Nacon, Big Ant Studios and the Australian Football League (AFL) have announced that AFL 26 is in development for Nintendo Switch 2, Press Start reports.
Promising to “unite fans and gamers alike,” the developer has looked to deliver “thrilling action and unmatched realism. You can expect all 18 AFL clubs to be included and to have the chance to play as your AFL and AFLW heroes with all-new bump and marking systems, Rookie Career mode and Pro Team from at launch.
“We are thrilled to be announcing the upcoming release of AFL 26,” enthuses Bec Haagsma, AFL executive general manager of customer and commercial. “The AFL 26 game is an important asset for the AFL to connect with our fans off the field, and we look forward to collaborating with Big Ant Studios to deliver the most exciting and authentic AFL gaming experience yet.”
The publisher has outlined the game’s key features, which include:
- Pro Team: Build your PRO TEAM and take on all-new challenges as you rise through the ranks. Compete through the seasons to unlock exclusive rewards, upgrade your squad, and showcase your skills. Then, take on your rivals and prove why your PRO TEAM stands above the rest.
- Player Career: Step into the boots of a future star in the all-new Player Career mode. Live the full journey – from draft day dreams to game-day glory. Train hard, rise through the ranks, overcome setbacks, and celebrate every milestone you achieve in the AFL or AFLW. This is your story. Your career. Your moment.
- Management Career: With updated gameplay mechanics, the challenge is now even greater, and the moments even more unforgettable as you take the reins as coach, shaping your team’s destiny. Manage your list with precision, nurture young talent, and guide them through the ranks. On game day, every decision counts. The pressure is on – make the right moves, adjust your tactics, and push your team to premiership glory.
- Exceptional Fidelity: Every AFL and AFLW player has been recreated with an incredible level of detail, from their signature skills, to their physical features carefully scanned with the latest photogrammetry technology, players are brought to life like never before.
- Make Your Mark: Design and personalise your own club, players, and stadiums with the cutting-edge Academy Tools. Experience AFL 26 from your own unique perspective and showcase your creations to the world.
AFL 26 will be released at retail and digitally on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 worldwide in 2025.
