Xperia Play available to pre-order

Online retailer Play.com has begun accepting pre-orders for Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Play – the first PlayStation Certified mobile phone.

Pre-orders can be placed for a sale price of 519.99. That’s for the unlocked, sim-free version of the handset.

Of course, all four mobile operators will be offering the device at a subsidised rate for those willing to commit to a contract – and O2 has confirmed exclusive rights to sell the white version of the device.

Sony has previously confirmed a March launch for the US, though an April rollout for Europe had until now been expected.