NBA Showtime: NBA On NBC
About the Game
NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC is an arcade-style basketball game for the PlayStation developed and published by Midway Games. It was originally released in arcades in 1999 before arriving on home consoles. The game is the successor to NBA Hangtime and features officially licensed NBA teams and players from the 1998–99 NBA season.
Instead of focusing on realistic basketball simulation, NBA Showtime emphasizes high-scoring 2-on-2 games, spectacular dunks, and fast action.
🏀 Arcade Basketball With 2-on-2 Matches
Each game features two players on each team instead of a full five-player lineup.
During a match, you can:
- Shoot from long range
- Perform powerful dunks
- Steal the ball
- Block shots
- Make quick passes
- Trigger alley-oop plays
The simple controls make it easy to jump into a match while still rewarding good timing and teamwork.
⭐ Official NBA Teams and Players
The game includes licensed NBA content from its release period.
You can choose from the league's teams and play with many well-known stars from the late 1990s.
Each athlete has individual ratings that influence areas such as:
- Shooting
- Speed
- Dunking
- Defense
- Passing
🔥 Build a "Showtime" Streak
One of the game's signature features is the Showtime mode.
By making successful plays without allowing your opponent to score, your team can build a streak.
Once Showtime activates, your team gains temporary advantages, making it easier to perform highlight plays and increase your lead.
This mechanic encourages consistent offensive and defensive performance throughout the match.
🎮 Arcade Features
NBA Showtime continues several ideas introduced in Midway's earlier basketball games.
The PlayStation version includes:
- Season Mode
- Exhibition games
- Playoffs
- Tournament Mode
- Create Player feature
- Unlockable characters and hidden content
These modes provide several ways to enjoy the game beyond individual exhibition matches.
🎮 EmulatorJS Controls
Keyboard Controls
- Arrow Keys – Move player
- Z – Pass / Switch player
- X – Shoot / Block / Rebound
- A – Turbo
- S – Steal / Special action
- Enter – Start
- Backspace – Select
Mobile Controls
- Virtual D-Pad – Move player
- On-screen buttons – Pass, shoot, turbo, and steal
- Start and Select – Menu controls
Controls may vary depending on your EmulatorJS configuration.
📋 Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | PlayStation |
| Developer | Midway Games |
| Publisher | Midway Games |
| Genre | Arcade Sports |
| Players on Court | 2 vs. 2 |
| Original Arcade Release | 1999 |
| NBA License | Yes |
💡 Tips
- Pass frequently to create open shooting opportunities.
- Build a Showtime streak by preventing your opponent from scoring.
- Use Turbo wisely because it is limited.
- Attempt alley-oops when a teammate has a clear path to the basket.
- Learn each player's strengths before choosing your lineup.
❓FAQ
Is NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC a basketball simulation?
No. It is an arcade-style basketball game with exaggerated dunks, quick gameplay, and simplified controls.
Who developed the game?
The game was developed and published by Midway Games.
How many players are on the court for each team?
Each team uses two players during gameplay.
Does the game include official NBA teams?
Yes. It features licensed NBA teams and players from the 1998–99 season.
What is Showtime mode?
Showtime is a gameplay mechanic that activates after your team builds a scoring streak while preventing the opposing team from scoring, giving your team temporary advantages during the match.
