The latest Madden game is always among the best sellers in the world, and with Madden 26 here, many PC players who use a Steam Deck are wondering if they can play the game on the Deck. Like many modern EA titles, Madden 26 uses anti-cheat technology, which is not compatible with the default launcher on the Linux-based handheld system.
If you’re considering buying the latest Madden for your Steam Deck in the hopes one of the more common methods of playing otherwise incompatible games on Deck will work, here is what you should know:
Can You Play Madden 26 On Steam Deck With A Custom Installation In Desktop Mode?
Unfortunately, attempting to manually install on the Deck using desktop mode and a manual download is not successful for Madden 26. While it is possible to install the EA App Launcher in this way, allowing you to play some EA titles that otherwise require the launcher and thus won’t launch in the more traditional mode, this does not resolve issues with anti-cheat.
Can You Play Madden 26 On Steam Deck With Lutris?
Lutris is a video game preservation platform that is excellent for getting games and apps to run on the Steam Deck. While Lutris can be used to boot the EA App Launcher and play EA games not supported on the standard Steam Deck Steam app, as with direct installation, this does not resolve issues with Madden‘s anti-cheat technology, meaning that it will not allow you to successfully boot up or play Madden on your Deck.
Can You Play Madden 26 On Steam Deck By Dual-Booting Windows 11?
The only way currently known to install and play Madden 26 on the Steam Deck is by dual-booting the Deck with Windows 11. This allows you to install and run the game through Windows, which is compatible with EA’s anti-cheat technology, allowing you to load up the game, connect to EA servers, and play as normal.
Unfortunately, performance for the game on the Steam Deck is subpar, with low framerates resulting in a gameplay experience that is not very smooth, even on the OLED Deck, which operates at a slightly higher performance.
Can You Play Madden 26 On Steam Deck By Streaming From PC?
Although not the same as being able to install natively, particularly for players who have a Steam Deck in lieu of a gaming PC as opposed to in addition to one as a method to play on the go, the Steam Deck can play Madden 26 by streaming over Steam. Streaming play on the Steam Deck allows you to run the game on a separate PC, connect to it through the internet, and play remotely on your Deck, so you can play Madden on the go.
Performance levels for streaming will depend on the quality of your main PC and your internet connection. The good news is that if you have a PC capable of running Madden 26 smoothly and a strong internet connection, the Deck can be an excellent way to play Madden on a handheld system.
The Final Verdict On Madden 26 For The Steam Deck
Ultimately, while remote gaming with the Steam Deck is possible for Madden 26, it is not well set up to do so effectively in most circumstances. The process of getting a game from EA with the required anti-cheat to run can be complicated, and once completed, the experience of Madden on the Deck is below that of console or most PCs. While an option, it is only going to be worth the effort for gamers for whom the Steam Deck is the only option, who absolutely do not want to miss this year’s edition, even if not getting it at its best.
The ideal option for playing Madden 26 on your Steam Deck is having it installed on a PC that can run it smoothly and playing as a streaming connection. This has the potential to allow for the smoothest and highest-quality presentation of the game if it is an option for you.
Alternatively, depending on your needs with the game, you may be able to instead opt for an older option. Purchasing past years of sports games is often much cheaper, if you don’t mind not having access to online modes and outdated rosters, and with anti-cheat not enabled, Madden games from Madden 23 and earlier can be played on the Deck. Lower processing demands also help them run more smoothly, so if you are looking to play franchise or single-player career modes, this may also be an option.
