Madden NFL 12 is the seventh and last appearance of the football franchise on the PSP and PS2. Changes compared to the previous year's release are minimal, mainly consisting of rule and roster updates for the new NFL season and new music tracks. All game modes and even the menus are re-used.

Game modes include play now, franchise, mini-camp, practice and Superstar Challenge. The challenges have been updated for the 2010 season and again allow players to play either Hero or Spoiler. Further returning features are the play designer and ad-hoc multiplayer. NFL rule changes like the 35-yard-kickoff are incorporated.