PlayStation Phone/Xperia Play unveiled
Out next month.
Sony has finally unveiled the PlayStation Phone – Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play.
It is the first and only PlayStation certified smartphone.
This means it will have access to PlayStation game content provided through the PlayStation Suite initiative, announced with the Next Generation Portable in Tokyo last month and due to launch later this calendar year.
The phone features a slide out game pad. On it is a digital d-pad, two analogue touch pads, two shoulder buttons and the four PlayStation face buttons: circle, cross, square and triangle.
Inside is Qualcomm's optimised Snapdragon processor with a 1Ghz CPU and embedded Adreno GPU graphics processor. It'll provide "silky smooth" 60fps play-back 3D mobile gaming and web browsing with "minimal" power consumption.
Also included is a five megapixel camera and a four inch multi-touch screen. As previously revealed by multiple leaks, the Xperia Play runs on Gingerbread (version 2.3), the Google Android platform.
Confirmed titles include Need for Speed, Sims 3, a "world-first" multiplayer version of FIFA 10 for mobile, Guitar Hero (what?), Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell. Sony Ericsson promises a "continuous flow of high quality 3D games".
A "pre-loaded" application enables users to "discover and download" games that have been optimised for gameplay on Xperia Play, Sony Ericsson said. It'll also let you access recently played games and see information about the games they have downloaded.
Sony Computer Entertainment boss Kaz Hirai said: "I am delighted to see Xperia Play as the first PlayStation certified smartphone hit the market.
"Xperia Play provides a unique consumer offering and is yet another example of great products and services coming to market that leverage Sony's strong assets."
Sony Ericsson will be available globally in "selected markets" from March, but mobile phone network operators suggest an April release for the UK.
Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile and O2 will all offer the Xperia Play. Both Orange and T-Mobile have stated the device will be available from them in April, though haven't discussed pricing or contract details.