Starting January 15, 2026, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can access one of the previous year’s flagship titles for free: Madden NFL 26. This game, already at the top of sales in 2025, is offered as a full trial for almost a week. The initiative comes as the Switch 2 continues to establish itself in the next-generation console market.
Developed by EA Sports, Madden NFL 26 gets ideal exposure as the NFL playoffs are in full swing. “Nintendo Switch Online subscribers! From January 15 at 10am PT to January 21 at 11:59pm PT, download and try EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 for free.”
One week to test Madden NFL 26 at no additional cost
Nintendo has clarified that players will have six and a half days to explore the full content of the game without any restrictions, provided you subscribe to the online service. Download is available via the Nintendo eShop on Switch 2. No content is blocked in this trial version.
This campaign is also intended to be an incentive to purchase, since the game remains in promotion until January 25with a 60% reductiondropping its price to $28.
A criticized but essential game in its category
Madden NFL 26 is not always critically acclaimed, but it absolutely dominates the American football game market. “The ratings given to Madden are never exceptional, but it must be said that there is no real competition in the field of American football video games.” Franchise mode, popular with fans, allows you to play as an NFL manager and delve deeper into the strategic and immersive aspects of the sport.
Why this offer comes at the right time for Nintendo
The offer coincides with the increase in intensity of the NFL play-offs, which guarantees a captive audience. The Switch 2 console, launched in June 2025, reinforces its attractiveness with this type of partnership. For Nintendo, this operation allows us to offer added value to the NSO subscription and to test the public’s reactivity to a popular title in a strategic sports niche.