Gamers eager to dive into Madden NFL 26 can get a significant head start, playing the game a full week before its official August 14 release date. Starting August 7, early access is available to those who purchase the special Deluxe or MVP editions, offering a considerable advantage for dedicated fans.
The Deluxe edition, priced at $100, includes the early access perk along with 4,600 Madden Points and various other in-game bonuses. For an even more comprehensive package, the MVP bundle at $150 not only offers Madden NFL 26 but also bundles it with College Football 26, plus a generous collection of additional in-game items for both titles. These premium bundles are specifically designed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles.
This extended early access period marks an improvement over previous announcements, as EA had initially indicated only three days of early access for these bundles. This change provides an even greater incentive for fans to secure their copies early.
Notably, Madden NFL 26 is also making its debut on Nintendo Switch 2, a significant return for the series to a Nintendo platform after more than ten years. However, the Deluxe edition for Switch 2 offers a shorter three-day early access period, and this benefit was exclusive to preorders placed by July 24. It`s also worth noting that EA`s College Football series is not planned for release on the Switch 2.
The cover of Madden NFL 26 prominently features Saquon Barkley, the celebrated running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. This week is particularly eventful for Madden enthusiasts, with the much-anticipated and often-debated player ratings being unveiled.