Madden NFL 26 Launches August 2025 on Nintendo Switch: Major Sports Franchise Returns to Nintendo Platforms

Electronic Arts (EA) has officially announced that Madden NFL 26 will be released for Nintendo Switch on August 14, 2025.

This milestone marks the football franchise's long-awaited return to Nintendo consoles, with the last mainline Madden NFL title appearing on the Wii U over a decade ago.

The news came during a recent Nintendo Direct, where fans learned that the acclaimed sports simulation would at last be available for Switch owners after years of absence. Madden NFL 26 continues the decades-long tradition of EA Sports' dominance in the American sports video game market, consistently ranking among the best-selling titles in the United States each year.

As the series debuts on Nintendo Switch, this entry brings advanced coaching systems, realistic quarterback mechanics, and an all-new explosive presentation, backed by years of National Football League (NFL) game data to ensure authenticity and challenge at every turn.

According to EA, "Every matchup in Madden NFL 26 is a new strategic challenge on the road to creating your legacy as an NFL legend." Nintendo Switch players will receive the full Madden NFL 26 experience, including optional in-game purchases.

These microtransactions allow players to acquire virtual currency, which can be used for a variety of in-game items, including randomized packs of content.

The game will be available digitally via the Nintendo eShop, and as a physical retail game-key card—offering flexibility for players who prefer either format. Highlighting the game's release, EA has revealed that Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles' standout running back, will appear as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26.

This announcement is significant: Barkley is the first Eagles player to be featured on a Madden cover in 20 years.

Fans can expect more information about new features and gameplay enhancements during a scheduled reveal event on Wednesday, June 4. Pre-orders for Madden NFL 26 on Nintendo Switch have already begun on major retailers, including Amazon, with the retail edition distributed as a game-key card.

As Madden makes its debut on Nintendo Switch, the move is being heralded as a major win for both sports gaming enthusiasts and the Switch library, further diversifying the console's robust third-party offerings. With its August 2025 launch, Madden NFL 26 is set to energize Nintendo Switch owners and football fans alike, blending iconic NFL action with the portability and accessibility that Nintendo platforms are known for.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Wii Wii U EA Switch EA Sports Madden NFL Madden NFL 26 Saquon Barkley Philadelphia Eagles Nintendo Direct eShop