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Madden NFL 26: Early Access Times, Release Date, Editions, and Pricing

Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition.
Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition (Image Credit: EA Sports)

Madden NFL 26 is set to launch soon, bringing a fresh season of gridiron action for football fans worldwide. Developed by EA Orlando and published by EA Sports, this year’s installment features Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley as the cover athlete.


The game introduces a new AI-driven system trained on nearly a decade of NFL data, promising more realistic player traits, adaptive strategies, and gameplay that mirrors real NFL styles. Other highlights include physics-based player movement, dynamic weather with genuine game impact, team-specific traditions, and upgrades to both Franchise and Superstar modes.


For the first time since Madden NFL 13 on Wii U, the series is returning to a Nintendo platform—launching on Nintendo Switch 2, alongside PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game will skip PS4, Xbox One, and the original Switch, focusing solely on new-generation consoles and modern PCs.


Release Date and Early Access

The official release date for Madden NFL 26 is August 14, 2025. However, players can get in much earlier through early access options:

  • EA Play Trial: Starting August 7, members get 10 hours of gameplay, plus 10% off EA digital purchases and monthly Ultimate Team packs.

  • Deluxe Edition Early Access: Begins August 7, offering a full week’s head start instead of just a few days.


Early Access Start Times (August 7):

  • PT: 9:00 AM

  • CT: 11:00 AM

  • ET: 12:00 PM

  • BST: 5:00 PM (Aug 8)

  • AET: 2:00 AM (Aug 8)

  • JST: 1:00 AM (Aug 8)

  • IST: 9:30 PM (Aug 7)

  • NZST: 4:00 AM (Aug 8)


Official Launch Times (August 14):

  • PDT: 9:00 AM

  • CDT: 11:00 AM

  • EDT: 12:00 PM

  • BST: 5:00 PM

  • AEDT: 2:00 AM (Aug 15)

  • JST: 1:00 AM (Aug 15)

  • IST: 9:30 PM (Aug 14)

  • NZST: 4:00 AM (Aug 15)


Editions and Pricing

Madden NFL 26 comes in three main editions:

  • Standard Edition ($69.99): Includes base game and pre-order bonuses like a Christian McCaffrey Elite Player Item for Madden Ultimate Team (if ordered by July 24).

  • Deluxe Edition ($99.99): Adds seven days early access, 4,600 Madden Points, and Early Access Solo Challenges.

  • MVP Bundle ($149.99): Includes everything from Deluxe plus College Football 26 Deluxe Edition, 4,600 CUT Points, and an exclusive Ultimate Team item.

Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition cover features a football player. Offers include early access, MUT points, and exclusive items.
Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition (Image Credit: EA Sports)
Pre-order Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26 Deluxe Editions. Includes points, player items, and bonuses. Available on PS5 and Xbox.
Madden NFL 26 MVP Bundle (Image Credit: EA Sports)

Pre-Order Bonuses

All pre-orders come with Franchise Coach Ability Points, a MUT Cover Athlete Elite Player Item, and a Superstar Legendary XP Boost. Coach Abilities—new to Madden 26—let you unlock offensive and defensive perks like “Trimmed Edges” for stronger pass protection or “Sure Hands” for better catch rates.


EA has also linked Madden 26 with College Football 26, allowing players to carry over their created athletes from college into their NFL career—making the transition from campus hero to pro star smoother than ever.

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