Rogers fuels your passion for mobile games

By: RogersMiranda

March 18th, 2011 a 10:48am

It’s hard to believe that interactive games have been around for a half of a century. Surprised? Check out this recent article from our friends at Connected Magazine that includes a video covering fifty years of video game history.

The convergence between mobile and gaming has never been more prevalent and that’s why we’re excited to be adding the new Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY, the world’s first PlayStation Certified smartphone to our lineup this Spring. Adding to our growing lineup of Android smartphones, the Xperia PLAY combines a console-like gaming experience with the very latest Android platform version 2.3 and dedicated game controls.

With Angry Birds now one of the most popular games for the smartphone operating system, we know that the mobile media ecosystem has become a global game changer (pun intended). Check out these stats from a recent Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) survey.

Smartphone users are five times more likely to play games almost every day than non-smartphone users.
Most PlayStation gamers would rather give up social networking sites or fantasy sports leagues for a whole year than give up playing video games
More than half of PS3 users tout a gaming library of double-digits
1 out of 5 gamers have played a PS3 game for 10+ straight hours.
Chips and pizza ranked high as preferred gaming snacks but 1 out of 3 PS3 gamers choose not to snack at all during game play for total concentration
40% of PS3 gamers cannot be in a relationship with a partner who gets in the way of their gaming

To help fuel your passion for games, you can expect the Xperia PLAY to have around fifty games produced by a range of Android publishers at launch including favorites like: Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior, Star Battalion, The Sims 3, Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus, Air Attack HD, Need for Speed Shift, Dungeon Defender Second Wave, Guitar Hero and Assassins Creed.

Can’t wait for the Xperia PLAY?

Check out our recently launched microsite with more information, device specs, videos and pictures. You can also sign up to get the latest updates via email.

Join our Gamers Club

If you want to stay in the know about the newest and hottest mobile gaming content, you can join the Rogers Gamers Club. Just text CLUBS to 555 and you’ll receive an SMS with a link. Click on the link and select “Opt-In” under the Gamers Club header. Once you’ve opted into the club, you’ll receive free text alerts about the newest game releases, contests and promotions.

What are your favourite mobile games? Will you get the Xperia PLAY this Spring?

UPDATE (April 1, 2011, 1:01 pm): Pricing has been announced and a preorder site is now open. The Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY will be available for $99.99 with a three year voice and data package. Starting today, both new and existing customers can preorder this device through the preorder page found at http://www.rogers.com/xperia.

Miranda MacDonald is a regular contributor to RedBoard

Rating: 3.1/5 (12 votes cast)

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Products, trends, Wireless

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32 Comments

Bradley Blackmere says: March 18th, 2011 a 12:50pm

http://www.androidized.com/shouldnt-xperia-play-have-a-dual-core-chip/

I’ve been wondering this for a while now…
Chris says: March 18th, 2011 a 12:59pm

1 out of 5 gamers have played a PS3 game for 10+ straight hours. <- not that there's anything wrong with that!

Now that 72hrs when Final Fantasy VII came out… Might have been a bit much, but I was in high school..
- RogersMiranda says: March 18th, 2011 a 1:06pm
  
  Wow! 72hrs!? You must have made a serious dent in the couch. :)
OldMadGamer says: March 18th, 2011 a 1:06pm

The link for the Xperia microsite isn’t working….
- RogersMiranda says: March 18th, 2011 a 1:10pm
  
  Hmm… Works OK for me here. The direct URL is http://www.rogers.com/xperia
  
  If you still have issues, try clearing your cache.
Casey says: March 20th, 2011 a 6:16pm

Hello, so this news about the xperia has been on rogers site for over a month now, any set launch dates? Will the japan disaster effect shipments and the release date? Ericsson has officially stated there will be a shortage.

The reason I ask this is because I’ve been waiting since Roger’s announcement early february, and waiting over 2 months for a phone is abit nuts as the product will become dated due to newer technology. Considering the fact that the Japan disaster has CLEARLY effected Sony Ericsson enough for them to release a statement declaring probably shortages, really irks me into going with another carrier who will give me more information.
- RogersMiranda says: March 22nd, 2011 a 9:45am
  
  Hi Casey,
  
  We haven’t revealed a specific launch date, other than to say the devices will be coming this Spring. Launch dates are often tough to nail down specifically since there’s so many factors that can effect them. As soon as we have more details to share, we’ll get more info up here on RedBoard. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Donovan says: March 21st, 2011 a 1:56am

Wow. Rogers must have hired new web artists … by far THIS is the best site for phones Rogers has EVER done! Please pass on my congratulations to the site designers for Xperia.

I’m VERY curious if SonyEricsson will finally bring their music service over to be available for Canadians. Rogers has always been a great patron to SE devices … even Ericsson devices (still bummed no T39M was ever offered back in the day during GSM testing; Timeports sucked).

Xperia should sell well … the battery life, graphics performance, display and readily available apps should give the Galaxy S a serious run for its money.

But SE took just a tad late with this one … I’m on iPhone now but this sure looks sexy & unique. If I would try Android again this Xperia Arc would be it!
- RogersMiranda says: March 22nd, 2011 a 9:47am
  
  Hey Donovan,
  
  Thanks for the shout-outs on the website! Glad you like it. I passed along your kudos to the team that worked on it. :)
  
  I’m not sure about the SonyEricsson music service. You could try reaching out to them on their Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SECanada) or Twitter page (@SonyEricssonCA)
Elizabeth says: March 21st, 2011 a 2:20pm

so is rogers going to get any actual decent android phones ever? so far they are all terrible, I would never get either of these xperia phones. Good try, but huge fail. I might have to go to Bell for the Atrix.
- RogersMiranda says: March 22nd, 2011 a 9:48am
  
  Hi Elizabeth,
  
  OK, so you’re not a fan of the Xperia devices. In your opinion, what makes a great Android device? What sort of features/functionality are must-haves?
  - Bradley Blackmere says: March 22nd, 2011 a 11:10am
    
    I ask a few questions when considering a new phone:
    
    How current is the hardware?
    -The sony phone is using a processor from this time last year. New android devices, and the new iphone, will be on newer hardware. Basically it’s obsolete and it hasn’t been launched yet.
    
    How current is the Andoid OS for the device, and how likely to be updated?
    – Sony has been very slow with updates in the past, and it’s probably still going to be the case with this phone. Thankfully this phone will have Android 2.3, but i think we can assume that it will have Android 2.3 for a very long time. This is a problem, because security updates are a big part of why an OS needs to be updated.
    
    I’m sure the device will be perfectly functional… but Sony likes to pretend that it’s the next big thing, when their devices are really not. I’m not sure what the financial relationship between Rogers and Sony looks like… but i doubt Rogers is getting real value by partnering with Sony. I would love for the Sony phones to be awesome, but they continue to be behind the curve.
    - Elizabeth says: March 22nd, 2011 a 2:40pm
      
      Yes, Bradley pretty much nailed it.
      
      I’m looking for a dual core processor with a gig of ram… Nearly all other providers can give me this except you guys. I have been able to upgrade since jan, but haven’t bothered since you guys have no good phones. Definitely considering other options at this point.
    - RogersMiranda says: March 22nd, 2011 a 2:47pm
      
      Thanks for the feedback Bradley. Those are definitely some valid things to take into consideration when considering a new smartphone.
      
      As for Sony Ericsson, we value our relationship with them. While this particular device may not be for everyone, we’re definitley pretty excited about it!
      - Bradley Blackmere says: March 22nd, 2011 a 4:30pm
        
        Thanks Miranda,
        
        I certainly don’t mean to harsh on Sony. They’ve done some great things for gaming. The Playstation 1 and 2, and the original PSP, were groundbreaking devices. It’s frustrating to see them struggling to be competitive in the mobile market.
        
        Rogers has been a pretty decent telcom to be a customer for, but more and more it’s the phone hardware that is driving people to a specific carrier. I want Rogers to succeed by having the best devices at the best prices.
        
        Thanks :-)
Paul says: March 22nd, 2011 a 1:56pm

hi rogers,
i just had a few questions regarding the xperia play.
i have recently read an article stating that in the U.S. under the verizon brand (http://www.xperiablog.net/2011/03/22/verizon-xperia-play-launching-with-stock-android-in-mid-april/) the xperia play will come stocked with a unmodified stock android OS, i know that this isn’t the states, but i do know that the supply of phones are usually sent for “North America” meaning that the phones sent to the U.S. would not differ much from ours.
this would be exciting if it was true for rogers as well, considering that the rate of updates will be swift considering there would be little to no modification from google to sony ericcson to the consumer.
my second question is regarding an accessory for the xperia play,
will you be selling the DK300 dock (http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/products/accessoryportfolio/specification/dk300) at launch? and if not, do you have plans to carry it in the future at your rogers plus stores?
- Bradley Blackmere says: March 22nd, 2011 a 4:33pm
  
  If this phone came with stock android that would be exciting. The whole industry needs to move in that direction.
- RogersMiranda says: March 24th, 2011 a 11:43am
  
  Hey Paul,
  
  I’m not sure off-hand. You may want to try reaching out to Sony Ericsson via their Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SECanada) or Twitter page (@SonyEricssonCA)
  
  As for accessories, we’ll have those details closer to launch. Not very helpful, I know. But that’s all the info I have at the moment. :)
Kevin says: March 23rd, 2011 a 7:25pm

Hi Miranda, I asked this question when you originally posted about the launch of the Arc and Play, but never got an answer. I’ve had a ton of issues with my Xperia X10 this past year and looking to upgrade to something new. I only purchased this phone because someone from your customer service dept was ranting and raving about how great it was, (which we all know isn’t the case). I know when there were problems with Apple, Rogers gave a discount to existing customers who were upgrading to a newer iPhone. Do you (rogers) plan on giving some sort of discount to existing rogers customers who purchased the Xperia X10?

This will be my deciding factor as to whether I purchase the new Xperia phones but also staying with rogers. I feel as if rogers favours the customers who purchase the iPhone over other devices.
- RogersMiranda says: March 24th, 2011 a 11:35am
  
  Hey Kevin,
  
  Sorry if we missed your last question. For now, we have no special promotional offers to announce with respect to Sony Ericsson devices. If that changes, we’ll let you know.
Casey says: March 23rd, 2011 a 11:08pm

Yess!! just got information from rogers!! April 14th release date?
- RogersMiranda says: March 24th, 2011 a 11:45am
  
  Hi Casey,
  
  We actually haven’t revealed a specific release date, but stay tuned! We’ll have some more details up on RedBoard soon.
  
  In the meantime, have you signed up for email updates via our website (http://www.rogers.com/xperia). If you sign up there, we’ll send you emails with price and availability details as soon as they’re available.
M.J. says: March 25th, 2011 a 3:06am

Well its been a while, I dont know whats going on but any other carrier wouldnt take so long to just give us a release date. I really want to upgrade to the Arc, but this is taking forever. I the april 14th release date that Casey commented up there is correct lol. I like Rogers services and reception, just hope they release the Arc and Play very soon.
- Casey says: March 26th, 2011 a 11:22pm
  
  I hope so as well, if they do not release it soon the phone will be abit behind the curve. There are delays in the UK due to software and the delay is until May MINIMUM. If the same follows suit, I fear that rogers will not see this device until July or bare minimum June.
Andrew says: March 27th, 2011 a 4:50pm

Can’t wait to get my game on with the Xperia Play!
Jerry says: March 28th, 2011 a 6:35pm

I have to agree with Bradley, Elizabeth and a few of the other comments. I was wondering if Rogers has lost their contract with HTC and Motorola?. I noticed Telus, Bell have been bringing phones such as the HTC Desire HD, HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire Z, Motorola Atrix and other high end smartphones to Canada. The last decent Android phone Rogers released was the Samsung Galaxy. ?
Andrew says: March 29th, 2011 a 10:45am

The Arc is shaping up to be a great multimedia device. I was originally skeptical because of the processor and RAM, but after seeing it in action, my woes have been subsided. Now to decide.. Arc or Play?

IF ONLY the Play had HDMI out and the Mobile Bravia Engine.

Also, kudos to Sony Ericsson for lightening up their presence in the Android OS on these devices. The X10 was fine, but not what it could have been considering the specs.
Jordan says: April 8th, 2011 a 4:24pm

How do I opt-out? I never opted-in for this in the first place and there is no information regarding a way to stop this service.
- RogersMiranda says: April 12th, 2011 a 4:52pm
  
  Hi Jordan,
  
  Are you asking about opting out of email updates about the Xperia PLAY? If so, I’m not sure off-hand. I’m looking into this for you.
  
  If you’re looking to opt out of the Gamers Club text messages, just reply STOP and you will be removed from the distribution list.
Sean says: April 11th, 2011 a 8:35am

Every release is a mess with Rogers. They never get good Android devices and when they do they announce them and then get delayed and so on. Bell and Telus are releasing Android Highend devices like every month. What is happening to Rogers, this is horrible. At least Bell and Telus announce then release weeks later. When did Rogers announce these Sony phone’s, oh ya like 2 months ago lol. Trust me delays are in the works. Don’t wait for Rogers, they have no clue what they are doing anymore. Jump ship and get good devices.
George says: April 11th, 2011 a 5:13pm

Hello, I would like to know if the Xperia Play can be purchased off contract, for how much? But I would also like to know when its going to be released in Montreal, Canada are there going to be enough in stock at all Rogers Stores?
- RogersMiranda says: April 12th, 2011 a 4:55pm
  
  Hi George,
  
  We haven’t announced off-contract pricing or an exact launch date yet. We anticipate inventory levels to be normal at launch. If that changes, we’ll let customers know. We can’t communicate actual inventory numbers.