I got a Basketball Jones for NBA 2K13’s launch today

The highly anticipated NBA 2K13 released today in North America, bringing latest installment in the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game simulation franchise to basketball fans just in time for the beginning of the NBA preseason.

This year, 2K Games focused heavily on the game's overall presentation and package, bringing in platinum recording artist Jay Z as Executive Producer. As such, he lent his artistic vision to its interactive menus and pregame introductions while personally curating the game's impressive 24-song soundtrack.

“NBA 2K13 represents the greatest year-to-year leap we have made in the franchise’s history,” said Greg Thomas, president of product development for 2K Sports. “Our partnership with JAY Z brought a new dynamic to the game, and really elevated it to new heights.”

“Partnering with a great franchise such as NBA 2K13 has been a unique experience,” said Jay Z. “The best basketball video game is now a premier entertainment experience.”

NBA 2K13 isn't just about presentation, but gameplay as well. NBA 2K13 introduces the Control Stick , which gives you more control by mapping all dribbling and shooting to the right analog stick. And now, you can finally settle the ongoing debate by playing the matchup between the 1992 "Dream Team" and the 2012 U.S. Men's National Team. Once and for all, we can see who the more dominant team is.

Additionally, NBA 2K Everywhere allows you to experience NBA 2K virtually anywhere via an all-new mobile companion application, a social game on Facebook, and a full-featured mobile version of NBA 2K13 for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices. Both the mobile companion app and Facebook game enable players to feed data and experience right back into NBA 2K13.

NBA 2K13 is available for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, and PC. The Wii U version of the title will be available in North America when the console launches on Sunday, November 18. Be sure to check back tomorrow for our review.