Konami is bringing its popular football (soccer) game, eFootball, to the Nintendo Switch 2 this summer. The announcement came just before the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, following a new installment of Konami’s eFootball Connect present, which featured a Spotlight interview reviewing the game’s current status based on player feedback.
This release will be distinct from the free-to-play, multi-platform version of eFootball, which is nearing one billion downloads globally. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will be offered as a separate game.
Konami Details New Master League Format and Other Key Updates for eFootball
During the Spotlight interview, Konami Managing Director Seitaro Kimura and General Producer Junichi Taya discussed the technical limitations impacting short-term development, addressed frequently asked questions, and outlined areas of focus for improvement, based on in-game surveys and telemetry data. The company is prioritizing enhancements to the online experience and adding content requested by players.
- Master League: Konami confirmed they have been working on integrating a Master League experience into the current eFootball framework. They announced a “Master League Event” – combining the classic elements of player transfers, seasonal play, and team development with the existing Dream Team/Ideal Team core. The event will feature references to classic players like Castolo and Minanda, or Lombardis father, as seen in development screenshots. “We know there is a lot of expectation,” the company stated, adding that the Master League Event is scheduled for April.
- Multiplatform and Mobile Controller Compatibility: Cross-play between consoles and PCs is already available, but extending this to mobile devices presents challenges due to hardware and control schemes. However, Konami announced and explained upcoming compatibility with mobile controllers in a near-future update.
- Edit Mode: The developers acknowledged the high demand for an edit mode but explained it’s not currently in their plans due to security concerns (related to file integrity and potential viruses) and copyright restrictions. They are currently prioritizing licensed content and “live updates.”
- Servers and Online Play: Konami stated they are continuously reviewing and updating servers based on player feedback and data collected after matches. They mentioned the launch of a regional server in Thailand and plans to improve server performance in additional regions.
- Community Feedback and Concerns: The company denied the existence of a deliberate “script” that favors certain players, attributing perceived imbalances to player fatigue, skill levels, and adjustments to marker behavior. They are also gathering feedback to refine the Player of the Week (POTW) selections and are working to address limitations in player slots due to server capacity, with plans for gradual expansion.
