You could argue that Mortal Kombat has never faded from relevancy since its inception in 1992, but you'd also be hard pressed to find fans that say they aren't enjoying where the series has gone over the last few years.

As our review of last year's Mortal Kombat for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 detailed, the transition back to the game's 2D template roots was an ingenious decision, putting a fresh spin on decapitations and disembowelments. In the coming months, fans of the beloved fighting series will be able take the game with them wherever they go.

Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment announced that NetherRealm Studios will be developing Mortal Kombat for the PlayStation Vita. No release date has been specified, but the company noted it will launch in the Spring of 2012. Details on gameplay, characters, and core elements are also still shady, but according to NetherRealm Creative Director Ed Boon, the team is promising "brand new gameplay features and content developed exclusively for the new handheld device."

Whether or not the game is still in development or just awaiting an optimal release window, here's hoping that we'll get to choose from an abundant roster of characters and feast ourselves on a smörgåsbord of full frontal eviscerations. Because while the Mortal Kombat franchise is currently thriving, the same can't be said for the handheld device it's soon to be arriving on.

While the PS Vita doesn't release in North America until February 22, 2012, there's been quite the swirl of controversy over its debut in Japan. The device sold 325,000 units during its first 48 hours in the land of the rising sun, but those numbers plunged to 72,479 units the following week. The last we heard, Sony's Kaz Hirai boasted at CES that the Vita had crossed the 500,000 sales mark on January 5. The numbers might be similar to its rival, the Nintendo 3DS, but the launch titles Nintendo released its handheld with were sparse in comparison to the big guns Sony pulled out.

A strong opening from its North American launch would be a huge boon for the Vita. We already know that its launch day and launch window offerings consist of titles like Rayman Origins, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, MLB 12: The Show, and... wait for it... Riiiiidd... I can't do it - Ridge Racer. If Mortal Kombat delivers on its already given potential, it could be big part of Sony's efforts to support the Vita going forward.

Ranters, how excited are you to play Mortal Kombat on the Vita? Will you even be purchasing a Vita when it launches in North America on February 22?

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Source: Yahoo Finance