The game was initially planned to be available as a full retail release for the Wii, with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions available for download via a coupon upon purchasing NBA Elite 11.

The game retains its usual exaggerated nature of play - players jump many times their own height, making slam dunks that defy both human capabilities and the laws of physics.

[8] At the end of the game, players have to battle NBA legends Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

[9] The game also features more than 30 other legends including: Manute Bol, Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving, Kevin McHale, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dennis Rodman, Detlef Schrempf, Isiah Thomas, Spud Webb, and James Worthy.

[citation needed] An enhanced On Fire edition of NBA Jam was released for the Xbox 360 and PS3 in October 2011 as a downloadable title.

[38][39][40][41] IGN called the Wii version "an incredibly fun pick-up-and-play game with an insane competitive edge.

GameZone gave the same console version seven out of ten and stated, "With an all too familiar feeling, NBA Jam serves as homage to the games we have lost from yesteryear.

What it boils down to is: the gameplay hasn't changed all that much and aside from unlocking the plethora of classic players such as Detlef Schrempf and Chris Mullin, there's little reason to return to NBA Jam after a few hours of play.

"[42] PlayStation Official Magazine – Australia gave the PS3 version eight out of ten, saying that it "always succeeded by being better with friends, and that hasn't changed.