NBA JAM features politicians and secret characters that can be unlocked through two methods: Button input code in the front end menu (before the title screen, where you must press START to start) and by entering certain initials in the menu where you input your name. Enter directional codes on the D-Pad.

Effect	Password
J. Cole and 9th Wonder	UP, LEFT, DOWN, RIGHT, UP, LEFT, DOWN, RIGHT, CIRCLE, X.
Unlock the Beastie Boys	UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, CIRCLE, X.
Unlocks the Democrats (Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, and Hilary Clinton)	Press LEFT 13 times, then X.
Unlocks the Republicans (John McCain, Sarah Palin, George Bush, Dick Cheney)	Press RIGHT 13 times, then X.