The Ericsson Xperia Play has finally been unveiled, following the PlayStation phone's recent Super Bowl TV spot and months of speculation, leaks and rumours.

The device, the first and only PlayStation certified smartphone, will have access to PlayStation game content through the PlayStation Suite, Sony's based game store.

As we already knew, the phone features a slide-out design, with a concealed panel housing a D-pad, a couple of analogue touch pads, two shoulder buttons and the four signature PlayStation face buttons.

Also included is a five megapixel camera and a four inch touch sensitive screen. The device runs on Gingerbread (2.3), a version of the Google Android platform.

Powering all this is a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with a 1Ghz CPU and embedded Adreno GPU graphics processor. What that means in layman's terms, according to Sony Ericsson, is that the Xperia Play is capable of providing 60fps, gaming and web browsing with minimal power consumption.

Among the confirmed launch titles are 10 (complete with multiplayer), Need for Speed, 3, and Splinter Cell. A game is also slated for release, despite recently announcing that on the series had been disbanded.

The device will also come pre-loaded with original PlayStation title Crash Bandicoot.

In the official release, Sony Computer Entertainment boss 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 in some regions from March. network operators in the are suggesting an April release. Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile and O2 will all offer the device. No pricing or contract details have yet been announced.

By Lee Bradley