Madden 26 is one of the most anticipated sports games of 2025. Fans are hoping this is the entry that revolutionizes the franchise, addressing all the problems that have plagued Madden in past years.
With the expectations for the game being high, in what feels like a make-or-break year for Madden, players must know everything about Madden 26 to determine if the game is worth buying.
From the release date, cover star, platforms, editions, to the new features. This article has all the relevant information about Madden 26.
Latest: Madden 26 Cover Star Revealed
The Madden 26 cover star has been revealed, and it's none other than the Philadelphia Eagles superstar running back, Saquon Barkley!
After a historic 2024-2025 season, this pick doesn't come as a huge surprise, especially since the most popular quarterbacks in the NFL have all featured on a Madden cover recently.
It's refreshing to see EA Sports breaking the mold of quarterbacks in the Madden cover, and that is made even better by being a running back featured in the cover and not a wide receiver.
The only question now is. Will the Philadelphia Eagles and Saquon Barkley be able to beat the Madden cover curse? Only time will tell!
Madden 26 Release Date
Madden 26 will hit the shelves on August 14, with early access to the game starting on August 11. It follows a very similar release schedule to past years, which doesn't come as a surprise.
Releasing the new entry in the Madden franchise in mid-August has become a tradition, and is something that has worked very well for EA Sports since its implementation.
Madden 26 Platforms
While the Madden 26 release date isn't surprising, there were some massive changes when it comes to the platforms the title will be available on.
Madden 26 will be exclusively on current-gen platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. This means that, for the first time since 2013, a new entry in the Madden franchise will not be releasing for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
But that's not all. Not only does Madden 26 mark the end of the franchise on the old generation, but it also marks the return to a Nintendo console. Madden had been out of the Nintendo console ecosystem since 2013, and probably found that the release of the highly anticipated Switch 2 was the best time to return.
This decision to leave the old generation has divided the Madden community, as expected. Many think this is great news, and something that should have been done a long time ago. However, others fight back, saying that this will make the game inaccessible for a good part of the Madden player base.
One thing is certain. The decision has been made by EA Sports, and it would be incredibly surprising if they decide to turn back on it.
Madden 26 Editions
Just like its predecessor, Madden 26 will have two editions: Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. The game is also included in the MVP Bundle, which includes the Deluxe Edition of both Madden 26 and College Football 26.
As usual, the editions have different prices and offer different pre-order perks. However, they are all available for the same platforms. So, let's find out what both editions offer.
Madden 26 Standard Edition
The Madden 26 Standard Edition costs £59.99/$69.99. It's available for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
If not pre-ordered, this edition only includes the base game. However, players who pre-order it will receive the following perks:
- Cover Athlete Elite MUT Player Item
- Superstar Legendary XP Boost
- Franchise Coach Ability Points
Madden 26 Deluxe Edition
The Madden 26 Deluxe Edition costs 89.99/$99.99. It's available for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
This edition includes the following pre-order perks:
- 3 Day Early Access (Aug 11-14)
- 4600 Madden Points
- Early Access Ultimate Team™ Solo Challenges
- Season 1 Elite Player Item (Pre-Order before July 24th to receive this.)
- Cover Athlete Elite MUT Player Item
- Superstar Legendary XP Boost
- Player Card Exclusive Item
- Franchise Coach Ability Points
Madden 26 MVP Bundle
The MVP Bundle costs £139.99/$149.99, and as mentioned above, it includes the Deluxe Editions of both Madden 26 and College Football 26. This edition is only available for the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
The MVP Bundle includes the following perks:
- Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition (PS5® & Xbox Series X|S only)
- 3 Day Early Access (Aug 11-14)
- 4600 Madden Points
- Early Access Ultimate Team™ Solo Challenges
- Season 1 Elite Player Item (Pre-order before July 24th to receive this.)
- Cover Athlete Elite MUT Player Item
- Superstar Legendary XP Boost
- MUT Exclusive Elite Player Item (Bundle Only - not included in standalone Deluxe Edition)
- Player Card Exclusive Item
- Franchise Coach Ability Points
- MVP On the Clock Pack Madden NFL 25 Item available on PlayStation® 5 and Xbox Series X|S (Pre-order before April 29th to receive this.)**
- College Football 26 Deluxe Edition (PS5® & Xbox Series X|S only)
- 3 Day Early Access (July 7-10)
- 4600 College Football Points
- Early Access Ultimate Team™ Solo Challenges
- CUT Top Prospect Pack
- CUT All Hands Pack
- Dynasty Coach Points
- CUT Exclusive Elite Player Item (Bundle Only - not included in standalone Deluxe Edition)
- Road to Glory Skill Points
- MVP On the Clock Pack College Football 25 Item available on PlayStation® 5 and Xbox Series X|S (Pre-Order before April 29th to receive this.)**
Madden 26 New Features
As of right now, not much is known about the Madden 26 new or revamped features. EA Sports has revealed everything related to the game's release date, editions, and platforms, but that's pretty much it.
EA Sports will disclose more information about the game as we move closer to its release date, as has happened in previous years. What we can expect are changes to the Franchise mode, new additions to Ultimate Team (Madden crown jewel), and improvements to the Superstar mode.
Gameplay-wise, there is basically no information about the title. Hope is that Madden 26 introduces significant gameplay changes, which are very much needed.
We will update this article regularly, so make sure you bookmark it.