EA Sports confirms that EA Sports FC and Madden NFL will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 with significantly more features than past “Legacy” editions, though full parity with PS5 and Xbox may depend on hardware capabilities.
EA Sports has officially announced that its flagship sports franchises, EA Sports FC and Madden NFL, are coming to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 – and this time, they’re promising much more than just updated rosters.
Historically, EA‘s sports titles on the original Nintendo Switch were often criticized for being “Legacy Editions”—barebones versions that lacked major features found on their PS5, Xbox, and PC counterparts. These editions frequently omitted core modes, advanced animations, and gameplay improvements, frustrating fans who expected more from full-priced annual releases.
However, with the Switch 2 on the horizon, EA appears to be changing its approach. In a statement provided to Eurogamer and other outlets, the company expressed its enthusiasm for bringing EA Sports FC and Madden NFL to Nintendo’s next-gen handheld platform. Both games are being “built specifically for the new handheld platform,” rather than simply being ports of older versions.
EA emphasized that their goal is to deliver a “consistent player experience across platforms as much as the hardware allows.” While the company stopped short of promising full feature parity with PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S versions, it did note that these Switch 2 titles are not just legacy-style rehashes. The phrase “designed for the Switch 2” was repeatedly used, hinting at optimized gameplay and better integration with the new system’s capabilities.
There’s still a great deal of uncertainty, however. EA declined to confirm whether the Switch 2 versions of EA Sports FC and Madden NFL will support cross-platform multiplayer or whether they will be titled identically to their console counterparts (such as FC 26 or Madden NFL 26). The company simply stated that more information would be shared at a later date.
The decision to enhance the Switch versions could be partially motivated by recent performance concerns. EA Sports FC 25 reportedly underperformed in sales, contributing to a notable drop in EA’s market value earlier this year. With Switch 2 expected to attract a wider and younger player base, EA may see this as a strategic opportunity to expand its reach and recapture momentum.
While there’s no guarantee these new versions will reach total parity with other platforms, EA’s tone suggests a significant improvement over the stripped-down releases of previous years. Last year’s FC 24 on the original Switch was already a step forward, featuring Ultimate Team mode, and fans are now hoping the Switch 2 will continue that trend with more robust offerings.
EA Sports is signaling a fresh start for its franchises on Nintendo hardware. While much remains under wraps—including visual fidelity, online features, and release naming conventions—the promise of more feature-complete experiences marks a promising shift for Switch-owning sports fans.
