EA Sports FC 26 on Nintendo Switch 2: Developer Promises Next-Gen Parity Ahead of Release

EA Sports FC 26 is set to make its highly anticipated appearance on the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2.

Developed by EA SPORTS, this annual football franchise has long been a staple in the gaming world, consistently launching on major platforms like PlayStation and Xbox.

As Switch players await a leap in sports simulation on Nintendo hardware, developer insights and early beta impressions have come into the spotlight—especially regarding performance and graphical fidelity. In a recent interview with Game Rant, line producer Andreas Wilsdorf for EA Sports FC 26 shared some surprisingly enthusiastic remarks on the game's performance for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console.

Wilsdorf highlighted that working with Switch 2 hardware was particularly exciting for the development team, stating, “When we first tested EA Sports FC 26 on Nintendo Switch 2, the performance levels were essentially on par with what we witnessed on PlayStation 5 and Xbox platforms.

As a handheld console, the technology is really impressive, not only in direct gameplay but also in simulation features—like season simulations—which performed almost identically to PlayStation and Xbox developer kits.” Pete O'Donnell, the game’s career mode design director, echoed Wilsdorf's positivity, according to Game Rant’s report.

This optimism marks a significant shift for Nintendo fans, who for years received 'Legacy' versions of FIFA on Switch with feature and performance gaps compared to other contemporary consoles.

The arrival of last year’s EA Sports FC 24 changed that narrative by featuring a fully-updated, content-rich package tailor-made for the Nintendo Switch. However, these developer claims stand in marked contrast to feedback from early beta participants and show-floor demo players.

Some users on community forums and Reddit have reported that the beta build of EA Sports FC 26 on Switch hardware did not appear to deliver the upgrades teased.

One attendee at Gamescom 2024, Felix Sanchez, remarked, "The Switch docked mode seemed very similar to last year’s version.

Although it was stable, it appeared capped at 30 frames per second, and the graphic quality didn’t match what you’d find on PS5 or Xbox." It’s worth noting that some confusion persists in the community about whether feedback references the original Switch or the new Switch 2 beta, emphasizing the need for more official hands-on impressions. EA Sports FC 26 is scheduled for release on September 26, 2024, across all major consoles, including the Nintendo Switch 2.

While developer comments suggest technical parity with next-generation platforms, actual player reports reflect a more nuanced picture, especially when it comes to frame rates and crossplay support.

The Switch 2’s hardware capabilities have raised expectations among franchise fans, hoping for a console experience that no longer lags behind Sony and Microsoft competitors. As anticipation builds and the release date approaches, all eyes are on EA SPORTS and Nintendo to deliver on these bold promises.

The gaming community awaits more in-depth looks through possible demos or further official gameplay reveals closer to the September launch.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 EA PS5 Xbox Switch EA Sports EA Sports FC Next-Gen developers EA Sports FC 26 EA SPORTS FC 26 Andreas Wilsdorf Pete O'Donnell PlayStation