Play NBA Jam (USA, Europe) on gb Online

NBA Jam on the Game Boy came out in 1994, developed by Iguana Entertainment and published by Acclaim. It was a handheld take on the over-the-top arcade basketball game, scaled down for the small screen but still trying to capture that fast, flashy style. For a portable game of that era, it was a pretty ambitious attempt to bring the arcade experience with you.

You control a team of two NBA players, switching between them to move up and down the court, pass, shoot, and steal the ball. The main goal is to outscore the other team before time runs out. Signature mechanics include the turbo button for bursts of speed, performing exaggerated dunks that shove defenders aside, and the announcer’s catchphrases that pop up after big plays. The pacing is quick, with short quarters and constant action, though the difficulty can spike against certain teams. It feels like a simplified but energetic version of the arcade game, where every possession is a chance for something wild to happen.