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Madden NFL 26 Is Finally Coming to Nintendo Switch 2—And It’s a Game-Changer

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By Mollie Dominy | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 4:46 PM ET

Alright, folks, it’s time to gear up because there’s a seismic shift happening in the gaming world, and trust me, you’re going to want to sit down for this one (preferably in front of a massive TV or your shiny new Nintendo Switch 2). Yes, Madden NFL 26 is officially coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, and I’ve got to say, it’s about dang time! Nintendo consoles have been starved of Madden greatness since Madden 13 on the Wii U (a console we don’t talk about, but hey, no shade).

This announcement is hitting us harder than a linebacker blitzing through an offensive line. Madden on the go? That’s the dream, folks. Imagine running an epic Franchise mode while waiting for your latte or throwing a flawless Hail Mary while chilling on your couch in tabletop mode. Bliss.

Why This is a Big Deal (Yes, Bigger Than a Super Bowl Commercial)

Here’s the thing. The Madden NFL series and Nintendo have been like long-lost pen pals who finally decided to reconnect. With the Switch dominating sales charts, EA realized it’d be foolish not to bring one of the most iconic sports franchises to a platform beloved by millions. The Nintendo Switch 2’s upgraded hardware allows Madden NFL 26 to shine brighter than a Sunday night game under stadium lights.

Built from NFL Sundays (their tagline, not mine), the game pulls real NFL data from nearly a decade to deliver dynamic gameplay. Apparently, your favorite star QBs will move, look, and (in gaming terms) “feel” like their real-life counterparts. Finally, you won’t need to stretch your imagination to believe that Patrick Mahomes just broke all physics with a sidearm pass.

But here’s where the Switch-specific love story gets interesting.

What’s the Catch? Missing Features? Sigh… Probably…

I know what you’re thinking. Switch ports haven’t had the best track record when it comes to parity with PlayStation or Xbox versions. And what did that gameplay trailer tell us? Some features will not be available for the Nintendo Switch 2. Ouch. That’s the equivalent of fumbling at the one-yard line, right?

Now, we haven’t had the exact list of what’s getting “trimmed” yet, but it’s a safe bet that things like insanely detailed broadcast graphics or super intricate animations (aka sweat tournaments) might not make the cut. Also, online gameplay on the Switch can be…finicky at times (shoutout to Smash Bros. players who brave the laggy wilderness). But hey, for portable Madden gameplay, many of us are still willing to make those sacrifices.

Nostalgia Meets Innovation

Video of Madden NFL 26 on Switch 2, Courtesy of the Nintendo of America channel

For long-time Madden fans who may have had to dust off their consoles (or simply left behind their Wii U days in shame), this announcement is hitting us deep in the nostalgia bones. There’s nothing quite like Madden gameplay with its mix of intricate roster management, Franchise dreams, and the occasional rage-inducing fumble (looking at you, AI).

Throw in upgrades like the new “Football Weather,” where snow, rain, or fog can completely change strategies, and you’re looking at a pretty immersive experience no matter the hardware. Pair it with the Switch 2’s infamous hybrid nature, and suddenly Madden becomes both a living room AND an on-the-go adventure.

What About Nintendo’s Audience?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the NFL field. The Nintendo crowd (famously, Mario Kart and Zelda loyalists) might not be the Madden series’ primary audience. It’s usually hardcore sports sim fans crowding on PlayStation or Xbox who love every bit of detail, from modern depth charts to in-game physics. But here’s the kicker (pun slightly intended)—the Switch has grown its audience dramatically. It’s no longer just kids looking to stomp Goombas. The “casual” gamers who loved hitting home runs in Wii Sports? They probably have a Switch now, and what better way for them to dip their toes into sports simulation than with Madden 26?

The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t Stopping There…

Lest you think Madden NFL 26 is flying solo as the Switch 2’s only big sports title, think again. EA’s also dropping FC 26 (formerly FIFA) and NBA Bounce. The latter has a fun arcade flair, so imagine crushing your friends in Training Mode before laughing hysterically at the absurdity of Party Mode.

This triple-sports-threat lineup could easily make the Switch 2 a more appealing platform for fans of AAA sports games. It’s clear Nintendo’s upping the ante here, and we’re absolutely here for this new era of hybrid console sports gaming.

Final Thoughts (And My Hopeful Predictions)

If EA sticks the landing, Madden NFL 26 on the Nintendo Switch 2 could mark a turning point for delivering immersive, portable sports games. Sure, there are justified concerns about missing features and performance, but isn’t it about time we stopped focusing so much on 8K sweat physics? A great game is a great game, even at 720p.

And hey, if this works out, maybe we’ll finally get to see titles like College Football 26 or NHL 26 on the Switch, too. Dare to dream.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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