Two fine bits of Sony news this morning. First, the Xperia Play has been given a due date, bound for a US launch compliments of Verizon Wireless on May 26. Second, we have details on the PlayStation Network outage apology — ready to find out what free goodies Sony’s bringing to the dinner table?
Whether you call it the PlayStation Phone, Zeus Z1, or Xperia Play, the world’s first PlayStation certified Android handset will be making its way to the U.S. later this month. Verizon Wireless and Sony Ericsson confirmed the May 26 launch in a joint press release this morning. Price at $199.99 on a two-year contract, the Xperia Play will be available for pre-order starting this Thursday, May 19 — coincidentally, also Apple’s 10th retail anniversary. If you haven’t had a chance, we recommend taking a look at our complete Xperia Play review here.
Now for details on Sony’s PSN outage apology, now known as ‘The Welcome Back Program’. All PlayStation network members will be have their choice of any two PS3 games from the following list: LittleBigPlanet, Infamous, Wipeout HD/Fury, Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty, Dead Nation. PSP users will choose two games from the following list: LittleBigPlanet PSP, ModNation PSP, Pursuit Froce, Killzone Liberation.
In addition to the two free games, any non PS Plus subscriber will be granted 30 days of free access. Existing PS Plus subscribers will be given 60 days of free subscription and existing Music Unlimited subscribers will be given 30 days of free subscription. In a move to protect your identity, Sony is offering 12-months of free identify protection. Now let’s look at the fine print:
Once the welcome back programs goes live, PSN users will have 30 days to redeem their free content and services. To be eligible, you must have been an account holder on April 20, 2011. In order to be eligible for the 12-month free identity protection you’ll need to be a gamer residing in the UK, France, Italy, Germany or Spain.
Now that you’ve heard the good word, it’s time to render a verdict. Is Sony’s ‘Welcome Back Program’ too little too late or are you happy with the outcome? Sound off.
via PlayStation Blog
