HTC became the first third-party hardware manufacturer to join Sony's PlayStation Mobile certification program, enabling gamers to play classic PlayStation titles like Crash Bandicoot and Gran Turismo across HTC Android smartphones and tablets.

Sony first announced the PlayStation Mobile program (formerly PlayStation Suite) last year in a move to extend the venerable gaming brand across the mobile ecosystem. "It expands the PlayStation experience beyond the PSP border," then-Sony Computer Entertainment CEO/future Sony Corporation President and CEO Kazuo Hirai said at the time. "It is the first cross-platform endeavor."

Content developed via the PlayStation Mobile SDK will be available on HTC devices including the HTC One X, One S and One V later this year. Sony said it will license PlayStation-related properties to HTC and provide hardware support. Rumors of the Sony/HTC partnership first surfaced in February.

Sony also announced plans to deliver cross-platform experiences connecting the PlayStation 3 console with its PlayStation Vita handheld. Titles like Hustle Kings, MotorStorm RC and Wipeout HD will integrate new Cross-Play features enabling gamers to experience match or collaborative play across both the PS3 and PS Vita. Sony additionally will introduce Cross-Controller, allowing users to leverage their PS Vita to play games on the PS3 using technologies like the device touchscreen, rear touchpad, six-axis motion sensing system and camera. Cross-Controller is currently limited to Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, with support coming soon to LittleBigPlanet 2.

Sony is further integrating the two gaming platforms with Cross-Save, which allows players to begin playing PS3 titles like Blazblue Continuum Shift Extend and MLB 12: The Show at home, then continue playing on the go on their Vita. Sony will additionally support Cross-Goods, giving gamers the flexibility to access premium content and user-generated media on both PS3 and PS Vita. Consumers may also share content between the two platforms.

Sony released the PlayStation Vita to U.S. consumers Feb. 22. A Wi-Fi-only version of the portable gaming device is priced at $249, with a 3G/Wi-Fi edition priced at $299. AT&T Mobility is Sony's exclusive mobile broadband connectivity provider in the U.S. Sony has so far sold more than 1.8 million Vita units worldwide. By comparison, global sales of the PlayStation 3 top 65 million.

Sony is also looking to expand the Vita beyond gaming: Speaking Monday at the E3 conference, Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO Jack Tretton revealed plans to extend the Hulu Plus and Crackle streaming video applications to the Vita platform.