Sony Ericsson today announced the Xperia Play that features slide-out game Pad for immersive gaming experience. According to Sony, Xperia Play delivers the smartphone functionality that the most serious power users could need, teamed with the immersive gaming experience that any gamer would want.

The slide out game pad reveals a digital D pad, two analogue touch pads, two shoulder buttons and the four PlayStation icons: circle, cross, square and triangle. Qualcomm's optimized Snapdragon processor with a 1Ghz CPU and embedded Adreno GPU graphics processor delivering smooth 60fps play-back 3D mobile gaming. The Android 2.3 based handset also features 4-inch touchscreen and 5-megapixel camera.

Sony Ericsson has partnered with key publishers in the gaming industry to deliver many leading new titles via the Android Marketplace. Leading franchises coming to Xperia Play includes EA's Need For Speed, Sims 3 and a world-first multiplayer version of FIFA 10 for mobile. GLU Mobile/Activision will be bringing Guitar Hero while Gameloft's titles include Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell. Sony Ericsson is also partnering with Unity Technologies, using its award-winning development platform, to ensure a continuous flow of high quality 3D game titles.

A pre-loaded application will enable users to easily discover and download titles that have been optimized for game play on Xperia PLAY, access recently played games and see information about the games they have downloaded.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play will be available globally in selected markets from March 2011.