NBA Elite might have bummed out many a basketball fan with its delay into 2011, but with every piece of bad news there is a silver lining. The particular lining in regards to this delay is a solo release for the HD update of the retro, over-the-top NBA Jam.

To celebrate the launch of the game, EA Sports has released a trailer that shows off some of the playable stars, online play, and many of the iconic catch phrases heard in the game.

As gamers dunk on their friends with everybody from Shaquille O’Neal to Kobe Bryant, they are sure to notice the bump in the graphics department Jam received in comparison to the Wii version. The exaggerated models for the characters has always been one of Jam’s selling points, but they have never looked this good.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yIl4V0pm00&feature=player_embedded

On top of that, online play boasts a slew of options, including co-op online play, party sessions, and a social networking element that incorporates each gamer’s Jam card. Those who didn’t pick up the game for the Wii will be happy to know that not only is this game packing some improvements over it’s motion control counterpart, but that there is also plans for an update that brings with it new online modes some time in December.

Slam-dunking on fools is fun and all, but at what cost does this come. Is the release of NBA Jam the nail in the coffin of the NBA Elite 11, or can we still hope to see that game some time next year? Jam does provide a very substantial counterpoint to the intense experience that is the NBA 2K series, so perhaps what gamers are looking for is a little bit of Jam to compliment the peanut butter that is NBA 2K 11.

Are you planning on picking up NBA Jam for 360 or PS3 now that it is a full retail release? What is your favorite Tim Kitzrow catch phrase?

NBA Jam stuffs your turkey November 17, 2010 for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Source: CVG