Madden 26 Skipping PS4/Xbox One, Launching on Switch 2 - What Does This Mean for Gamers?
Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2025 9:53 am
Hey everyone,
Big news for sports game fans—Madden NFL 26 will not be launching on PS4 or Xbox One! Instead, it will be exclusive to next-gen consoles, including the upcoming Switch 2. This is a significant move, and it’s got the gaming community buzzing.
1. Why Are PS4 and Xbox One Being Left Behind?
With Madden NFL 26, EA has officially decided to cut off last-gen consoles, focusing solely on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2. While this may come as a disappointment to PS4 and Xbox One owners, it’s becoming more common for major developers to move away from older platforms to fully take advantage of next-gen hardware. For Madden, this means better graphics, smoother gameplay, and more detailed simulations.
The decision makes sense from a development standpoint: the hardware capabilities of last-gen consoles are starting to feel limiting for big, high-performance sports games like Madden. The Switch 2, with its enhanced specs, allows EA to deliver a better experience for fans of the franchise.
2. Switch 2 as a Surprising Platform
Now, the Switch 2 jumping into the picture is interesting. For a while, the Switch was seen as a more casual, family-friendly console, with a lot of focus on Nintendo's own games. But with the Switch 2's upgraded hardware, EA is clearly looking to expand the game’s reach beyond just Sony and Microsoft consoles. This could be the push that turns the Switch 2 into a more serious contender for sports and AAA games.
With Madden 26 on Switch 2, it’ll be fascinating to see if EA delivers a premium experience for portable gaming, much like how NBA 2K and other sports franchises have already set up their versions on the Switch.
3. What This Means for Gamers
For those of you still rocking PS4 or Xbox One, this might be a deal-breaker when it comes to buying the latest Madden title. It’s also a reminder that the shift to next-gen consoles is real—developers are starting to focus exclusively on platforms that can handle their newest tech and ambitious features.
Here’s what we could expect:
Better Graphics & Physics: With the leap to more powerful hardware, Madden 26 will likely have improved player models, more realistic animations, and better AI to create a more immersive simulation of NFL football.
New Features & Modes: EA may also use this as an opportunity to add new gameplay features or even overhaul existing game modes (such as Franchise or Ultimate Team) to make full use of the new console power.
Fewer Cross-Generational Issues: Moving forward, we could see fewer compromises between platforms, meaning next-gen versions of games will have fewer limitations.
4. Is It Time to Upgrade?
If you’re a long-time Madden fan, this might be the push you need to finally upgrade to a PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or even consider the Switch 2. But, if you’re not ready to ditch your PS4 or Xbox One, Madden 25 might be your final Madden game for the older consoles.
Big news for sports game fans—Madden NFL 26 will not be launching on PS4 or Xbox One! Instead, it will be exclusive to next-gen consoles, including the upcoming Switch 2. This is a significant move, and it’s got the gaming community buzzing.
1. Why Are PS4 and Xbox One Being Left Behind?
With Madden NFL 26, EA has officially decided to cut off last-gen consoles, focusing solely on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2. While this may come as a disappointment to PS4 and Xbox One owners, it’s becoming more common for major developers to move away from older platforms to fully take advantage of next-gen hardware. For Madden, this means better graphics, smoother gameplay, and more detailed simulations.
The decision makes sense from a development standpoint: the hardware capabilities of last-gen consoles are starting to feel limiting for big, high-performance sports games like Madden. The Switch 2, with its enhanced specs, allows EA to deliver a better experience for fans of the franchise.
2. Switch 2 as a Surprising Platform
Now, the Switch 2 jumping into the picture is interesting. For a while, the Switch was seen as a more casual, family-friendly console, with a lot of focus on Nintendo's own games. But with the Switch 2's upgraded hardware, EA is clearly looking to expand the game’s reach beyond just Sony and Microsoft consoles. This could be the push that turns the Switch 2 into a more serious contender for sports and AAA games.
With Madden 26 on Switch 2, it’ll be fascinating to see if EA delivers a premium experience for portable gaming, much like how NBA 2K and other sports franchises have already set up their versions on the Switch.
3. What This Means for Gamers
For those of you still rocking PS4 or Xbox One, this might be a deal-breaker when it comes to buying the latest Madden title. It’s also a reminder that the shift to next-gen consoles is real—developers are starting to focus exclusively on platforms that can handle their newest tech and ambitious features.
Here’s what we could expect:
Better Graphics & Physics: With the leap to more powerful hardware, Madden 26 will likely have improved player models, more realistic animations, and better AI to create a more immersive simulation of NFL football.
New Features & Modes: EA may also use this as an opportunity to add new gameplay features or even overhaul existing game modes (such as Franchise or Ultimate Team) to make full use of the new console power.
Fewer Cross-Generational Issues: Moving forward, we could see fewer compromises between platforms, meaning next-gen versions of games will have fewer limitations.
4. Is It Time to Upgrade?
If you’re a long-time Madden fan, this might be the push you need to finally upgrade to a PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or even consider the Switch 2. But, if you’re not ready to ditch your PS4 or Xbox One, Madden 25 might be your final Madden game for the older consoles.