Madden NFL 26 Returns to Nintendo After 13 Years: Release Date, Pre-Order Bonuses, and What to Expect on Switch 2

After a thirteen-year absence, EA Sports is bringing its flagship football simulation back to Nintendo platforms.

Madden NFL 26 will mark the first time since Madden NFL 13 on the Wii U in 2012 that the acclaimed series has landed on a Nintendo console.

Slated for release on August 14, 2025, Madden NFL 26 will make its highly anticipated debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, signaling EA’s renewed commitment to supporting Nintendo’s hardware with premier sports titles. Nintendo made the announcement across its official channels, highlighting not only the return of Madden NFL to Nintendo systems but also offering details for eager fans.

According to a statement shared on Nintendo of America’s X (formerly Twitter) account, pre-orders for Madden NFL 26 are now live on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, with an array of digital incentives for early purchasers. Players who reserve Madden NFL 26 through the eShop can claim several exclusive pre-order bonuses: a Madden Ultimate Team (MUT) Cover Athlete Elite Player Item, Franchise Coach Ability Points, and the coveted Super Star Legendary XP Boost.

These additions are designed to enhance the early game experience for dedicated fans and newcomers alike. Reflecting a wider industry trend toward premium pricing, Madden NFL 26 is launching with a suggested retail price of $79.99.

This matches the recent pricing approach taken with other major Nintendo Switch 2 releases like Mario Kart World, sparking discussions among the Nintendo community about value and affordability.

Nevertheless, the inclusion of competitive bonuses may soften the blow for dedicated fans looking to be among the first to play the newest entry in the storied franchise. Despite the excitement surrounding Madden NFL 26, questions remain about the depth and fidelity of the game’s Nintendo Switch 2 version.

In a statement provided to Eurogamer following the recent Nintendo Direct presentation, an EA Sports spokesperson clarified that "both experiences are being built specifically for the new handheld platform, grounded in what fans enjoy from our franchises across platforms." This suggests a tailor-made version optimized for Switch 2, but fans remain eager to see whether feature parity with other platforms is fully realized. Historically, EA Sports has released so-called Legacy Editions of its Football Club (formerly FIFA) franchise on Nintendo consoles, which often lacked many features found on other platforms.

However, Football Club 24 and 25 were released with full feature sets on Nintendo Switch, a positive sign that Madden 26 could receive similar attention to detail. For now, college football fans will have to wait, as EA has indicated that its much-anticipated College Football series will not be making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2—at least for the current release window.

EA Sports appears to be gauging long-term demand for core sports franchises on Nintendo hardware, with Madden NFL 26 serving as the first major test. With Madden NFL 26 returning to Nintendo platforms and arriving day and date on Nintendo Switch 2 alongside other major systems, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Nintendo sports gaming.

As more details emerge about the game’s performance, modes, and content parity, fans can look forward to a fresh gridiron experience on Nintendo’s next-generation platform.

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