What we know:

The Katamari series is a perfect example of the kind of gameplay that only Japanese developers could dream and then create.

The series launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 and has since then appeared on the iOS powered devices, the Nintendo DS and the PlayStation 3, and now Namco Bandai has also brought it to the new PlayStation Vita from Sony.

Players will once again have to roll an ever-increasing ball through a number of levels, aiming to get to a certain size within a time limit in order to progress.

The unique features of the PlayStation Vita handheld will be put into play, too, with the player getting the option of using the touch screen of the device in order to control the Katamari ball, although most will probably prefer to stick to the analogue controls.

More meaningful options will be offered by the touch panel on the back of the Vita, which will allow gamers to stretch their Katamari or make it smaller, so that they can get through small areas or can get more objects at the same time.

It is not yet clear whether Touch My Katamari will have a more complex narrative structure or whether the player will once again take the role of the Prince as he rolls around in order to complete the tasks set out by the King of All Cosmos.

Touch My Katamari is already out in Japan and gamers can get it via retail and via digital download.

Why it matters:

The PlayStation Vita is not doing great in Japan and needed more than two weeks to sell the 500,000 units that Sony shipped for the launch window.

Expectations are that the handheld will do better in the North America and Europe, but despite their attempts to target the audience with Western specific titles, much will depend on how the typical gamer adopts something like Touch My Katamari, with all its weird concepts and features.

The full Incoming 2012 series of articles can be read on Softpedia right here.