For nearly two decades now, I haven’t touched Madden NFL on a Nintendo console. The last time I remember playing it was Madden 08, after which I shifted to Xbox consoles and have been hooked ever since. Xbox has been my go-to platform for the game. Interestingly enough, not long after I stopped playing Madden on Nintendo, EA Sports did as well. However, the upcoming Switch 2 could signal a fresh start for Madden NFL on Nintendo platforms. A demo of Madden 26 that I played on the Switch 2 hints at a more promising future for this partnership compared to their previous lackluster efforts.
The latest Madden game released for a Nintendo console was Madden 13, which came out in August 2012 for the Wii and Wii U. Since then, EA has ceased developing their American football game for this platform due to technical constraints that made continued development impractical. During the Wii and Wii U era, these games often received poor reviews, had fewer new features compared to their Xbox and PlayStation counterparts, and had inferior graphics. However, when I played Madden 26 on Switch 2 in handheld mode (I didn’t use it docked), I noticed a noticeable drop in graphical quality compared to what I later experienced on PS5. But other than that, the gameplay felt unimpaired by the platform.
Regardless of the graphics reduction, playing Madden 26 on Steam Deck is comparable to how I’d expect it to be. Handheld devices generally imply some loss in quality for the sake of portability, and accepting that allowed me to enjoy Madden 26 on Switch 2.
In comparison to the first Nintendo Switch, the upgraded model felt more comfortable in my grip. It was reassuring to find that Madden 26 offers equal features and game modes as its counterparts, eliminating the feeling of “Madden, but…” Previously, many classic Nintendo games were like Madden, yet lacked the advanced physics engine or fundamental sim gameplay. As I engaged in a Pats-Chiefs match during my play session, my initial doubts disappeared. On Switch 2, Madden 26 appears to be simply, Madden.
Although Madden 26 might have its own set of issues, it appears clear that Nintendo isn’t the one to blame. Despite this, I’d like to explore the game further before making a definitive judgment. Specifically, I plan to compare loading times, both from gameplay to the menu and also between different menus, as the slow menus in Madden have been a persistent issue across all platforms. However, one positive thing I noticed is that when playing Madden on Switch 2, I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing my football knowledge or the game’s mechanical depth.
In a lively and competitive league of 32 players (you can join here), I enjoy playing Madden on a large screen. Since I find the Xbox’s standard button layout more comfortable and intuitive compared to Nintendo’s, which feels reversed in my mind and led me to two interceptions during a demo, I won’t be making Switch 2 my primary platform for Madden this year. However, since the game no longer seems like a port with missing components, I can envision a time when I might purchase it on both Xbox and Switch 2 if EA implemented cross-save functionality. Of course, to do that, I’d first need to acquire a Switch 2, but you understand my point.
Having the capability to control my team roster, engage in practice modes, recruit free agents, and bestow unique names on my virtual players while on the move would make the Switch 2 version a tempting second choice for me. Additionally, for gamers who appreciate the Switch’s button layout and enjoy playing it in handheld mode, this seems like the first Nintendo-based Madden game in two decades that can compete with other platform versions.
To delve deeper into Madden 26, let’s explore my thoughts about its standout feature, an improvement drawn from College Football 25, and uncover how the game was modified to accommodate a unique rookie sensation.
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2025-06-04 18:40