FIFA 18 on the Nintendo Switch will feature Career Mode – but it won’t be anything like the version on Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
EA Sports revealed earlier in the month the mode has been revamped substantially this year.
It now uses Frostbite, the main engine that powers The Journey, and includes interactive transfer negotiations and realistic TV style presentation.
However, EA confirmed the Switch version would not include any of these features – and would be an almost carbon copy of FIFA 17’s version.
Speaking to Dream Team Gaming at Gamescom in Cologne, an EA developer said: “(Career Mode) is probably a similar experience to last year – but it is an experience that has been catered for this season.”
When asked if there’s anything the Switch does differently in the mode, they said: “In Career Mode, no.”
While this may disappoint some players, it could prove very handy for those already familiar with the game.
Menus and gameplay mechanics will be easier to pick up – and you won’t need to get your head around some of the new additions.
Still, it’s a shame interactive transfer negotiations have not been included in some way – but this is likely down the Switch’s inability to run Frostbite at a high-enough level.
Is there anything else I need to know about the Switch version?
The relationship between EA Sports and Nintendo is a strange one.
When the Wii U launched back in 2012, it took three months for FIFA 13 to make its way on to the console.
When it did finally arrive, it was lacking arguably the most popular mode, Ultimate Team – and gameplay was sub par compared with the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions.
Subsequent FIFA games were scrapped from the Wii U, with EA focusing efforts on the then next-gen consoles and the ageing Wii.
However, the arrival of the Nintendo Switch heralds a new fresh start for the relationship between the Japanese manufacturer and EA.
Speaking at a FIFA 18 event earlier in the year, EA producer Sam Rivera reassured gamers the Switch version is more than just an afterthought.
“The only thing I can tell you is that there’s a big team of people working on this,” he told Dream Team Gaming.
“It’s being created in a very serious way – the gameplay, it’s fun and different.”
In fact, if both companies play their cards right, the Switch version of FIFA 18 could be the most attractive proposition of the lot.
You’ll be able to play FIFA 18 on the go
The Switch has already proven itself as a brilliant handheld companion, so being able to play the full game (not just the Web App) on the go will give this version the edge.
Thankfully, FIFA has been ‘custom built’ for Nintendo’s new hardware. It may not use the latest Frostbite technology but gameplay is sleek, responsive and runs at 60FPS at 1080p when hooked up to a TV.
Plus, you’re able to detach the Joy Con controllers and play a friend – although this can be a bit fiddly.
A battery life of up to six hours makes it perfect for long journeys.
It has Ultimate Team
As long as you have Wifi you’ll be able to play Ultimate Team and buy packs as you normally would.
Champions won’t feature but that’s not the end of the world.
Graphics and presentation
Sure, it’s not as crisp as the Xbox One, PS4 and PC versions of the game – but FIFA on the Switch is by no means ugly.
EA producer Andrei Lazaresco told Eurogamer about how they made the most out of Switch’s Nvidia Maxwell-based Tegra X1 chip.
“We’re using physical-based rendering,” he said. “The crowds are 3D. The grass is 3D. The lighting is new. And on top of that you’ll have Ultimate Team for the first time on Nintendo – and for the first time you’ll be able to take it on the go. You’ll be able to play on a plane, on a bus, even from just a hotspot.”
Sounds like a winner to us.
How much will it cost?
FIFA 18 on the Switch will cost around £49.99 – but given the demand, some outlets may undercut this.
We expect the cheapest the game will go for at launch to be around £45.
When will pre-orders start?
FIFA 17 pre-orders have kicked off now.
There are three editions: Ronaldo (Deluxe) and ICON (Super Deluxe) Editions. You can find more information by visiting the FIFA 18 website
What is in each package?
Icon Edition
- Play from September 26th with 3 Days Early Access
- Up to 40 FIFA Ultimate Team Jumbo Premium Gold Packs (two per week over 20 weeks – worth up to $120)
- 3 match FUT Team of the Week loan player (one three match loan player for 20 weeks)
- Cristiano Ronaldo FUT loan player for 5 matches
- Ronaldo Nazário FUT Icon loan player for 5 matches
- 8 special edition FUT kits designed by FIFA soundtrack artists
Ronaldo Edition
- Play from September 26th with 3 Days Early Access
- Up to 20 FIFA Ultimate Team Jumbo Premium Gold Packs (one per week for 20 weeks – worth up to $60)
- Cristiano Ronaldo FUT loan player for 5 matches
- 8 special edition FUT kits designed by FIFA soundtrack artists
Pre-order for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC
Standard Edition
- Up to 5 FIFA Ultimate Team Jumbo Premium Gold Packs (one per week for five weeks – worth up to $15)
- Cristiano Ronaldo FUT loan player for 5 matches
- 8 special edition FUT kits designed by FIFA soundtrack artists
WATCH: Dream Team Comedy Sketch – We all have mates that come up with these classic FIFA excuses