The Madden NFL video game franchise is routinely one of the best-selling games of any given year, and this year looks to be no different, albeit with a slight twist. With Madden NFL 21 set to launch later this year, many fans are wondering what the game will do once the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X launch. With tons of questions left to answer, let's dive into what we already know about the upcoming football simulation title.
When is the Madden NFL 21 release date on current-gen consoles?
Madden NFL 21 is currently set to launch on August 28, 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The game comes a bit later in the month than normal, potentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has taken a toll on nearly everything in the world. Regardless, the game will be available for players to download later next month, just in time for the potential start of the real NFL season.
Will Madden NFL 21 be a launch title on Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5?
So little has been revealed about either the new Xbox or PlayStation that it's hard to say for sure which annual franchises like Madden will be represented at launch for either console. So little has been revealed about either the new Xbox or PlayStation that it's hard to say for sure which annual franchises like Madden will be represented at launch for either console. However, EA Sports has already put many fears to ease by announcing Dual Entitlement for Madden NFL 21.
To put it simply, Dual Entitlement means that players won't need to buy Madden 21 twice to upgrade their copy of the game from PlayStation 4 to PS5, or Xbox One to Xbox Series X. Once you have your new console, players will reportedly be able to upgrade their copy of the game at no extra cost, regardless of whether or not they bought Madden 21 physically or digitally. EA Sports has also put no strict deadline on this, allowing fans access to Dual Entitlement up until the launch of Madden NFL 22.
Who will the Madden NFL 21 cover athlete be?
Though the Madden series has often avoided featuring a player from the same position in consecutive years, it's tough to leave a player who changes the game. Thus, even though the Madden NFL 20 cover star was Patrick Mahomes, EA went back to the quarterback well again and will feature electrifying 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens as the Madden NFL 21 cover athlete.
Considering the season Jackson had, it isn't too surprising. In just his second year in the league, Jackson took the NFL by storm, capturing an MVP and leading the Baltimore Ravens to the best record in their conference. Jackson's blend of elite speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability make him the perfect choice for the Madden cover treatment, and it looks like he's ready to live up to that honor.
Where are the Madden NFL 21 ratings?
One of the best parts of any year's pre-Madden hype is the release and subsequent debate/complaining about NFL player ratings for the upcoming game. There's something oddly entertaining about seeing anyone and everyone gripe about who's been done dirty by the ratings folks, along with the laughs that follow when the likes of Tom Brady joke about his own speed number.
This year, EA Sports released the ratings for Madden 21 a bit early, giving fans a chance to dive into their favorite player or team and check out who is the best of the best. You can check out the full list of ratings over on Madden 21's website, which has access to every stat, right down to kicking power. Earlier this month, EA Sports also announced the members of the 99 Club, an elite group of players who are good enough to garner a 99 overall rating in the game. This year, the members of the 99 Club are:
- Patrick Mahomes, QB
- Stephon Gilmore, CB
- Aaron Donald, DT
- Christian McCaffrey, RB
- Michael Thomas, WR
Will Madden NFL 21 have any new game modes?
EA sometimes plays the addition of new game modes close to the vest. After all, the only true new mode in Madden NFL 20 was Superstar KO — I'm not counting QB 1 here, as that was more of a refresh to an existing mode — which wasn't in the game when it first released. It was certainly welcome, though, and with the next-gen consoles coming, the timing couldn't be better for something new and cool.
Alternately, maybe EA Sports will finally give Franchise mode the love and attention it deserves. Yes, it doesn't grease the company coffers like Ultimate Team, but come on: MUT is a well-oiled machine at this point, while Franchise has been rusting and gathering dust for essentially forever. After backlash following the announcement that Franchise mode wouldn't be receiving much of an update, EA Sports has promised to look into the mode, so it looks as if Madden 21's Franchise mode will be receiving at least some sort of major update. However, it's best to just play it safe and don't get your hopes up too high as you wait.
Prepare for the game.
Madden NFL 21 promises to deliver another year of excellent football simulation. With the game set for launch later this year, you can secure your copy now.
