Mass Effect 3. I’m not going to sugar coat it, or pretty it up with words. My most anticipated game of 2012 is, hands down, Mass Effect 3. Why the plain reveal? I feel ME3 is a very popular “most anticipated game” choice, and chances are, you are already feeling anything I could describe. I don’t want to leave you with nothing, though, so I’m going to change it up and report on my most anticipated gaming… thing of 2012.

Handheld gaming has always had a special place in my heart. From the original GameBoy and Game Gear to those awful single button Tiger Electronic games, I’ve always had something to keep me busy during long trips. As I grew older, my tastes matured, and my handheld consoles followed suit. I remember being a college freshman when the GameBoy Advanced SP came out. I took a bus to the local WalMart and bought it on release day. I eventually upgraded to the PSP and spent the next few years bouncing back and forth from Sony to Nintendo.

While I decided to skip the 3DS last year, I could not be more excited for the PlayStation Vita. When news of its dual touchscreens first spread, I was skeptical. The dual analog sticks, incredible visuals, and PS3 connectivity won me over, though, and I have been counting the days to its release in February.

Handheld gaming has evolved in the last few years thanks to better smart phones. Having access to some Xbox Live games on my Windows Phone 7 has been great for short trips and lunch breaks. I’ve always preferred to have a dedicated device for my gaming, though, and for 2012, the PlayStation Vita is going to be that device.