Update: 10/06/20

Originally EA had a rather strict timeline on when you could upgrade your copy of Madden NFL 21 from Xbox One to Xbox Series X for free. If you bought the game before December 31st, 2020 and then upgrade it to Series X by March 31st 2021, you could do so for free. Though this is and is still not apart of the Smart Delivery program Xbox is doing with most other titles they’ve partnered with so far.

EA has no updated this, with the following message on the Madden NFF 21 page on their website stating:

During our recent Inside Xbox announce, we included some dates limiting this Dual Entitlement approach. Having listened to our players response we’re extending the offer all the way through our Madden 21 season up to the release of Madden NFL 22, so players can upgrade to Madden NFL 21 on Xbox Series X whenever they first purchase their new console within that period.

That’s a much larger window and should make most players happier.

There’s still no word on if the PS4 to PS5 will have a free upgrade at the moment.

Original Story: 08/05/20

Although Xbox is proudly making sure their smart delivery system is front and centre in the Xbox Series X marketing, you may have been confused by Madden NFL 21’s wording during this morning Inside Xbox. 

Madden NFL 21 is coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X later this year. A big reveal for fans of the franchise. The news was delivered on stream from Patrick Mahomes, who promised the game is going to be something special. The segment also said that players would be able to upgrade their copy from Xbox One to Xbox Series X. And although this is true, it isn’t smart delivery, its EA’s own way of doing things.