The waiting game is finally over for Nintendo fans who have been starving for a proper football simulation. Konami has just dropped a massive announcement that is set to shake up the sports gaming landscape this summer.
During the latest partner showcase, the publisher revealed eFootball™ Kick-Off, a brand new standalone title built exclusively for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. And in a double dose of good news for veterans of the franchise, they also confirmed that the legendary Master League mode is officially returning to the main series.
Here is everything we know about Konami’s aggressive push to reclaim the football throne in 2026.
A New Era on Nintendo Switch 2
For years, Nintendo players have often been left with “Legacy Editions” or watered-down ports while PlayStation and Xbox users got the real deal. eFootball™ Kick-Off aims to change that narrative completely.
Launching in Summer 2026, this isn’t just a mobile port slapped onto a console. It is a dedicated game designed to leverage the improved hardware of the Nintendo Switch 2. Konami promises “responsive controls” and gameplay that balances pick-up-and-play accessibility with the tactical depth the series is known for.
Game Modes: World Tour and The World Cup
Unlike the free-to-play main game, which often feels stripped back, Kick-Off is launching with a robust set of modes right out of the box (and some via DLC).
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World Tour Mode: This is the bread and butter for single-player fans. You can create your own club from scratch, sign legends, and compete in tournaments across the globe to build a dream team.
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International Cup: Available as post-launch DLC, this mode lets you take control of national teams to compete for global supremacy. It is essentially the World Cup experience we have all been missing.
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Beginner-Friendly 6v6: If you just want fast action, there is a new arcade-style 6-on-6 mode designed for high scores and quick matches.
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Local & Online Multiplayer: Finally, you can play a proper football sim on the go with friends via local wireless or test your skills online against the world.
In Other News: Master League Returns
While the Switch 2 news stole the headline, Konami quietly dropped another bombshell that has longtime Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) fans cheering.
During the eFootball Connect presentation, it was confirmed that Master League is officially coming back to the main eFootball series.
For those who don’t know, Master League was the soul of the old PES games—a deep, tactical career mode where you managed player stamina, form, and transfers to build a dynasty. Konami has stated that the first in-game reveals for this revived mode will arrive later in February 2026.
Why This Matters
2026 is shaping up to be the year Konami finally fights back against EA Sports. By launching a dedicated, feature-rich game for the Nintendo Switch 2 and simultaneously bringing back the beloved Master League for console and PC players, they are addressing the two biggest complaints fans have had for years: a lack of offline content and poor support for Nintendo hardware.
Get your Joy-Cons ready; football is coming home to Nintendo.
FAQ Regarding Konami’s New Football Games
Is eFootball Kick-Off free to play? It appears to be a standalone premium release or a hybrid model, distinct from the main free-to-play eFootball game, as it features exclusive offline-focused modes like World Tour.
Will Master League be in eFootball Kick-Off? No. Kick-Off features a similar “World Tour” mode. The traditional “Master League” is returning to the main eFootball game on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Can I play eFootball Kick-Off on the original Switch? No. This title is confirmed as an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2, likely to take advantage of the new console’s processing power.
When does Master League come out? There is no specific release date yet, but Konami will reveal more details and gameplay footage in late February 2026.
