While the Steam Deck struggled to deliver Madden 26 in handheld form, the Switch 2’s full next-gen port is a true game-changer. The series has been absent from Nintendo’s handheld console since 2012, and after a twelve-year gap, the most anticipated football game has returned, leaving fans eager to see what’s in store.
With the base game costing $79.99, the Madden 26 Switch 2 port has caught the attention of even those who don’t own the console yet, primarily due to the console’s ability to run heavyweights like Cyberpunk 2077 right out of the box. Performance takes the spotlight, and since portability comes with compromises, the question of whether one should get this game for the Switch 2 remains controversial. Today, we’ll be answering if it’s worth it.
Madden 26 Switch 2 Performance
Fans have been worried about the performance of Madden 26 on the Switch 2, and their concern is valid. See, history doesn’t side with Nintendo. If we just rewind to MLB The Show 25, you’ll remember what a disaster class it was on the Switch. That said, here’s how Madden 26 holds up on Nintendo’s Switch 2.
The game runs at an unlocked frame rate, with a maximum of 40 FPS. Both the docked and handheld modes achieve this target, but hiccups are common. On the Switch 2’s LCD, the game looks identical to more powerful consoles. However, once you dock your console and try to play it on a bigger screen, compromises are far more noticeable. According to the community, the resolution can dip below 720P, which is fine for a sports game, but if you prioritise image quality, the experience can be a little blurry.
Another complaint regarding the port is the framerate. The resolution can be blurry, but EA has done its best to ensure Switch 2 users receive the same level of texture details as those on more powerful machines. As a result, the port compromises on frame rate and can dip below 30 FPS, especially when there’s too much happening on the screen. Additionally, the game can also glitch out and experience odd freezes, along with weird cutscene issues. Not to mention, there’s no cross-play.
While the Nintendo Switch 2 is powerful, it’s still a mid-end machine, and comparing it to power-packed consoles such as the PS5 Pro and the Xbox Series X isn’t fair. So, to get an idea of how it holds up compared to other mid-end machines, we’ve considered the Xbox Series S as a worthy opponent. Here’s a table comparing Madden 26’s performance between the Nintendo Switch 2 docked and the Xbox Series S.
| Platform | Framerate | Resolution |
| Nintendo Switch 2 (Docked) | 40 FPS, but can drop below 30 FPS in demanding scenarios | Likely a dynamic 720P upscaled to 1080P |
| Xbox Series S | 30 FPS in cutscenes and a solid 60 FPS throughout the gameplay | Locked 1080P upscaled to 1440P (can drop a little for the sake of frame rate) |
While these numbers aren’t official, they’re based on community feedback, making them trustworthy. Obviously, Series S is the winner. The Switch 2, on the other hand, remains impressive because playing a next-gen football game on the go is a unique experience.
Is Madden 26 On Switch 2 Worth It?
With the performance discussed, let’s jump to the actual part: Is Madden 26 on the Switch 2 worth it? Yes, it indeed is, but under certain conditions.
If the Switch 2 is your only console, we highly recommend purchasing a Madden 26 copy right now. The game is everything a football fan needs, and playing it on the go provides non-stop fun that is hard to find elsewhere. However, if you own a powerhouse like the Series X, then it’s a different story. For an authentic experience, getting Madden 26 for the more powerful console is preferable, since it not only offers improved performance but also features crossplay.
That said, the final choice boils down to preferences. Getting a Switch 2 version, even if you own a powerful console, might still be ideal, especially if you travel frequently or are curious about how your new handheld performs.
