Hot on the heels of a fresh batch of Mortal Kombat screenshots [full story]; the fine folks at NetherRealm Studios provide a brand new MKast -- the first for 2012 -- detailing some of the key special features available to the PlayStation Vita!

With a European release date of May 4, MK Vita should now be available throughout Earthrealm. The various unique selling points of the handheld version have been much lamented, recapped here by NRS Producer, Hector Sanchez, and designers, Derek Kirtzik and Brian Lebaron.

Gameplay and aesthetic features inherent to the Sony hardware are a talking point that sets this version apart from console Komplete Editions. The inspiration of "Augmented Reality" from a high concept advertising campaign is relayed first-hand here, a feature popularly revealed during demos at the recent PAX East convention, and documented by Mortal Kombat Online [full story].

Klassic costumes based on MK's historic exploits remain a popular bonus, tapping in to the nostalgia of Mortal Kombat's franchise twentieth anniversary. Designs inspired by the first three iterations of economy sprites are applied not just to "old skool" favourites, but also characters who never actually appeared in such guises. Ermac and Skarlet are two of the rumors-turned-fact that get the retro-active treatment on the Vita [trailer].

As noted for the May 1 release date, all-new bonus kostumes were by far the most anticipated feature amongst the MKOmmunity, taking a dominant 53.3% of our vote [full story].

As noted, Mortal Kombat Vita is now available. Discuss all the ins and outs of the new game on the forums. While you're there, share your nostalgia in this Year of the Dragon - celebrating twenty years of Mortal Kombat! Get more MKOmmunity updates by following @MK_Online and liking us on Facebook.