News regarding the UK release date for the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play phone, is that it will be released on 31 March 2011.

Reports indicate that Sony Ericsson expect the launch of the Xperia Play to be the biggest ever marketing campaign that has been done in the UK, see article by one of the guys at 3g.co.uk

The Xperia Play phone (aka Playstation phone or PSP phone) is the first smartphone to be actually linked with the Playstation name and comes with a slide out gaming control pad that has two shoulder buttons, 4 face buttons, two analogue touch pads and a d-pad, all of which will enhance that gaming experience.

Now apparently the Xperia will come with six pre-installed games: FIFA 10, Crash Bandicoot, Bruce Lee Dragon Warriors, The Sims 3, Star Battalion & Tetris

It is also claimed by the guys at mynextfone.co.uk that there will be around 50 games available from the date of launch through the Playstation suite service.

If you think this may be a phone for you, why not see my colleague Jame’s previous post which includes a hands on video of this smartphone or my post dated 24 February 2011 which relates to a docking station for the phone.