After months of speculation and teasers, San Diego Studio has finally shared all MLB The Show 26 details alongside the first gameplay trailer. This is the latest game in the long-running MLB The Show series, the official Major League Baseball (MLB) video game for consoles. This year’s release features 3X American League MVP and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge on the cover. The game promises new stadiums, 500+ animations, and various gameplay improvements for the fans of the series.
MLB The Show 26 Release Date and Pre-Order Bonus
MLB The Show 26 will release on March 17, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, the studio has yet to confirm if we will get to see a Nintendo Switch 2 version this year. You will be able to get up to four-day early access with the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game. The studio is offering 1 Gold Choice Pack on all digital pre-orders, which are currently underway.
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MLB The Show 26 Editions, Extra Content, and Price
MLB The Show 26 is available in two editions: Standard and Digital Deluxe Edition. The game will cost you USD 59.99 and USD 69.99 for the Standard edition on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5/Xbox consoles, respectively. The Digital Deluxe Edition is priced at USD 99.99 across all platforms. You can grab a 10% discount on the deluxe edition if you own a digital version of any MLB The Show title released since MLB The Show 21 (MLB The Show 22 on Nintendo Switch) on the same platform.
MLB The Show 26 Standard Edition Content:
- 5 The Show Packs
- 1 Gold Choice Pack (pre-order bonus)
MLB The Show 26 Digital Deluxe Edition Content
- 20 The Show Packs
- 2 WBC Choice Packs
- 1 Legend Choice Pack
- 1 WBC Uniform Pack
- 1 Equipment Pack
- Double Daily Rewards
- 1 Cover Athlete Bat Skin Pack
- 20,000 Stubs
- 1 Gold Choice Pack (pre-order bonus)
- Up to 4-day early access (pre-order bonus)
MLB The Show 26 Gameplay Features
Road To The Show (RTTS) is one of the fan-favorite modes in MLB The Show games. San Diego Studio says it will offer an even more immersive experience this year. MLB The Show 26 will have an “expanded” amateur experience, but it is unclear in what ways. The team has added 11 new college teams, including the University of Arkansas, University of Florida, Stanford University, and University of Michigan. Officially licensed NCAA Men’s College World Series format and brackets have been added to the game. There is a new Road To The Show: Cooperstown, where you will start from high school and try to build a legacy by hoping to enter the Hall of Fame by the end of your career.
Diamond Dynasty has been refreshed with World Baseball Classic (WBC) content. It now features WBC ballparks like Tokyo Dome and Estadio Hiram Bithorn. Other improvements include mini-season overhaul, new rewards, programs, collections, and more live-service updates for improved challenges.
Negro Leagues is returning with Season 4 with new legends, uniforms, and a new stadium. The Franchise mode has been improved with a new Trade Logic System and a comprehensive Trade HUB. The new logic will reflect the current MLB trends when it comes to lineups, starting pitcher rotation, and bullpen games.
In terms of gameplay improvements, here is what you can expect:
- Big Zone hitting is a new batting interface for players of all skill levels
- Bear Down Pitching gives you more control in clutch situations
- Hits per 9 innings and strikeouts per 9 innings attribute splits and pitch repertoire usage rate
- Reaction rating attributes for fielders (left, right, forward, and back)
- Catcher Pop Time attribute
- Plate Coverage Indicator sensitivity slider for more control over your PCI
- Over 500 new gameplay animations
