Last Chance To Pre-Order Madden NFL 21: Discounts, Bonuses, And Editions

The Madden series is usually the first major game release of the fall, signaling the start of a deluge of blockbuster game releases. Despite the challenges of developing video games during the coronavirus pandemic, the immensely popular sim franchise isn't sitting this year out. Madden NFL 21 releases tomorrow, August 28 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, just in time for the NFL season that may or may happen as planned due to the coronavirus pandemic. The EA sports sim is available to pre-order on all platforms, and as always, there are multiple editions to choose from.

To address the elephant in the room, yes, Madden NFL 21 is also coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X. If you purchase an Xbox One or PS4 version, you can upgrade Madden NFL 21 to the new consoles for free. However, if you purchase a physical version of Madden 21, you need to also have a PS5 or Xbox Series X with a disc drive to upgrade. Considering Sony has confirmed a digital-only version of the PS5 and a disc-less Xbox Series X is reportedly in the works, the upgrade rules are worth keeping in mind if you want to play Madden NFL 21 on PS5 or Series X.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is the Madden NFL 21 cover athlete following a breakout season where he dazzled en route to becoming the youngest NFL MVP in league history.

EA revealed the first details on improvements and new features to expect in Madden 21 earlier this summer. In terms of gameplay tweaks, Madden NFL 21 will boast better ball-carrier mechanics and offer more control over your playmakers. On defense, pass-rushers will have more tools at their disposal to make moves to the QB, and open-field tackling mechanics have been refined. X-Factor abilities, which were introduced last year, will also be back to give standout players exclusive perks.

Of course, the popular Ultimate Team and franchise modes will return. The single-player story mode is back, too. Face of the Franchise: Rise to Fame is a cinematic story mode that sees you compete through high school, college, and the NFL. You start as a QB, but you can switch to running back or receiver when you make the jump to college ball. EA Sports promises more choice-based gameplay for the mode.

Madden NFL 21 pre-order bonuses

While pre-order bonuses vary depending on which edition you purchase, everyone who pre-orders any edition of Madden NFL 21 will get at least the following goodies out of the gate:

• Your Choice Uniform Pack (pick one Superstar KO uniform)
• Elite Player Choice Pack for MUT
• Five Gold Team Fantasy Packs for MUT

If you pre-order at Best Buy, you'll also get a Lamar Jackson Funko Pop ($10 value) while supplies last. Walmart has an exclusive bonus of its own--a Ravens Hall of Fame card pack featuring Ray Lewis, Shannon Sharpe, and Ed Reed.

Pre-order Madden NFL 21 standard edition | $60

Madden NFL 21's $60 standard edition comes with the pre-order bonuses and the base game. It's available to pre-order in both physical and digital formats. Right now, you'll want to pre-order at Walmart, as the PS4 and Xbox One versions are discounted to $50.94.

Physical:

Digital:

---

Pre-order Madden NFL 21 Deluxe Edition | $80

If you pre-order Madden NFL 21's $80 Deluxe edition, you'll get all of the standard edition bonuses plus seven additional MUT Gold Team fantasy packs, bringing your total to 12. You'll also get to start playing three days early.

Physical:

Digital:

---

Pre-order Madden NFL 21 MVP Edition | $100

Madden NFL 21's $100 MVP edition comes with the most goodies as well as three days early access.

• Lamar Jackson Elite Item with Power Up for MUT
• Large Quicksell Training Pack for MUT
• MCS Ultimate Champion Pack for MUT
• Elite Player choice card pack for MUT
• Your Choice Uniform Pack (pick one Superstar KO uniform)
• 17 MUT Gold Team Fantasy Packs

Physical:

Digital:

---

EA Access and Origin Access perks

If you're an EA Access or Origin Access Basic member, you will get a timed limited trial (likely 10 hours) ahead of release as well as 10 percent off the price of the game on Xbox One or PC. Meanwhile, Origin Access Premier members get the game early and can keep playing as long as you keep an active subscription.