When Madden 08 was released for Xbox and Gamecube I noted it as being the last release for both systems. It had been months since a new title was released for either and it sure seemed like they were done. I was incredibly surprised when I saw a preview for Madden 09 that listed the Xbox as a system it was being released for. After a full year of no new games it's usually safe to say a system is dead, not the venerable Xbox though. Fans of the system can take some small comfort in knowing they officially outlasted the Gamecube.
In the original Madden 08 entry I noted "I suppose there's still a 1%-5% chance another sports update will be squeezed out for the original Xbox. It's relatively easy for a powerhouse like EA Sports to crank out another annual update. If the install base stays high enough they'll keep doing it. Go into any game store and you'll see that the original Xbox has a greater presence than what's left of the Gamecube." OK, the last part of the statement didn't pan out. I still see plenty of used Gamecube games commanding $20-$30 but practically nothing for the Xbox breaking $10. The first part was accurate enough though. The additions to the Xbox version of Madden 09 are minute compared to the Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360. It was low-effort for EA and apparently there are enough Xbox holdouts to justify the investment. I figured Xbox owners either had a PS2, or upgraded to a newer console, making this game unnecessary.
I have a strong suspicion that Madden 09 is a sign of how most future consoles will end. It would not shock me in the least if the eventual Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360 entries are all Madden sequels as well.
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