With the next-generation looming, fans have been waiting to hear more news about when this year's annual sports titles will receive their promised next-generation upgrades. While players know that NBA 2K21 will be making its way to the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 on their respective launch days, many have recently been questioning where FIFA 21 and Madden 21 will both fit in the calendar.
Luckily, EA revealed today that both games will officially make their way to the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 in time for Christmas, releasing on December 4. The publisher will still offer players who own either title on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One a free upgrade, meaning fans of both franchises buying into the next-generation this November will have to wait a few weeks to enjoy their enhanced offerings.
Allegedly, players who own a physical copy of either game will need to contact EA about acquiring their free upgrade, however, the company hasn't yet put in place a means to do so. It seems they'll have to wait until EA has set out a plan to ensure everyone who purchased Madden or FIFA can jump straight into their Series X and PS5 debuts.
For those out of the loop on how each game did when releasing earlier this season, Madden 21 stirred up some controversy during its August debut. It was accused of being far too similar to its counterparts over previous years, and although EA has stated its next-gen upgrade will offer new features, fans aren't all too convinced. It scored a mixed 63 on Metacritic, however, it still managed to top the best selling games of August and ranked third in the best selling games of September.
FIFA 21 faired slightly better, with a 72 on Metacritic. That being said, its average score is lower than its previous entry, with FIFA 20 managing to bag a 79. A number of critics and consumers levied criticism at the title for the same reasoning as Madden, claiming the acclaimed soccer franchise didn't implement anything particularly groundbreaking and continues to falter in the same areas each and every year.
Both franchises will look to offer unparalleled load times, stunning visuals, and several other major technical features on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. A number of other games with join FIFA and Madden in giving free upgrades to players in the months following the emergence of the next generation, including Marvel's Avengers, Cyberpunk 2077, Doom Eternal, and Dirt 5.
FIFA 21 and Madden 21 will both be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on December 4.