The third Madden football game released on Game Boy Advance uses the same graphic engine found in Madden NFL 2003 on the handheld, which based itself on later 16-bit versions of the series on Super NES. The game includes all 32 NFL teams with updated logos and rosters for the 2004 season; an option to create a player from scratch and boost his ratings in an assortment of mini-games forming the scouting combine; and the ability to play with up to four friends using the Game Link cable.
Returning game modes include Play Now, which has players jumping right into the action for a single game between two teams, Season, and Front Office. Playbooks once again consist of 150 plays on offense and defense, with the option to have full control over catching the ball or letting the computer take over. Players can also set audibles; toggle endurance (fatigue), injuries, or penalty levels; choose from five weather conditions; and adjust quarter lengths from three to 15 minutes. Two skill levels include Pro for rookies and All Madden for seasoned veterans.