The Madden football series makes its debut on the Game Gear with Madden NFL 95, offering a scaled-down version of the console version, with perspective, controls and options adapted to the capabilities of the handheld.

The game features the official NFL license for the 1994 season, so all 28 teams with accurate statistics are available for play in Exhibition, Season and Playoff modes. In addition, an All-Madden team can be used in Exhibition games only.

The game features selectable quarter length, timeouts, flippable plays, freely definable audibles, quarterback substitutions, variable weather (which can be turned off for Exhibition games), optional color commentary from John Madden (called "Maddenisms" in the menu), and detailed stats. Gameplay is seen from a top-down perspective with the field scrolling vertically. During rushing plays and kick returns, the Game Gear's two buttons are used for a variety of moves by either tapping or holding: diving, hurdling, speed bursts and spins are possible.