Earlier this month, we saw a leaked lineup of release date for upcoming Androids on Verizon. Among the included smartphone models, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (the “PlayStation phone”) was tagged for a May 26 debut. So far, dates from that leak that have already passed turned out to be incorrect, so we were understandably beginning to doubt the accuracy of this Xperia Play rumor. Now it looks like we can confirm that planned release date, thanks to a tipster who sent us this internal Verizon retail screenshot, again naming May 26 as the launch date for the Xperia Play.

With the US launch on Verizon, the Xperia Play, which has seen a limited release in Europe, will now be accessible to a even larger gaming population. Sales of apps designed to take advantage of the Play’s enhanced controls have been a little lackluster to date, but Sony Ericsson has been confident that things would pick up as the smartphone launched wide and owners finally started getting comfortable with an Android that’s more about fun than productivity. Of course, with access to all the apps in the Android Market, you’ll be able to get some work done in a pinch, sliding the Play’s gaming controls away until you’re ready to get back into the action.

We expect to have more information on the Xperia Play, including a target price, as the May 26 launch approaches (last we’ve heard is $198.99).

Thanks: anonymous