Guess what, Madden fans? This year, the new online franchise mode makes sure that "you're never away from Madden."

Whether that's a blessing or a curse, depends on who you talk to, but we know that fans have been waiting a long time for a robust online franchise mode and this year's Madden looks like it's finally going to deliver.

The online portion of the game lets players compete in leagues with 32 teams, and includes live drafts and player transactions. All this will be manageable from your game system, the Web or on the fly via a new iPhone app (catch a glimpse of the app in the new trailer below).

We like how Ray Ferwerda, Madden NFL 10 development manager says that if you want to check out a trade from a buddy while at dinner with the wife, you can "use your phone and kinda do it stealthily under the table." Just don't get caught, Ray. That might not be pretty.