The game consists of all NBA teams from the 1991–92 season (despite its release during the 1992–93 season; the New York Knicks changed their logo after the 91–92 season). Players can choose from exhibition games, the 1992 All-Star Game, or the 1992-93 season. In playing the season, players can choose which teams they want to control; for example, a player can choose to play as two teams, and will play every game those two teams play.
In the Super NES version Michael Jordan and Reggie Lewis are selectable players in the Bulls and Celtics rosters, respectively, but in the Sega Genesis version they are replaced for "Guard Bulls" and "Forward Celtics" players.
The game is also one of the few ones for 16-bit generation where it is possible to watch every single game instead of playing only with the team you select.
Tecmo Super NBA Basketball is the only NBA game ever produced by Tecmo for the Super NES. Unpopular reviews and overall gameplay led to this game being released the following year on the Sega Genesis only.