EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 trial lands on Switch 2: dates and features

Table of Content

EA and Nintendo have scheduled a limited-time Game Trial for EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 on the Nintendo Switch 2. The trial is open to Nintendo Switch Online members and grants access to the full game during the window. Nintendo positions this as part of its ongoing Game Trials program for members. The company also notes more trials are planned for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch in the future.

When and where you can play

The trial window runs Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. PT – Jan. 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT and is available on Nintendo Switch 2 for members with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Availability can vary by region.

Game Trial schedule and platform

The table below summarizes the official timing and platform support for this trial.

What’s included in the trial

• Full game access to EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 during the trial period.
• Updated player movement designed to reflect explosive NFL athleticism.
• Team building with NFL Legends and current stars.
• Online competition with other players (Nintendo Switch Online membership and internet required).
• GameChat support for group hangouts and commentary; up to four-person screen sharing is supported.

Progress carryover and online notes

Save data from the trial carries over to the full game if you decide to purchase later. Online features, including GameChat, require internet, a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and a Nintendo Account. A compatible USB camera is required for GameChat video features.

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Nintendo states that until March 31, 2026, GameChat can be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. After that date, a membership will be required for GameChat. Some features may not be available in all countries.

Ratings and content descriptors

The game includes the following ESRB content descriptors: Mild Lyrics; Users Interact; In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items).

Bottom line – a clean week to test next-gen Madden on Switch 2

For one week, Nintendo Switch Online members can evaluate Madden NFL 26 on Switch 2 with full-game access and carryover progress. If you want to gauge the updated movement model and online feature set – including GameChat with four-way screen sharing – this is a structured window to do it.