No one can disregard the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch. The sheer ability to run AAA titles portably without the need for cloud gaming or any other shortcut is nothing short of revolutionary. This same phenomenon has now evolved significantly with the birth of the Nintendo Switch 2, setting the bar even higher in the world of handheld gaming machines.
Running games like Madden 26, NBA 2K26, and today’s highlight, EA FC 26, the Switch 2 is a treat to all the sports enthusiasts who live and die for their favorite team. Speaking of enthusiasts, the factor that appeals to them the most is how the game holds up, since portability often comes with some, if not significant, compromises. With that being said, let’s see how EA FC 26 holds up on the most powerful Nintendo handheld yet, the Switch 2.
EA FC 26 Switch 2 Gameplay & Features
Being a game of two halves with a fast-paced, fluid nature, EA FC 26 deserves zero compromises in features and gameplay for the sake of portability. Otherwise, it will lose that special spark responsible for building all of the hype around it. Fortunately, EA FC 26 provides all the new features on the Switch 2, compared to the flashier powerhouses, such as the Xbox Series S|X and the base PlayStation 5 and Pro.
The port proudly welcomes both core highlights of the game: the Competitive and Authentic modes. With these, Switch 2 players can also enjoy a faster, arcade-like gameplay in Competitive mode or swap to Authentic mode for a more authentic football experience, thanks to realistic and improved off-the-ball movements.
Additionally, EA FC 26 adds an extra layer of attention to detail with Switch 2-exclusive features. This includes Game Chat, which can be activated by pressing the camera and Joy-Con buttons. Plus a Game Share feature, where up to three players can enjoy football on a single machine. However, the port still lacks cross-play support, which could be a step back for those who prefer playing online.
Overall, the gameplay is as good as it gets, giving off classic FIFA/EA FC vibes. If controls are your concern, don’t worry, since the single Joy-Con usability, touchscreen, and pinch-to-zoom features combine to provide a solid interaction experience. To sum things up, EA FC 26 really does live up to its name in terms of gameplay and features on the Switch 2.
EA FC 26 Switch 2 Performance
With the game playing almost identically to other ports, the next concern is, of course, performance. Here, EA has followed a recipe similar to Madden 26 on Switch 2 for cooking an impressive port. From a distance, visual fidelity is similar to bigger consoles, but once you zoom in and start noticing, it’s a different story.
The hair rendering is simplified on the Switch 2, with movement animations absent. Grass and audiences also undergo lower-resolution textures to maintain consistency in the performance. Player models, on the other hand, can appear funny in cutscenes due to a lack of depth and lifeless eyes. Additionally, they also sacrifice facial details with little to no shader treatment, revealing unpolished areas such as the mouth, ears, and unusual nostrils.
Though compromising on image quality and details was expected, what about performance numbers? EA FC 26 on Switch 2 aims to maintain a 30 FPS target. While it’s less than the high-end machines, the experience it delivers is nowhere near unplayable and is consistent enough for a competitive player. To be as fair as possible, here’s how the console goes head-to-head against its closest rival, the Xbox Series S:
| Feature | Nintendo Switch 2 | Xbox Series S |
| Resolution | 900P | 1080P |
| Resolution (Handheld) | 720P | N/A (not handheld) |
| Frame Rate | Capped at 30FPS | Locked to 60FPS |
| Crossplay Support | No | Yes, with other consoles and PC |
| Graphics Engine | Leapfrogged Gen Tech with Hypermotion and adapted Frostbite engine | Utilizes full next-gen Frostbite engine capabilities |
| Price | $69.99 (Standard Edition) | $69.99 (Standard Edition) |
Final Verdict: Is EA FC 26 Worth Buying On Switch 2?
Yes, the game holds up well on the Switch 2 and is worth every penny on that platform. However, if you are one of those players who prefers playing with friends, you might miss out, as there is currently no crossplay support.
For those willing to buy it for the original Nintendo Switch, please don’t bother. EA FC 26 performs nowhere near as well as the newer consoles on the Switch and lacks many core features that make the game shine. While you do pay a lower price tag of $59.99, getting it for the original console is still not worth it; the Switch 2 is the best way to play EA FC 26 on the go.
