The early access for Madden 26 is out, which means anyone who ordered the MVP bundle can pre-install and try the game. However, we wish it were just that simple. See, it wouldn’t feel right if the entire process went smoothly. Instead, with Madden, EA always tries to piss their entire fan base off. They did it last year, and to keep up with the tradition, they have done it again.
We’ve received multiple complaints from OS Forum users stating that they are unable to pre-install the game, primarily on the Xbox Series consoles. While PS players are safe from this issue, they have an entirely separate problem. Let’s break down what’s happening with the early access and how to fix it.
What’s Going Wrong With Madden 26 Early Access
To quickly recap the situation, Xbox players who purchased the Madden 26 MVP Bundle are unable to unpack the game. Interestingly, it does not appear in your game library, owned games, or even the Microsoft Store, for that matter.
Even if you’re able to locate the game in the store, you won’t be able to download it, because the install button is not there. All you’ll be able to see is the “owned” tag; however, nothing else will appear.
PlayStation players, on the other hand, are facing an entirely different issue. While you can install the game on your PS5 if you own the MVP bundle, you can’t access the 10-hour EA trial. It seems like EA has balanced their shenanigans, with each console receiving at least one launch issue.
How To Fix The Madden 26 Xbox Pre-Install Issue
Before you get all fired up at EA for ruining your Madden day, hear us out. There is a fix! Even though you should’ve been able to install the game like you install everything else, let’s keep that frustration aside for a moment and work on the fix.
For all the Xbox players who can’t seem to see or install Madden 26, follow these steps for installation:
- Download the Xbox app on your smartphone.
- Sign in to the Xbox account that you purchased the MVP Bundle on.
- Search for Madden NFL 26 and select it
- Choose the ‘Install to (your console name) option on this page.
- This will cause the game to begin downloading on your console.
- Note: You might have to install the standard edition of the game instead of the deluxe edition. However, you’ll get all your add-ons once the game installs.
Now, keep in mind that you’ll need to use the Xbox mobile app for this entire process. Most people can’t view/install the game using their console, so remotely installing it from your mobile should work. Just make sure that the remote features on your console are enabled. If they aren’t, follow these steps:
- Sign in on your console using the same Xbox profile you’ll be using on your mobile app.
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide and go to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Remote features.
- Check Enable remote features.
- For Power options, select Sleep mode.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to install Madden 26 and have a Madden night like you initially intended. That said, for all our PS5 members who are trying to find the 10-hour free trial, we have some unfortunate news. It looks like the trial hasn’t been released yet due to a delay. Hopefully, by the time you’re reading this, it’ll be out. If not, you’ll just have to wait.
