Madden NFL Returns to Nintendo Platforms: Madden NFL 26 Announced for Nintendo Switch 2 Release

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Published on: April 24, 2025

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Madden NFL Returns to Nintendo Platforms: Madden NFL 26 Announced for Nintendo Switch 2 Release Electronic Arts (EA), one of the world’s leading video game publishers, has maintained a longstanding relationship with Nintendo consoles.

From major sports franchises to innovative system support, EA has consistently provided gaming experiences tailored for Nintendo fans.

Notably, the EA Sports FC series—formerly known under the FIFA banner—has appeared on the Nintendo Switch every year since the hybrid device’s launch in 2017.

However, one legendary sports series has been absent from Nintendo’s platforms for over a decade—until now. After a 13-year hiatus, Madden NFL, EA Sports’ iconic American football franchise, is making its return to Nintendo hardware.

The company has officially announced that Madden NFL 26 will release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, as well as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

The highly anticipated title is scheduled to launch globally on August 14th, marking a major milestone for both EA and Nintendo. Looking back, Madden NFL enjoyed steady releases on various Nintendo platforms throughout the years, including the Wii and even the ill-fated Wii U.

EA delivered new installments for Nintendo fans until 2013, when the company ceased support after it became evident that the Wii U was struggling in the marketplace.

Since then, Madden titles have been absent on all subsequent Nintendo consoles despite persistent demand from the fanbase. The return of Madden NFL to a Nintendo platform underscores both EA’s renewed confidence in the next-generation Switch console and the growing importance of sports titles within Nintendo’s ecosystem.

A representative for EA commented in an official statement, "We are thrilled to bring back the Madden NFL experience to Nintendo players with Madden NFL 26, providing a new level of immersion and accessibility for fans everywhere." This move aligns with EA’s commitment to broadening its audience across multiple platforms, ensuring that one of the most successful sports franchises in gaming history returns to its roots on Nintendo hardware. Nintendo of America amplified the announcement through its official social media channels, celebrating the comeback and sharing the August 14th release date with millions of followers.

This strategic rollout positions Madden NFL 26 as a marquee title for the launch period of the Nintendo Switch 2, further cementing the upcoming console as a key platform for third-party publishers. For fans and industry observers alike, Madden NFL 26's arrival on Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant event—bridging the gap after more than a decade and reaffirming Nintendo’s growing relevance in the sports gaming market.

As one of the highest-grossing sports franchises in gaming history, Madden NFL’s comeback signals a promising future for collaborative efforts between Nintendo and leading developers like Electronic Arts.

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Madden NFL 26 coming to Switch 2