NBA Jam is an arcade-style basketball game developed and released by Midway in 1993, later ported to home platforms including the SNES. Famous for over-the-top 2-on-2 matches and fast-paced gameplay, it lets players pull off surreal dunks and trick shots. With no fouls or free throws—only goaltending and 24-second violations—matches feel free and intense.
A standout feature is the "on fire" mode: after three consecutive baskets, the player gains unlimited turbo and higher shooting accuracy until the opponent scores or they net four more points. It also has hidden Easter eggs and special characters (like former US President Bill Clinton) unlockable via cheat codes.
NBA Jam was a massive hit: the 1993 arcade version earned over $1 billion, making it one of the year’s top-selling arcade games. Home versions also performed strongly, with SNES and Sega Genesis ports selling over 6 million copies worldwide.
Its success shaped future basketball games and spawned similar sports titles like NHL Open Ice and NFL Blitz. With unique gameplay and lasting influence, NBA Jam is regarded as one of the greatest basketball games in video game history.