Microsoft’s new Xbox One Madden bundle also includes EA Access and a 1TB hard drive

While Sony has made deals to bundle the PlayStation 4 with Batman: Arkham Knight, Microsoft is sticking with football.

The next major Xbox One bundle going on sale in a few weeks will include a copy of Madden NFL Football 16, according to a post on the Xbox website. This $400 package not only comes with the next digital adaptation of the National Football League but also includes a 1TB hard drive. It will launch on August 25.

[aditude-amp id="flyingcarpet" targeting='{"env":"staging","page_type":"article","post_id":1770357,"post_type":"story","post_chan":"none","tags":null,"ai":false,"category":"none","all_categories":"games,","session":"D"}']

We know that bundles are a major way that platform holders are trying to entice new gamers to pick up consoles, and this is likely just the first that Microsoft plans to roll out for the holidays. In June, 85 percent of all new systems sold came bundled with a game. This has set a precedent that will likely continue throughout this generation.

In addition to the game and hardware, Microsoft and publisher Electronic Arts are also bundling in a code that gives players a one-year subscription to EA Access. This is the Xbox One-exclusive program that gives players an instant library of older EA releases that the company puts in its “vault” as well as discounts on new digital debuts and downloadable content.

So, with that EA Access instant library, this bundle essentially comes with Madden and 13 other games at no additional charge for a year. These include Battlefield 4, Need for Speed: Rivals, and EA Sports UFC. Of course, a handful of the Vault games are out-of-date sports releases like Madden NFL 15 and Madden NFL 25.

But, of course, the real star of this package is Madden. NFL 16 once again brings the most popular sport in the United States to consoles with new features and modes. EA Sports is bringing back modes like the Connected Franchise and Ultimate Team, but it’s also introducing a new Draft Champions fantasy game that plays a lot like the Arena mode in the collectible-card game Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft.