Yes, the EA app has completely replaced Origin.
EA officially launched the new app in October 2022 and began inviting users to migrate from Origin to the new, streamlined platform. The company fully retired Origin for Windows PCs on April 17, 2025, primarily due to Microsoft ending support for the 32-bit software on which Origin was based. The transition marks the end of an era for EA's PC gaming platform, which was first introduced in 2011.
The motivation for replacing Origin
The decision to replace Origin was driven by a combination of technical necessity and strategic branding goals.
- Technical obsolescence: A major factor was Microsoft's move to end support for 32-bit software. Since Origin was built on older 32-bit architecture, it became necessary to rebuild the platform from the ground up to be compatible with modern 64-bit operating systems like Windows 10 and 11.
- A "fastest and lightest" client: According to EA, the new app was designed to be its "fastest and lightest PC client to date". The goal was to create a more modern, streamlined, and efficient user experience to address the longstanding criticisms Origin faced for being clunky, buggy, and slow.
- Unified branding: The rebrand from "Origin" to "EA app" was part of a larger effort to unify Electronic Arts' various services and subscriptions under one name. This includes integrating with EA Play (formerly Origin Access) and linking to other major gaming platforms like Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Key differences and user experience
While the core functionality of a game launcher remains, there are several key differences between the legacy Origin client and the new EA app.
| Feature | Origin (Legacy) | EA App (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface (UI) | An aging, sometimes sluggish interface that many players found cumbersome. | A new, streamlined, and more modern design. However, some users have criticized it for lacking basic features and feeling more like a storefront than a functional launcher. |
| Performance | Known for being resource-intensive and prone to crashes and other stability issues. | Built to be "faster and lighter," but some users have reported ongoing performance problems and glitches since its launch. |
| Social Features | Included standard social features like a friends list, chat, and an in-game overlay. | Integrated with other platforms, allowing for cross-platform connections with friends on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. Some users note that features like friends list customization are lacking. |
| Game Downloads | Required manual updates and could be slow. | Features automatic game downloads and background updates to ensure games are ready to play. |
| Game Library Transfer | The legacy client is now obsolete for Windows PCs. | Games and content from Origin are automatically transferred upon logging into the EA app. This includes previously installed games and cloud saves. |
| Game Trials | Offered trial versions of games. | Some users have reported that trial versions available on Origin do not appear on the EA app. |
| System Requirements | A 32-bit application, no longer supported by modern Windows systems. | A 64-bit application, requiring a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or 11. |
The transition process for users
For most gamers, the transition from Origin to the EA app was designed to be relatively straightforward.
- Automatic migration: When an Origin user on a 64-bit Windows PC logged into Origin after the EA app's full release, they were prompted to download the new app.
- Data transfer: All account information, purchased games, downloadable content, and cloud saves are automatically carried over to the new app.
- Post-migration cleanup: While the app transfers most data, some users have reported needing to manually re-link accounts or address issues with specific games, especially older titles or those with mods. The closure of Origin means that anyone still using the old client must switch to the EA app to continue accessing their game library.
The long-term impact on the PC gaming ecosystem
The replacement of Origin with the EA app signifies a shift in EA's digital strategy. It ends the frustration of a technically outdated platform and aligns with modern multi-platform gaming trends. However, the transition has not been without problems. User feedback has been mixed, with many experiencing technical bugs and finding the user experience to be a downgrade from the already imperfect Origin client.
The end of Origin also reinforces the industry-wide move towards more robust, 64-bit-only software. While this ensures better performance and security, it does leave behind players on older, 32-bit machines, who can no longer access their game libraries. Ultimately, the change represents an evolution of EA's digital platform, leaving behind a decade of history for a new, if not universally beloved, launcher.