EA Announces Madden NFL Football Will Be Released for the 3DS Launch

The title will appear out of season on Nintendo's upcoming platform.

EA promised today that an entry into their flagship franchise, Madden NFL Football, will make it onto the 3DS in the first half of 2011. In a press release, EA didn't announce any particular date for their new 3DS title, but suggested two potentially different periods for the game's release: The 3DS launch and the first half of 2011.

Alongside the reveal, EA noted the game will feature a few gameplay modes, including a faster-paced 5 on 5 mode, along with the more traditional season options and the standard full line-up of eleven. There will also be multiple playbook styles for different levels of players, from the classic, complicated, full playbook to a simplified, arcade version, and there's even plans for a mode where players can have the game call plays for them.

As the 3DS nears launch, expect to hear more about Madden NFL Football and all of its upcoming features.

Press Release

EA’S AWARD-WINNING MADDEN NFL FRANCHISE AVAILABLE AT NINTENDO 3DS LAUNCH

First EA SPORTS Title for Highly Anticipated Handheld Features Every NFL Team and Player in 3D Graphics

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – November 10, 2010 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Madden NFL Football, the first EA SPORTS title available for the highly anticipated Nintendo 3DS™, will be available in the first-half of 2011. Madden NFL Football will deliver captivating gameplay in 3D, providing a robust and authentic NFL experience consistent with the celebrated football video game franchise.

Madden NFL Football will offer a comprehensive handheld experience with exciting modes, such as authentic 11-on-11 football, fast-paced 5-on-5 action and Season Mode. Additional features jump off the screen with 3D graphics, such as “Spotlight Moments” and “Call Your Shots”. Utilizing the remarkable power of the Nintendo 3DS Touch Screen, “Call Your Shots” allows users to draw their own plays, on-the-fly, directly on the screen.

With three types of play calling—GameFlow, Classic, and Arcade—Madden NFL Football provides an enjoyable experience for gamers of all skill levels. GameFlow automatically selects the best play for the situation based on real NFL team gameplans; streamlining play calling and shortening overall game length for a more accessible experience. Classic play call allows users to experience the full depth of selecting formations and individual plays, while Arcade play call simplifies options through a more concentrated playbook.

Madden NFL Football will bring each of the 32 NFL teams and stadiums to life like never before with a presentation optimized for viewing in 3D, including 3D specific cameras that provide new levels of depth, making Madden NFL Football the perfect on-the-go game for every football fan.

Madden NFL Football has been rated “E” for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and will be released in the first-half of 2011.

Madden NFL Football for Nintendo 3DS is developed in Raleigh, North Carolina by the EA North Carolina studio.

Our Take

Jason Ross Senior Editor

11/10/2010 at 01:52 PM

The difference between "3DS launch" and "first half of 2011" has me a little wary about when this game might actually be released.

Aside from that, this is a bold move from EA. To begin with, in their press release, they didn't attach a year to the title. This isn't Madden NFL Football 11. It's not Madden NFL Football 12. It's Madden NFL Football. Where they plan to take it from there? It's difficult to tell, but I would imagine we'd see a Madden NFL Football 12 if this title sells well enough.

Beyond that, though, even riskier is the idea that this game won't be released during football season. The Super Bowl will be over. It's much later than one would expect a football title. Why? I think EA is trying to engage the market. I would imagine this title launching in this window is a method where EA is saying "We're committed to releasing our sports titles on the 3DS." Either that, or they already had Madden NFL 2011 prepared for the 3DS, and just decided to postpone release until 2011 after Nintendo decided they couldn't supply enough 3DSs for a 2010 launch.

Matt R Staff Alumnus

11/10/2010 at 02:59 PM

I'm wondering what will happen at the end of the century? Are they going to keep calling them 94, 95, etc and risk confusing the really really old school gamers?

11/10/2010 at 03:00 PM

Ricky Bobby would be totally confused. Good question.

Nate Hascup Staff Alumnus

11/10/2010 at 04:56 PM

2K sports is in a similar conundrum. 2K109? 2K110?

11/10/2010 at 05:56 PM

Exactly. We're doomed.

11/10/2010 at 06:05 PM

Cue Simpsons pic:

"Will somebody please think of the children!?"

PixlBit