Xperia Play Launching March 31 In UK With Six Games Pre-Installed

Sony Ericsson's first PlayStation-certified phone, the Xperia Play, will be available in the UK starting March 31, and will come with six titles pre-installed, including original PlayStation classic Crash Bandicoot. Sony Ericsson marketing director for UK and Ireland David Hilton told MCV the Android 2.3-powered phone, which features a slide-out, PlayStation-style button pad, will be sold by all major phone retailers and operators in the country. Hilton promised the "biggest marketing campaign we have had in the UK” for the phone, and said the company is also working on getting retail availability in locations like game stores. Pricing details were not available. In addition to Crash Bandicoot, five Android titles designed to work with the Play's buttons will be included with the phone: Bruce Lee Dragon Warriors, Tetris, Star Battalion, FIFA 10 and The Sims 3. An mix of 50 PlayStation and Android titles will be available at or near launch via the PlayStation Suite, Hilton said, though a complete list was not available. Play-optimized titles previously demonstrated or announced for the launch window include Guitar Hero 6, Dungeon Defenders Wave 2 and Millionaire City. In addition to PlayStation-styled buttons and d-pad, the Play includes a touch-pad area with indentations shaped like analog sticks, as well as an Android-standard touch screen. Some existing Android games will work with these slide-out controls, though many will require updates or new versions to take full advantage of the hardware.