Nintendo Switch Drops AAA Free 2025 Game Release, Limited Time Only

If you're a Nintendo fan, we've got a great 2025 release for you that's 100% free for a limited time!

Now, I can’t confess to be a fan of American football. Or just football if you’re American, I guess. This is GAMINGbible, not SPORTSbible!

I tuned into my first ever game this year and that’s only because the Chiefs were playing and I wanted to see Travis Kelce in action (Yes, I’m a swiftie).

But, if you're an avid fan and happen to own a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2, you’re in luck as EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 has been made free for a limited time.

From now until 21 January at 11.59pm PT, you can enjoy the game at no additional cost as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

I will add that you can usually nab a seven day free trial of Nintendo Switch Online rather easily.

This is a free play period. That means that all free access will cease on 21 January; it’s not a case of you claiming the game and keeping it.

Still, you’ve got plenty of time with the title to determine whether it’s for you or not.

One For Sports Fans

It perhaps goes without saying but EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 is the latest entry in the long-running American football series.

Players will manage their rosters, coach, and engage in explosive matches as they attempt to top the league.

I won’t delve too much into the specifics beyond that. I barely know my tight ends from my quarterbacks.

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 fared relatively well with critics when it originally landed in August of last year.

EA SPORTS Madden 26, Credit / EA

It scored 77 over on aggregate website Metacritic which means the consensus is considered “Generally Favourable”.

Players, however, have been much more critical. The user score sits at 3.9, with Steam reviews sitting at mixed.

It appears that players are underwhelmed by the game’s lack of innovation.

“I genuinely don’t know how EA manages to release the same game every year and still make it feel worse, but Madden NFL 26 is the crown jewel of that trend,” reads one Metacritic user review.

“Genuinely insulting that this is what we get each year,” added another.

Well, I suppose it’s pretty handy then that you can currently try out the game on Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 at no cost. There’s no risk involved.

I’ll also remind you that Animal Crossing: New Horizons has made a grand return with its free 3.0 update now readily available to download.

It’s a bit of a jarring jump from EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 but hey, we’re all about variety around these parts.