NBA Live 96 Game Boy box art

Game Boy · Sports / Simulation

NBA Live 96

Deep cut

SystemGame Boy
Released1996 (originally 1995)
GenreSports, Simulation
DeveloperTiertex
PublisherBlack Pearl Software
Players1 player
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesNBA Live
ESRBKA
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

Released for the Game Boy in 1996, NBA Live 96 is a sports game developed by Tiertex and published by Black Pearl Software. This Game Boy release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1995. It blends sports and simulation elements.

It landed about 7 years into the Game Boy's life. Other notable Game Boy releases from 1996 include Donkey Kong Land 2, Mole Mania and Bomberman GB 3. Among the 92 Game Boy sports games in our database, it ranks #21 by legacy score.

It is part of the NBA Live series. The series also appears on other systems with NBA Live 2001 (PS1) and NBA Live 2003 (PS1). Tiertex also made FIFA: Road to World Cup 98, FIFA 97 and Olympic Summer Games for the Game Boy.

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

Pick it if…

  • you want to race and compete
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you've played the Game Boy hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you need current teams and rosters
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing NBA Live 96 is like

Sports games bring football, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, wrestling and more to the console, from simulation-style management to over-the-top arcade action.

Tip for newcomers: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.

NBA Live 96 gameplay screenshot on Game Boy
In-game screenshot (Game Boy)

NBA Live 96 walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for NBA Live 96.

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Playing Game Boy games today

Game Boy games were designed for short bursts on the go, which makes them ideal for a coffee break today. Many are available through Nintendo Switch Online, and original carts play on any later Game Boy model.

NBA Live 96 FAQ

When did NBA Live 96 come out on the Game Boy?

NBA Live 96 was released for the Game Boy in 1996; the original game dates back to 1995.

Who made NBA Live 96?

It was developed by Tiertex and published by Black Pearl Software.

Is NBA Live 96 multiplayer?

No. NBA Live 96 is a single-player game.

How long does NBA Live 96 take to play?

As a sports game, NBA Live 96 typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about NBA Live 96 on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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