The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are only a week away from launch and EA has revealed its plans for bringing its newest games to next-gen systems. Some titles, like Madden NFL 21 and FIFA will receive full next-gen upgrades, while others will be backward compatible with some enhancements. In a new blog post, EA has broken down which games are receiving next-gen upgrades and which games will be backward compatible. This being next-gen it’s never simple and some titles will receive some extra features but not full upgrades. Some enhancements are also not uniform either. Star Wars: Squadrons will receive new FPS modes on the Xbox Series X|S, but only improved lighting effects on PS5. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/15/star-wars-squadrons-official-trailer"] Here’s EA’s full rundown of next-gen plans for its current games:

EA Sports Madden NFL 21 and FIFA 21

Madden 21 and FIFA 21 will be backward compatible on next-gen systems if you already own the PS4 or Xbox One/X/S version of either game. On December 4, existing owners will be able to redeem a free next-gen upgrade for Madden 21 and FIFA 21 for either the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. The upgrade will be available until NFL 22 and FIFA 22 are released next year. Online content such as Ultimate Team, The Yard, Franchise modes, and Volta Football will also transfer between generations.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Star Wars: Squadrons will receive a new framerate upgrade for Xbox Series X|S players where they can choose to focus either on better visuals or better framerate. Squadrons can run at 1440p at 60 FPS on Xbox Series S and up to 2160p at 60 FPS on the Series X. In performance mode, players can achieve 1440p at 120 FPS on Series S and 2160p at 120 FPS on Series X while sacrificing some of the better lighting models and improved visuals. On PlayStation 5, EA says Squadrons will run with improved lighting and the same resolution and framerate as on the PlayStation 4 Pro. Squadrons will also feature cross-platform play across all available platforms both current and next-gen.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends will experience a performance boost on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 to 1440p, but a more formal next-gen enhancement is being planned for next year.

The Sims 4

Star Wars: Journey to Batuu will be released on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 and will come with faster loading times and smoother framerates. The next expansion, Snowy Escape will also be released on next-gen systems as well as existing platforms on current-gen consoles, PC, and Mac. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-madden-nfl-game-review-ever&captions=true"]

EA Sports UFC 4, NHL 21

Both sports titles will be available as backward compatible games on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 and will run on next-gen systems as they would on the Xbox One X, (One S on the Series S) and PS4 Pro.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered

The latest Need for Speed remaster will be available as a backward-compatible title on next-gen systems. Like the EA Sports title, the next-gen consoles will run Hot Pursuit Remastered as they would run on a corresponding current-gen system. [poilib element="accentDivider"] As the next-gen systems approach, developers and publishers are sharing their plans for upgrading games to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Though there is still some confusion over what this might entail as shown when Ubisoft confirmed, then unconfirmed, which games will be playable on next-gen hardware. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are only a week away from launch and EA has revealed its plans for bringing its newest games to next-gen systems. Some titles, like Madden NFL 21 and FIFA will receive full next-gen upgrades, while others will be backward compatible with some enhancements. In a new blog post, EA has broken down which games are receiving next-gen upgrades and which games will be backward compatible. This being next-gen it’s never simple and some titles will receive some extra features but not full upgrades. Some enhancements are also not uniform either. Star Wars: Squadrons will receive new FPS modes on the Xbox Series X|S, but only improved lighting effects on PS5. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/15/star-wars-squadrons-official-trailer"] Here’s EA’s full rundown of next-gen plans for its current games:

EA Sports Madden NFL 21 and FIFA 21

Madden 21 and FIFA 21 will be backward compatible on next-gen systems if you already own the PS4 or Xbox One/X/S version of either game. On December 4, existing owners will be able to redeem a free next-gen upgrade for Madden 21 and FIFA 21 for either the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. The upgrade will be available until NFL 22 and FIFA 22 are released next year. Online content such as Ultimate Team, The Yard, Franchise modes, and Volta Football will also transfer between generations.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Star Wars: Squadrons will receive a new framerate upgrade for Xbox Series X|S players where they can choose to focus either on better visuals or better framerate. Squadrons can run at 1440p at 60 FPS on Xbox Series S and up to 2160p at 60 FPS on the Series X. In performance mode, players can achieve 1440p at 120 FPS on Series S and 2160p at 120 FPS on Series X while sacrificing some of the better lighting models and improved visuals. On PlayStation 5, EA says Squadrons will run with improved lighting and the same resolution and framerate as on the PlayStation 4 Pro. Squadrons will also feature cross-platform play across all available platforms both current and next-gen.

Apex Legends

Apex Legends will experience a performance boost on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 to 1440p, but a more formal next-gen enhancement is being planned for next year.

The Sims 4

Star Wars: Journey to Batuu will be released on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 and will come with faster loading times and smoother framerates. The next expansion, Snowy Escape will also be released on next-gen systems as well as existing platforms on current-gen consoles, PC, and Mac. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-madden-nfl-game-review-ever&captions=true"]

EA Sports UFC 4, NHL 21

Both sports titles will be available as backward compatible games on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 and will run on next-gen systems as they would on the Xbox One X, (One S on the Series S) and PS4 Pro.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered

The latest Need for Speed remaster will be available as a backward-compatible title on next-gen systems. Like the EA Sports title, the next-gen consoles will run Hot Pursuit Remastered as they would run on a corresponding current-gen system. [poilib element="accentDivider"] As the next-gen systems approach, developers and publishers are sharing their plans for upgrading games to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Though there is still some confusion over what this might entail as shown when Ubisoft confirmed, then unconfirmed, which games will be playable on next-gen hardware. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Activision has announced that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2 will be getting a crossover with Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time with Crash-themed in-game items, including nine shirts, three hats, and one skateboard deck. This first-ever crossover between Crash Bandicoot and Tony Hawk will begin tomorrow, November 6, and arrives as part of a free title update. Fans can take a look at a short clip below that hints at some of the items that will soon be available. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/05/tony-hawks-pro-skater-1-2s-crash-bandicoot-4-crossover"] This Crash content is part of a bigger update that will also bring The Birdman Pack that is benefitting The Skatepark Project. This pack includes classic and additional boards from Birdhouse and Powell-Peralta and a new TSP deck created specifically for charity. This limited time Create-A-Skater 10-deck bundle will be available for $4.99 USD and 100% of Activision's net proceeds will "help support the construction of public skateparks for youth in undeserved communities." Furthermore, players will be able to replay Tours mode with individual skaters, allowing them to max out stats of their favorite characters. At the start of each Solo Tour, all Goals and Medals will be reset, and the current Tours mode will move to "Crew Tours" so previous progress will not be lost. There will also be new objectives within online Multiplayer, Create-A-Park and Combo Practice, better randomization for Multiplayer playlists in both Jams and Competitive modes, and the three winners from the Create-A-Deck contest will have their creations in-game for all to use. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/03/tony-hawks-pro-skater-12-review"] In our review of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2, we said it "is such a tremendous turnaround from 2015’s disastrously dismal Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 that it’s difficult to believe they share even a shred of DNA. The accessible yet tricky skating is earnest and old-school fun, the wonderful looking levels are lovingly designed odes to the past, and the music is like the hearty embrace of an old childhood buddy." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Activision has announced that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2 will be getting a crossover with Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time with Crash-themed in-game items, including nine shirts, three hats, and one skateboard deck. This first-ever crossover between Crash Bandicoot and Tony Hawk will begin tomorrow, November 6, and arrives as part of a free title update. Fans can take a look at a short clip below that hints at some of the items that will soon be available. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/05/tony-hawks-pro-skater-1-2s-crash-bandicoot-4-crossover"] This Crash content is part of a bigger update that will also bring The Birdman Pack that is benefitting The Skatepark Project. This pack includes classic and additional boards from Birdhouse and Powell-Peralta and a new TSP deck created specifically for charity. This limited time Create-A-Skater 10-deck bundle will be available for $4.99 USD and 100% of Activision's net proceeds will "help support the construction of public skateparks for youth in undeserved communities." Furthermore, players will be able to replay Tours mode with individual skaters, allowing them to max out stats of their favorite characters. At the start of each Solo Tour, all Goals and Medals will be reset, and the current Tours mode will move to "Crew Tours" so previous progress will not be lost. There will also be new objectives within online Multiplayer, Create-A-Park and Combo Practice, better randomization for Multiplayer playlists in both Jams and Competitive modes, and the three winners from the Create-A-Deck contest will have their creations in-game for all to use. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/03/tony-hawks-pro-skater-12-review"] In our review of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2, we said it "is such a tremendous turnaround from 2015’s disastrously dismal Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 that it’s difficult to believe they share even a shred of DNA. The accessible yet tricky skating is earnest and old-school fun, the wonderful looking levels are lovingly designed odes to the past, and the music is like the hearty embrace of an old childhood buddy." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will become available to EA Play subscribers on November 10, 2020, the same day that EA Play is being added as a perk for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, meaning that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is coming to Xbox Game Pass, sort of. Announced by EA, 2019's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will be one of the many bonuses of EA Play that both Xbox Series X/S (via backward compatibility) and Xbox One owners subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be able to take advantage of. EA Play also offers exclusive in-game challenges, rewards, discounts, member-only content, early trials of new EA games, and instant access to a collection of other EA titles with The Play List. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/15/star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-review"] For those on PC, members with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate of PC subscription will be able to download Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and other EA games on December 10, 2020. In our review of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which was released in 2019, we said, "It’s been ages since we got a great single-player Star Wars action game, but Jedi: Fallen Order makes up for a lot of lost time. A strong cast sells a dark story while keeping things fun and loyal to Star Wars lore, and fast, challenging combat mixes with energetic platforming, decent puzzles, and diverse locations to explore for an all-around amazing game." This news arrives on the same day as the reviews for both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, which will be released on November 10, 2020, for $499 and $299, respectively. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-star-wars-game-review&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will become available to EA Play subscribers on November 10, 2020, the same day that EA Play is being added as a perk for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, meaning that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is coming to Xbox Game Pass, sort of. Announced by EA, 2019's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will be one of the many bonuses of EA Play that both Xbox Series X/S (via backward compatibility) and Xbox One owners subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be able to take advantage of. EA Play also offers exclusive in-game challenges, rewards, discounts, member-only content, early trials of new EA games, and instant access to a collection of other EA titles with The Play List. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/15/star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-review"] For those on PC, members with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate of PC subscription will be able to download Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and other EA games on December 10, 2020. In our review of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which was released in 2019, we said, "It’s been ages since we got a great single-player Star Wars action game, but Jedi: Fallen Order makes up for a lot of lost time. A strong cast sells a dark story while keeping things fun and loyal to Star Wars lore, and fast, challenging combat mixes with energetic platforming, decent puzzles, and diverse locations to explore for an all-around amazing game." This news arrives on the same day as the reviews for both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, which will be released on November 10, 2020, for $499 and $299, respectively. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-star-wars-game-review&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Fortnite could be playable again on iOS through a reported upcoming version of cloud streaming service, Nvidia GeForce Now, which would allow Epic Games to bypass the iOS App Store on iPhones. Nvidia GeForce Now is a cloud streaming service that allows users to play their games wherever they have internet access. It's already available on PC, Android, and Mac. According to the BBC, a new version that runs on the Safari browser is expected to launch before the winter holidays, which could offer an avenue for iPhone users to play Fortnite on their phones once again. Nvidia has yet to comment on the report. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/13/fortnite-1984-apple-parody-video-short"] Because Nvidia GeForce Now would go through Apple's web browser, Safari, instead of through its iOS App Store, the 30% commission cut Apple charges for software on its App Store would be a moot point. It's this 30% commission cut that saw Epic and Apple clash over the iOS version of Fortnite to begin with. Epic decided to bypass this cut by altering the price of Fortnite V-Bucks in a new direct payment system in response to Apple's "exorbitant" App Store fees earlier this year. This eventually turned into a legal battle that later made its way in-game as an event for all players. As of today, Fortnite is not available on iOS. Epic has been working to get its 116 million iOS players back into Fortnite and Nvidia GeForce Now might be the solution. This is all theory as of right now as neither Epic nor Nvidia have commented on the possibility, but there's no reason why Fortnite wouldn't be playable through the service. As with any cloud gaming, there is the possibility of lag, which in a game like Fortnite, could be problematic. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=how-much-does-each-major-retailer-take-from-a-games-sale&captions=true"] Using the service to play Fortnite on iPhones could be free as Nvidia GeForce Now offers a basic tier of service for free. This is limited to one-hour sessions though, which could present another hurdle for iPhone players. For now, however, it's a waiting game. During that wait, check out this Fortnite vs. Apple parody ad created by Epic and then then read about how Epic might be weaponizing Fortnite fans against Apple. If you're not familiar with the Epic vs. Apple court case, catch up on one of the latest rulings where a judge said Apple doesn't need to put Fortnite back on the App Store for now. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley Leblanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes. 

Fortnite could be playable again on iOS through a reported upcoming version of cloud streaming service, Nvidia GeForce Now, which would allow Epic Games to bypass the iOS App Store on iPhones. Nvidia GeForce Now is a cloud streaming service that allows users to play their games wherever they have internet access. It's already available on PC, Android, and Mac. According to the BBC, a new version that runs on the Safari browser is expected to launch before the winter holidays, which could offer an avenue for iPhone users to play Fortnite on their phones once again. Nvidia has yet to comment on the report. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/13/fortnite-1984-apple-parody-video-short"] Because Nvidia GeForce Now would go through Apple's web browser, Safari, instead of through its iOS App Store, the 30% commission cut Apple charges for software on its App Store would be a moot point. It's this 30% commission cut that saw Epic and Apple clash over the iOS version of Fortnite to begin with. Epic decided to bypass this cut by altering the price of Fortnite V-Bucks in a new direct payment system in response to Apple's "exorbitant" App Store fees earlier this year. This eventually turned into a legal battle that later made its way in-game as an event for all players. As of today, Fortnite is not available on iOS. Epic has been working to get its 116 million iOS players back into Fortnite and Nvidia GeForce Now might be the solution. This is all theory as of right now as neither Epic nor Nvidia have commented on the possibility, but there's no reason why Fortnite wouldn't be playable through the service. As with any cloud gaming, there is the possibility of lag, which in a game like Fortnite, could be problematic. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=how-much-does-each-major-retailer-take-from-a-games-sale&captions=true"] Using the service to play Fortnite on iPhones could be free as Nvidia GeForce Now offers a basic tier of service for free. This is limited to one-hour sessions though, which could present another hurdle for iPhone players. For now, however, it's a waiting game. During that wait, check out this Fortnite vs. Apple parody ad created by Epic and then then read about how Epic might be weaponizing Fortnite fans against Apple. If you're not familiar with the Epic vs. Apple court case, catch up on one of the latest rulings where a judge said Apple doesn't need to put Fortnite back on the App Store for now. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley Leblanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes. 

Lucasfilm has released a brand new trailer and poster for the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, coming to Disney+ on November 17. The new trailer offers fans a sneak peek at the animated special, which features multiple characters from different timelines meeting for the first time in what promises to be an exciting Star Wars mashup. The clips reveal Rey and the rest of the heroes preparing for Life Day by kitting out the Millennium Falcon with a whole load of festive food and decorations, which receive a Wookie roar of approval from Chewbacca. Before long, however, Rey is hurled into a cross-timeline adventure that sees her come into contact with The Mandalorian, Baby Yoda, and many other iconic heroes and villains across the galaxy. Check out the action-packed new trailer below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/05/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-official-trailer"] Together with the exciting new trailer, Disney released a colourful new poster for the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, featuring a row of Porgs admiring the LEGO Millennium Falcon, which is decked out with holiday lights and surrounded by the special's star-studded cast of characters, including the likes of Rey, Kylo Ren, Poe, Finn, and Rose Tico, who is said to have a "really prominent role throughout the story." [caption id="attachment_2434365" align="alignnone" width="864"] Image credit: Disney Plus[/caption] The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special is a production of Atomic Cartoons, the LEGO Group, and Lucasfilm. It is directed by Ken Cunningham and written by David Shayne, who is also co-executive producer. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jason Cosler, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, and Keith Malone are attached as additional executive producers on the project. The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special hits Disney+ on November 17, the same day that the original Star Wars holiday special aired on CBS in 1978. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Lucasfilm has released a brand new trailer and poster for the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, coming to Disney+ on November 17. The new trailer offers fans a sneak peek at the animated special, which features multiple characters from different timelines meeting for the first time in what promises to be an exciting Star Wars mashup. The clips reveal Rey and the rest of the heroes preparing for Life Day by kitting out the Millennium Falcon with a whole load of festive food and decorations, which receive a Wookie roar of approval from Chewbacca. Before long, however, Rey is hurled into a cross-timeline adventure that sees her come into contact with The Mandalorian, Baby Yoda, and many other iconic heroes and villains across the galaxy. Check out the action-packed new trailer below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/05/lego-star-wars-holiday-special-official-trailer"] Together with the exciting new trailer, Disney released a colourful new poster for the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, featuring a row of Porgs admiring the LEGO Millennium Falcon, which is decked out with holiday lights and surrounded by the special's star-studded cast of characters, including the likes of Rey, Kylo Ren, Poe, Finn, and Rose Tico, who is said to have a "really prominent role throughout the story." [caption id="attachment_2434365" align="alignnone" width="864"] Image credit: Disney Plus[/caption] The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special is a production of Atomic Cartoons, the LEGO Group, and Lucasfilm. It is directed by Ken Cunningham and written by David Shayne, who is also co-executive producer. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jason Cosler, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, and Keith Malone are attached as additional executive producers on the project. The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special hits Disney+ on November 17, the same day that the original Star Wars holiday special aired on CBS in 1978. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.