Madden 21 Release Date, New Features, Editions: 8 Things to Know

The Madden 21 release date is August 25th for the Xbox One, PS4, and PC, with a free upgrade to the PS5 and Xbox Series X for buyers. Here’s what you need to know about the Madden 21 gameplay, editions, features, release date, consoles, and more.

There are three Madden 21 editions this year with prices ranging from $59.99 to $99.99 and it is being sold on disc or digitally, but there is an even bigger reason to consider a digital version this year if you plan to upgrade.

You can play Madden 21 early on August 21st, and there are Madden 21 deals that take up to $20 off the digital version. If you need help picking an option, we have a guide to which Madden 21 edition to buy.

You can pre-order Madden 21 at GameStop, Amazon, Best Buy and digitally on PlayStation and Xbox as well as Origin and Steam. We expect to see other retailers join in soon.

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Madden 21 Release Date

The Madden 21 release date is August 25th if you pre-order and August 28th if you don’t. We are looking for clarification, since this may be a three-day window for the special editions, and the standard edition may only arrive on August 28th.

You can play Madden 21 early on August 21st with EA Play, which is the new name for EA Access and Origin Access. It is $5 a month or $30 a year.

Madden 21 Price

Count on three Madden 21 price options.

The base Madden 21 price is $59.99 on the Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

While we could see publishers attempt to raise the base price of games with the Xbox Series X and PS5, that is not the case with Madden 21, at least not yet. If you buy the game on PS4 or Xbox One, you can upgrade to a free copy when you buy a new console. This only works Xbox to Xbox and PlayStation to PlayStation.

EA is also selling a $79.99 Deluxe and a $99.99 MVP edition. These also allow users to play the full game three days earlier.

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Madden 21 Editions

There are three Madden 21 editions. The base version, an upgraded version, and a premium edition. Here’s a breakdown of you get with each of these editions.

Here is a closer look at which Madden 21 edition you should buy.

Madden 21 Graphics & Features

EA announced the Madden 21 Xbox Series X release at a special streaming event with Patrick Mahomes, Kanas City Chiefs QB, and in this short video, we get a look at the new Madden 21 graphics.

It’s a quick look at pre-release footage, but it does give you a little bit of an idea of what the graphics will look like on next-gen consoles. You can expect a similar performance on the PS5.

Graphics on the Xbox One and PS4 won’t likely be as sharp, but you can still expect some upgrades.

EA is keeping most new Madden 21 features under wraps, but we can also expect shorter load times on the new consoles, which is great for MUT players grinding through sessions.

Madden 21 Cover

"It's a dream come true." @Lj_era8 on Madden cover: pic.twitter.com/FtNibi7xt4

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 21, 2020

The Madden 21 cover athlete is Lamar Jackson, QB for the Baltimore Ravens and NFL MVP.

Madden 21 Consoles

Madden 21 is optimized for the Xbox Series X.

Right now we know that Madden 21 is coming to the Xbox One and the PS4 on current consoles. It is also coming to PC and for the first time it will be on Steam. This may be a great time to buy a new TV.

We also know that it is coming to the Xbox Series X, and the PS5 and you can get a free upgrade. If you buy the disc version of Madden 21 you cannot upgrade it to the digital version on a disc-less console.

We don’t expect Madden 21 for the Nintendo Switch, as that was not announced and there is no chance you get it for the Xbox 360 or the PS3.

Madden 21 Upgrade Offer

When you buy Madden 21 on the Xbox One, you can get a free upgrade to the Series X version. This is not part of the Smart Delivery feature, but a special offer from EA. There is a similar option for the PS5 this fall as well.

To get this offer on the Xbox One to Series X, you need to buy Madden 21 before the end of 2020 and then upgrade to the Xbox Series X before the end of March 2021.

We know that achievements and progress carry over for the Xbox and expect similar carryover for the PS5.

Play Madden 21 Early

You can play Madden 21 early on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

You’ll need to pay for EA Play, which allows you to play Madden 21 on August 21st. You can play for 10 hours during this trial and all progress carries over to the final game.

EA Play is $4.99 a month or $29.99 for a year and you save 10% on games and in-game purchases.

Skill Stick Upgrades

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The Madden 21 Skill Stick features allow you to use the right analog stick to link together skill maneuvers in new fluid ways. IN most cases you will be using this when you re running, but this also includes Pass Rush Moves and plenty of defensive features.  You're likely already familiar with using this to spin, juke, and hurdle, but now you get more control and will be able to link these moves together in more fluid ways so that you can get past your opponent.  This year, there are dead-leg and slide hurdles that you can combine with the rest and then use the ball-carrier system upgrades to show your opponents that you can really do.  There are also now pass-rush moves and combos and you will need to vary your moves since repeated attacks will be met with counters by the offensive line. Combine this with diversified playcalling and you will be ready to dominate.

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Last update on 2024-10-11. This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read our disclosure policy for more details. Images via Amazon API