We are giving away 1 free Playstation Vita console to a lucky fan. To enter in our prize drawing simply fill out the short form below. The winner will be notified via email when the PS Vita console is released, February 15th, 2012.

The PS Vita is due out in North America, Europe, and Australia in February of 2012, but the Asian release is just weeks away. The Japanese division of Sony PlayStation has given us a glimpse of the new home screen layout, and it’s quite a bit different from previous PS console screens.

The touch-screen user interface includes a number of icons which take the form of large, colorful bubbles. These circles are quite different from the traditional square smartphone home screen look, and we’re also no longer seeing the Xross Media Bar (XMB) on the home screen.

The user has the option of displaying multiple pages of these circular icons, and can set the backdrop for each page of icons individually. The icons which display the Wi-Fi connection and signal strength appear much as they do on a typical smartphone, and there are a series of icons across the top of the screen showing which apps the user has open as well as which screen the user is looking at currently.

In the upper right hand corner of the home screen, users will notice a blue circle which is marked with the number 5. Clicking on this allows the user to view user status messages, voice chat invites, trophy updates, and other community features.

Curious about the new PS Vita console and some of its features? Sony has revealed some additional information about this upcoming hand-held device, but not all that information will be to many users’ satisfaction.

For example, the PS Vita will require the use of a proprietary memory card—that means you have to purchase the required card, not use one of your own. Other memory cards won’t be compatible with the Vita, which means shelling out $24.99 for the least expensive card (4GB). Want to get more space than just 4 GB? You’ll need to spend $39.99 for 8GB, $69.99 for 16 GB, or an astounding $119.99 to get 32 GB. For gamers who have already spent a lot of money purchasing memory cards, this comes as unwelcome news since those memory cards can’t be used. Don’t have a memory card at all? These are the prices you’ll be stuck paying if you want a PS Vita.

Why do you need a memory card for your gaming console? Many games require a memory card to work at all, since console devices like the Vita don’t have enough space to save your game without one. If you don’t buy a card, you won’t be able to play these types of games on your Vita.

What are the reasons which Sony gives for its decision to require users to purchase a proprietary memory card? The company claims that this measure is mostly to stop users from bypassing the Sony content management program and transferring files to and from their PCs. This is supposed to prevent hackers from loading in scripts and pirating their games.

Another change with the PS Vita will be that you may no longer browse the internet without quitting whatever game you’re in. Even though Sony is getting rid of in-game browsing, you’ll still be able to chat with your friends, post to Twitter and play music while you’re gaming though.

The PS Vita is due for release in Asian markets before the winter holidays, and won’t be released in North America, Europe and Australia until February of next year.

Though the PlayStation Vita is not expected to launch in Australia until February 2012, it is now possible for men and women in Australia to preorder the system at select sellers. Australian sellers who are making preorders available include GAME, EB Games and JB Hi-Fi. Anyone who wants to receive the new handheld system from Sony on the launch date should take time to preorder as it is unlikely anyone who does not preorder will receive the new system.

Another reason to preorder the PS Vita is the fact that it is coming with a preorder pack that is exclusive to those who order the system early. The gift pack coming with the system includes headphones, t-shirts, sunglasses and discounts on popular Sony handheld games that are launching with the system.

Those who want to preorder the Vita will need to go to one of the sellers who has preorder options available and request to preorder the system. To make the preorder, it is necessary to pay part of the sale price upfront to book and reserve the PS Vita system. Once the system is booked, buyers can relax until the release date of February 23, 2012. On the release date, it is then possible to pick up the system and the gift pack. The remaining balance is paid in the store at the time the system is picked up and then it is time to enjoy the new system.

The Playstation Vita will provide innovations to handheld gaming with the built in GPS, dual analog sticks and the improved three-axis accelerometer and gyroscope which allows better motion control. The system will allow PSP players to enjoy their previous games while also launching new games for the system. Ordering early allows gamers an opportunity to enjoy the new system before they are sold out.

In the day of technological advances, many are eagerly awaiting the release of the PS Vita. This gaming console is expected to be available in stores as soon as March 2012 with a possible appearance in February. Given the nearness of the release, games are being discussed and equally gamers are awaiting the release of new games.

There are approximately 100 titles that have been announced by Sony. Five have gained early recognition and here are a few of the most keenly awaited. Among those is Street Fighter x Tekken, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Army Corps of Hell, Ruin, and Katamari, Damacy. Street Fighter x Tekken, Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Ruin are currently available for pre-order.

A highlight of Street Fighter x Tekken is that it takes a character from two different games and places them together making for an extraordinary gaming experience. It has been noted that the games for the PS Vita will be interchangeable with the Playstation 3; therefore it is expected that Street Fighter x Tekken will likewise be serviceable with both.

Next, take a look at the game Uncharted: Golden Abyss. Many saw the trailer for Uncharted and this stirred up the anticipation for the release of Uncharted: Golden Abyss. This game is said to hold first place in the games to purchase with the PS Vita. Uncharted: Golden Abyss is expected to be very precise, containing vivid clarity to the point that it is spectacular.

Army Corps of Hell is designed to offer a good, fun experience in gaming. The theme in Army Corps of Hell is that the King has been dethroned and is attempting to return to his just position.

The game Ruin stands in a place of its own. The game boasts of extreme quality and is enjoyable to both the laid-back or devoted player.

Finally, Karamari Damacy is primarily aimed at the casual gamer. Just as the name, Karamari Damacy sounds the game itself possesses a bizarre quality in its own right. However, it is projected to be one of best initiation games for the PS Vita with the use of motion sensory.