Xbox One Now Supports Pre-Loading

The Xbox One now supports pre-loading for digital games, and Microsoft has delivered the feature ahead of schedule. At Gamescom, Microsoft announced that pre-purchasing and pre-loading would begin on Xbox One with FIFA 15 (September 26) and Forza Horizon 2 (September 30). But in fact, the feature is available today with Madden NFL 15. If you pre-purchase the game today through Xbox One you can pre-load the game so you can start playing exactly at midnight on August 26.

Though Madden NFL 15 doesn't officially launch until next week, EA Access subscribers can play it today--albeit only for 6 hours. In addition, if you're an Access member, you'll save 10 percent on the full Madden NFL 15 game, meaning you can pick it up for around $54 instead of $60.

Sony introduced pre-loading support for PlayStation 4 back in June.

Concerning other new digital features for the Xbox One, Microsoft says it has not abandoned its ambitions to bring back family sharing, but digital game and DLC gifting is less likely to happen.

At launch, Madden NFL 15 will be available for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. If you're looking to upgrade to an Xbox One, Microsoft and EA Sports have teamed up for a special Madden NFL 15 bundle that includes a system and a copy of the game for $399.