Google is taking its Google Wallet sales pitch directly to consumers, offering an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from Samsung on Google Play for $399. The phone will be featured in a new section of Google Play that offers Android devices.

According to a post on the Google Mobile blog, the phone is loaded with the latest Ice Cream Sandwich version of Android and can be used on any GSM wireless network including T-Mobile and AT&T.

What's more, since it's not being shipped through a carrier, there are no issues over who owns the Secure Element in the phone. It comes with Google Wallet pre-installed and buyers even get a $10 credit on their prepaid account.

In addition to the unlocked phone, a Google Commerce post said three phones from Sprint — the Galaxy Nexus, LG Viper 4G LTE and LG Optimus Elite — all come loaded with Google Wallet. and that Virgin Mobile will be offering Google Wallet on the LG Optimus Elite.

For more stories on this topic, visit the Mobile Wallet research center.