Those interested in getting the Xperia play should be pleased to know that it is now available for preorder on most major UK mobile carriers such as O2, Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile. The release of the model to the public is estimated to be at the end of March.

The carriers are offering a great deal for people who want to get this device with plans averaging at £30 a month with the smartphone already free. You could also choose to get the Xperia Play sim free from various online stores however this is going to cost more money in upfront payment.

We heard earlier that both O2 and Vodafone were going to release the gaming Android handset, the Xperia Play by Sony Ericsson upon release in the UK, although  at the time a release date wasn’t known, nor was pricing. However, Orange have also confirmed that they will be stocking the Xperia Play and point to an April release. T-Mobile have also confirmed that they will stock the handset once released in the UK. They also list the Xperia Play as being an April release.

The Android 2.1 update has been available in the UK for a little while now for unbranded handsets, while network branded handsets have had to wait. Most notable O2 users, who have in the past also had issues with O2 releasing updates and the Android 2.1 update is no different, for O2 UK anyway.

Coming soon to the T-Mobile network in the UK is the Sony Ericsson Android powered Xperia X10 Mini.

The T-Mobile website is now showing the X10 Mini as a ‘pre-order’ and there is a register your interest form posted up on the site for potential customers which can be found on this page.

In the UK, the Xperia X10 has been released on T-Mobile. It’s available for free on a £35 a month contract, with the contract lasting 24 months. You can order the handset from T-Mobile but, they note it can take up to 10 days for it to be delivered.

Orange will also be stocking the handset but, they list the X10 as coming soon. Both Orange and T-Mobile will be offering the black version of the handset. While if you’re after the white model, it will be an Orange exclusive. There’s no information on tariff pricing for Orange but, it’s very likely to be the same.