EA SPORTS FC™ 26

News Article

EA SPORTS FC™ 26 | Nintendo Switch 2 Deep Dive

September 25, 2025

Stadium scene with EA Sports and FC logos, titled "The Pitch Notes." Focus on a Nintendo Switch 2 deep dive, with a match in progress under a bright sky.

Hey everyone, welcome to the Nintendo Switch 2 Deep Dive for EA SPORTS FC 26, launching day and date with all other platforms. This year marks a big step forward as FC arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 with new platform-exclusive features, and the return of some familiar favorites from the original Nintendo Switch.

We’ve listened to your feedback and built on what players enjoyed with FC 25 on Nintendo Switch, while also delivering new ways to connect, play, and share.

Next-Gen Experience

EA SPORTS FC 26 on Nintendo Switch 2 brings gameplay and feature parity with PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S versions, giving players the same updates across gameplay and modes.

This means all of the new FC 26 updates like more responsive dribbling, smarter AI positioning, lifelike animations, and new gameplay presets are fully available on Nintendo Switch 2.

While achieving gameplay and feature parity with other platforms, Nintendo Switch 2 does not support crossplay with PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Nintendo Switch 2 Platform Exclusive Features

GameChat

GameChat is a new way to connect with other friends playing EA SPORTS FC 26 on Nintendo Switch 2. With built-in voice chat and optional video, up to four players can stay connected during matches, squad building, or even while browsing menus together.

Easy Access: The C button on Nintendo Switch 2 makes it quick and easy to start a GameChat session.
Voice & Video Options: Voice chat uses the console’s built-in microphone, while video requires a compatible USB-C camera accessory for those who want face-to-face communication.
- A compatible USB-C camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately), is required to use video chat.
Shared Screen: While connected, you can also share what’s happening on your screen, whether it’s a big Ultimate Team win or a key moment in Clubs.

GameChat helps keep communication seamless and social, making it easier to coordinate tactics or just enjoy the game with friends no matter where you’re playing.

GameShare

With GameShare via GameChat, you can invite another Nintendo Switch 2 player into your session as a guest via online play, even if they don’t own FC 26. The host can also add up to three local players, making it possible for four people to play together.

Flexible Sessions: GameShare is supported locally, to Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch consoles, or online via GameChat, so you can link up whether you’re in the same room or miles apart.
Up to Four Players: Sessions can include up to three players on the host console plus one guest, all sharing the same match screen.
No EA Account Required for Guests: Friends joining as guests can jump straight into the action without needing an EA account.
Mirror Mode: Play together in Kick-Off mode with all players sharing the host’s screen, replicating the feeling of playing side by side on the same console.

GameShare opens up new ways to play socially, making it easier to bring more friends into FC 26 on Nintendo Switch 2.

Returning Nintendo Switch Features

Alongside new additions to Nintendo Switch 2, several features from FC on Nintendo Switch return to give players familiar, flexible ways to play.

Touch Screen & Zoom Controls

Game accessibility settings menu showing options for color blindness, brightness, contrast, and touch input. Touch input is set to "On" for handheld mode.

Accessibility settings menu with options for color blindness, intensity, brightness, contrast, high contrast mode, and touchscreen zoom, which is turned on.

When playing in handheld mode, you can use the touchscreen to navigate menus, set up tactics, or adjust match instructions with a simple tap. Pinch-to-zoom also returns, letting you zoom in or out with two fingers to get a closer look at the action. Once you release the screen, the zoom level holds for a few seconds before resetting to normal. This offers an extra layer of convenience, especially for managing lineups or making adjustments quickly.

Split Joy-Con 2 Multiplayer

Game screen showing instructions for splitting a controller to play with a friend. Diagram displays how to separate Joy-Con controllers for two players.

With split Joy-Con 2 controller support, two players can share a pair of controllers to play together in local matches. Left and right Joy-Con 2 controllers can be used individually, making it easy to jump into co-op or 1v1 play without needing additional consoles or accessories. Setting it up is simple. To activate, just split Joy-Con 2 controller on the side select screen, then press the SL and SR buttons on each Joy-Con 2 controller to confirm. Once both players are ready, you’re set to go.

Local Seasons

Local Seasons allows two nearby Nintendo Switch 2 players to connect via local wireless and compete without the need for an internet connection or a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Using the console’s local communication feature, you can start a match against a friend within a short range, even in places with limited internet access. Progress is tracked across a full season, giving you and your opponent the chance to battle it out for bragging rights over multiple matches.

Gameplay & Modes on Nintendo Switch 2

Because Nintendo Switch 2 brings gameplay and feature parity with PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, every new feature introduced this season is available here as well.

Gameplay Presets

Soccer players from Bayern Munich and Manchester City compete intensely for the ball on a brightly lit field, with a referee observing in the background.

Two new gameplay styles change how matches feel across different modes. Competitive sharpens head-to-head play in Ultimate Team and Clubs with quicker ball movement, smarter goalkeeper reactions, and more direct control. Authentic is tuned for Career and offline experiences, with defenders staying more disciplined, more realistic corner success rates, and goalmouth scrambles that capture the drama of real football.

Learn more in the FC 26 Gameplay Deep Dive.

Archetypes

A soccer player in a white EA Sports jersey performs an acrobatic bicycle kick in a packed stadium, with the crowd and floodlights in the background.

Clubs and Player Career now include Archetypes, footballer classes inspired by iconic players. You’ll select a base Archetype and then evolve your abilities across the season by earning XP, boosting attributes, and unlocking unique perks, giving your player a distinct identity on the pitch.

Learn more in the FC 26 Clubs Deep Dive.

Football Ultimate Team™

A soccer player in a dark jersey prepares to kick a colorful ball on a vibrant field, with teammates and a blurred crowd in the background.

Ultimate Team is expanding with more ways to compete. Tournaments return with knockout formats, Live Events deliver themed competitions throughout the year, and Bounties offer challenges that reward progress in new ways. Rivals and Champs have been refreshed, and Challengers introduce a second-tier weekend competition to open up the high-stakes atmosphere to more players.

Learn more in the FC 26 FUT Deep Dive.

Career Mode

Soccer players in Paris Saint-Germain jerseys huddle together on the field under stadium lights, celebrating a victory. The EA FC 26 logo is visible.

Manager Career now features Live Challenges, short- and long-form scenarios in the new season that draw from both real-world storylines and alternative football paths. Completing these challenges rewards you with Season Points, Vanity items, and ICONs or Heroes for use in modern-day clubs. A new Manager Market also adds variety each season, as clubs change tactics and identity when new managers are appointed.

Learn more in the FC 26 Career Mode Deep Dive.

Authenticity

Soccer player in a Washington Spirit jersey stands under stadium lights with flames in the background, showcasing a dynamic game atmosphere.

Experience unrivalled authenticity in EA SPORTS FC™ 26, featuring 20,000+ players across 750+ clubs and national teams in over 120 stadiums and 35+ leagues. EA SPORTS FC™ 26 is the only place you can play the iconic UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, Premier League, Bundesliga, and LALIGA EA SPORTS in the same game, alongside the Frauen-Bundesliga, Liga F, Barclays FA Women’s Super League, D1 Arkema, National Women's Soccer League, and the UEFA Women's Champions League.

Read more in the FC 26 Authenticity news article.

Additional Platform Details

Nintendo Switch 2 also includes some visual adjustments to enable consistent performance, including simplified hair rendering, lower-resolution grass and crowd textures, and reduced sideline details.

We are exploring all possible options for further optimizing FC 26 general visual quality on Nintendo Switch 2. We can share more info down the road once it's available, and we’ll continue to closely monitor your feedback in this area

Join the Conversation

We’re excited to bring the full FC 26 experience to Nintendo Switch 2 and can’t wait for you to try out GameChat, GameShare, and all of the other new features. Please continue sharing your thoughts with us in the FC Feedback Hub and by joining the conversation in the EA SPORTS FC Discord.

EA SPORTS FC™ 26 is available on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.

Until March 31st 2026, GameChat can be enjoyed for free. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.

Thanks to those who’ve provided and continue to provide feedback. Throughout the course of the EA SPORTS FC 26 season, we'll provide you with more information and updates if and when they become available. Be sure to follow @‌EASFCDIRECT on X and to check out the EA SPORTS FC Tracker for the latest news and updates. Stay in the conversation on all things EA SPORTS FC™ by joining our official Discord, following us on our official X, Instagram, and YouTube, and participating in the official EA SPORTS FC Forums.