The NES version was extremely popular, spawning various sequels, starting with 1991's Tecmo Super Bowl.

The original arcade version is distinguished by a large two-monitor cabinet, support for up to four players, and the ability to break tackles.

The teams featured in the game are Indianapolis, Miami, Cleveland, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles (Raiders), Washington, San Francisco, Dallas, New York (Giants), Chicago, and Minnesota.

The first is identified by its black and gold seal of quality, Eric Dickerson as running back, and Albert Bentley as a kick returner for Indianapolis.

The second is identified by its white and gold seal, Albert Bentley as running back, and Clarence Verdin as a kick returner.

[12] In the September 1997 issue of Nintendo Power, twelve staff members voted in a list for the top 100 games of all time,[13] putting Tecmo Bowl at 30th place.

[16] Time noted that the arcade-like controls and "quasi-realistic teams and players" made it a "breakout hit that's still fun to pick up and play to this very day".

[17] Bo Jackson's character in Tecmo Bowl was called the "greatest video game athlete of all-time" by ESPN[18] and USA Today.

A documentary feature about the best Tecmo Bowl players in the world was shot in 2022 by CJ Wallis.