Ah, there’s nothing like a little 2AM reverse-engineering. Tonight’s focus was on EA Sports’ latest, NBA Jam. As any avid follower of this game will tell you, EA Sports has been tight-lipped about the hidden characters in Jam and the codes to unlock them. A few managed to slip out up until this point, including the ability to play as the Beastie Boys and the hosts of ESPN’s SportsNation, Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd. Other unlockable characters have been announced, like playing as Bill and Hilary Clinton, but exactly how to unlock them has been a well-kept secret since the game’s launch earlier this week. Well, tonight, a fellow programmer and I decided to end the mystery. Codes, (shaky) video, and a team never before announced, all after the jump!

The Democrats (Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, and Hilary Clinton)

How to unlock: At the “Press A to Start” screen, press Left 13 times, then plus. A tone will confirm correct entry. On the team select screen, press the plus button and the hidden teams will be revealed.

The Republicans (John McCain, Sarah Palin, George Bush, Dick Cheney)

How to unlock: At the “Press A to Start” screen, press Right 13 times, then plus. A tone will confirm correct entry. On the team select screen, press the plus button and the hidden teams will be revealed.

J. Cole and 9th Wonder

How to unlock: At the “Press A to Start” screen, press Up, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, 1, and 2. A tone will confirm correct entry. On the team select screen, press the plus button and the hidden teams will be revealed.

NBA Jam is available now for the Nintendo Wii, and will be available later this year on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3!