N-Gage resurfaces as gaming brand on newer Nokia phones
Ah, the N-Gage. Doesn’t that word just put a smile on your face? Such a silly device, everyone knew it wouldn’t work, but they went ahead and did it anyway . . . Now the N-Gage is resurfacing!
The new N-Gage service will be launched globally in November allowing you to download N-Gage games for play either on PC or mobile phone. Upon launch of the service it will be compatible with the Nokia N73, N81, N81 8GB, N93, N93i, N95, and N95 8GB cell phones. And come Nov. it will come pre-installed on the aforementioned phones.
Once the N-Gage software has been installed, gamers can browse and try for free any game compatible with their handset. Full games can then be downloaded for between $8 and $16 US dollars or €6 and €10 euros (£4-7), and can be bought using a credit card or added to the phone bill. Games to be available include mobile versions of The Sims 2: Pets, Tetris, FIFA 08, and Crash Bandicoot. You will also be able to challenge other players over the network via N-Gage Arena.
There were rumors back in February that the new N-Gage would be revealed at GDC, although those rumors proved to be incorrect.
The first N-Gage handset received an onslaught of criticism due to it’s awkward design, which had you taking out the battery simply to change games, and if someone called you had to turn the system onto it’s side to talk into it, popularizing the term “sidetalkin’” and many people said it was like holding a taco up to your face.
The N-Gage QD, a redesigned model that allowed for more traditional front-talking, followed in 2004, although the launch of the Nintendo DS and PSP shortly after seemed to deliver the final nail in the coffin for the N-Gage as a dedicated gaming platform. It simply faded out after that.
Check out this video of GameSpot’s Jeff Gerstmann showing off the original N-Gage.
– Via GameSpot
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