New Model N-Gage Revealed

[EdwardKnoxII]

From 411:

 

New Model N-Gage Revealed

Posted By Alex Williams on 04.14.04

 

Some features scrapped, slight price reduction

 

After the lukewarm (at best) reception the world gave Nokia after the N-Gage launched, there were rumors that the company would develop a new model to their gaming/cell phone device. Today, they've officially unveiled it to the world. Calling it the "N-Gage QD", they hope to recover from the flat-out failure their first attempt was.

 

The model itself is more of an "ovalish" shape, but keeps the same basic design as the original face-plate. The screen is still the same size, although it has been reported that the graphics will look sharper. A major change, however, consists that cartridges are now top-loading, a feature that is STANDARD on every other handheld gaming device on the market today. (Nokia FINALLY caught wind of this?)

 

Other changes include the following:

 

--Phone users can now talk using the face of the phone, rather than the awkward "side-talking" done with the previous model.

--The D-pad can will no longer be used as full "button". An extra button has been added to the lower-right of the D-pad to duplicate that function.

--The MP3 and radio features have been scrapped to reduce cost.

--Triband functionality has also been scrapped.

--N-Gage Arena will come preinstalled

 

The handheld will be sold at two prices. If you buy it with a service contract, the phone is only $99.99. Without a service contract, the cost will be $199.99 and include the N-Gage version Tony Hawk Pro Skater, arguably the best game on the system right now. (It should be worth mentioning, however, that certain retail outlets are selling N-Gages currently at $199.99 with three free games.)

 

Currently, the United States will see the new model in June, while European, African, and Asian terrirories will see it in May.

 

Of course the BIG question is that even with these modifications, can Nokia even hold a candle to the unbridled success of the GBA, and put up a fight with the upcoming Sony PSP and Nintendo DS systems? I guess (no) we'll just (way) have to (in) see how (hell) things pan out from here.

 

(Credit goes to Gamespot)

[AndrewTS]

This will go over like the "revamped" XFL, I imagine. It will get a few more sales probably, but probably the same round of indifference the original got.

[Anya]

It's pretty sad when you have to hype top loading carts as a new feature.

 

If they'd release a MK game for it I'd buy it.

[Vyce]

They updated THIS piece of shit?

 

Christ, why bother?

[Agent_Bond34]

How many of you have actually seen people in public with N-Gages?

 

Getting back on topic...

 

From what I heard, the N-Gage sucks, I have never personally played it, myself.

 

Is it really that bad?

[Ced]

You look stupid answering the N-Gage's phone, the gaming system is very awkward and the video game ports are poor at best. It's supposed to be a cell phone and handheld video game device all in one yet it sucks at being either. Do the math.

 

However, I imagine the N-Gage might go the way of the Virtual Boy. So buy one now and you might be able to sell it for 5 times the price on eBay ten years from now. Maybe.

[Chuck Woolery]

I actually know a kid who has an N-Gage and thinks it's cool shit and flaunts it to everyone he knows.

 

Not surprisingly, everyone else thinks he's a douche bag.

[Blue Bacchus]

We got 6 of them in at my store. Sold one it got returned Defective. Never sold another.

[Guest Smues]

So they took away features, and are charging the same price as the fully loaded one? Yeah that'll sell like hotcakes!

[The Czech Republic]

So they took away features, and are charging the same price as the fully loaded one? Yeah that'll sell like hotcakes!

Especially if they smell like hotcakes.