PlayStation phone heading for Christmas release?

In what seems to be the missing link in the evolution of mobile and gaming, more evidence of a Sony Ericsson PlayStation phone has been unearthed by Engadget - along with tantalising pictures of a prototype handset.

PlayStation phone - Sony Ericcson's prototype. Photo: Engadget

Originally slated for a 2010 release, 2011 now looks more likely for the handset which could put Sony Ericsson back in the smartphone game. The PlayStation phone will probably run Android 3.0 (a more advanced version of Android destined for tablets and higher-powered phones) and the prototype pored over by Engagdet has 512Mb of RAM, 1Gb of ROM with two familiar PS controller buttons and a central touchpad.

This would be Sony Ericsson's first Android handset and one that Sony would use to launch a new section of the Android Marketplace specifically for PSP Android games. Engadget got wind of this back in August before these pics were published, and said games would probably include PlayStation staples Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, God of War and LittleBigPlanet, though 3D and augmented reality games are likely.

Will it be here in time for Christmas? Sounds like that was the plan, but it might be a push. Either way, Sony will be hoping the handset can help it compete against games on the iPhone and iPod, and perhaps lure a few social gamers onto a more serious gaming gadget.

• Update: It's fake, claims NowGamer. I've contacted Sony for clarification.... and they gave us a big fat "we don't comment on rumour or speculation". On balance, though, it is very likely there is some form of PlayStation phone in the works. Those "rumours and speculation" stretch back years - check out this mock up from early 2008.

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