Can you play next gen Madden with old gen?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Yes, you can absolutely play Madden NFL 23 across generations of Xbox and PlayStation consoles. With the Dual Entitlement system, you can access and play both the old gen and new gen versions of Madden 23 on your new console to match with friends on older hardware.

However, there are some limitations to be aware of. Read on for a detailed breakdown.

Dual Entitlement Explained

EA Sports introduced Dual Entitlement in Madden NFL 21, allowing players to upgrade from the old gen version (PS4, Xbox One) to the new gen edition (PS5, Xbox Series X/S) at no additional cost.

This technology carries over to Madden NFL 23. Here‘s how it works:

  • Owners of the PS4/Xbox One version can upgrade to the PS5/Xbox Series version for $10.
  • The All-Madden Edition bundles this upgrade in the initial purchase price.
  • Once upgraded, you‘ll have access to both editions on your new gen console.

So with Dual Entitlement, you can play Madden 23 online with friends no matter which console generation you each own.

The only requirement is staying within the same console family – PlayStation to PlayStation, or Xbox to Xbox.

Crossplay Limitations

Now for the bad news: Madden NFL 23 still lacks full crossplay support across console families.

So PlayStation owners cannot play against Xbox owners, even with Dual Entitlement activated. Each platform‘s online ecosystem remains siloed off.

The table below summarizes the crossplay possibilities:

| | Xbox Series X|S | Xbox One | PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 4 |
| ————- |:————-:|————-:|————-:|————-:|
| Xbox Series X|S | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Xbox One | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| PlayStation 5 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| PlayStation 4 | No | No | Yes | Yes |

This is disappointing, but crossplay is complex with licensing agreements, politics, and money involved. We can keep hoping for full integration in Madden 24 or beyond.

Matchmaking Between Console Generations

So we‘ve established Dual Entitlement enables cross-gen play within each console family. What‘s the actual experience like bridging that old vs new gen gap?

When partying up with a friend on an older console, the following happens seamlessly:

  • The player on the newer console gets prompted to install the old gen version.
  • Upon loading the game, both players connect online and start playing Madden 23 using the old gen‘s baseline feature set.

So in a PS5 vs PS4 matchup, for example:

  • The PS5 renders PS4-quality visuals and performance.
  • Advanced haptics, rendering modes, etc. get disabled.
  • Load times are capped based on the older hardware.
  • Both users play on the old gen‘s tuned feature set.

The PS5 player sacrifices the version optimized for their hardware to sync down to their friend‘s PS4. But it allows playing together, which is what matters most!

Is Old Gen or New Gen Better For Madden NFL 23?

We know Dual Entitlement permits cross-gen play. But which version is better for the overall experience?

As a sports gaming analyst who reviews annual titles, I believe the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of Madden 23 are moderately enhanced over their last-gen counterparts in areas like:

  • Visuals: Higher quality textures, models, lighting, resolution modes up to 4K/60fps
  • Performance: Faster load times, smoother frame rates
  • Gameplay: Next Gen Stats integration for realism, new passing mechanics
  • Controls: Advanced haptics and trigger feedback from DualSense/Series controller

However, these improvements feel more incremental on Madden 23 versus last year‘s debut new gen release. The core on-field football plays relatively similar across both console families now.

So while new gen pushes the envelope in some areas, it‘s not radically redefining Madden‘s moment-to-moment gameplay compared to PS4 or Xbox One.

My verdict: Given the high cost of latest consoles and minor upgrades here, old gen Madden 23 players won‘t miss out on too much and can save money. But new gen delivers a tidier package for those invested in high frame rates, richer visuals and newer platform features.

Takeaways For Cross-Gen Support

I want to re-iterate the key takeaways around playing Madden NFL 23 across console generations:

  • Dual Entitlement enables old gen and new gen players of Xbox and PlayStation to matchmake online
  • You must be within the same console family (PS4 to PS5, or Xbox One to Series X|S)
  • There is NO crossplay between Xbox and PlayStation. Each platform‘s community remains siloed off.
  • Visuals, performance and features scale down to the capabilities of the lower hardware
  • The new gen upgrades are nice but not radically game-changing this year

So while barriers still exist, Xbox and PlayStation owners can enjoy another year of common play between console generations thanks to Dual Entitlement. Let‘s hope EA DICE‘s engineering fully democratizes the player pool in future installments!

For any other questions on playing Madden 23 across generations, post a comment below and I‘m happy to help out!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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