With a targeted global launch in 2025, AFL 26 is set to become a milestone release for both the AFL franchise and the Nintendo Switch 2 platform, redefining interactive sports entertainment for fans and gamers alike.

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