Nokia Joins the Interactive Entertainment Industry
When the N-Gage was announced back in 2002, Nokia shook the games industry with its plans to become a major player in the interactive gaming market. It's no wonder that Nokia made this decision, seeing as the gaming and cell phone markets are becoming more and more intertwined. Come October 7, 2003, the N-Gage will be the first game system to launch simultaneously across the globe.
Seven major games publishers will support the N-Gage with over 20 titles due out before Christmas. Nokia has admitted that the N-Gage will be geared towards a more mature demographic by offering a multitude of features, practical uses, and advanced 3D graphics capabilities.
Here is all the information we currently know about the N-Gage as we anxiously await its October release date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What the heck is the N-Gage?!
The N-Gage is a new handheld gaming system, with complete GSM cell phone capabilities. The N-Gage is brought to us from the Finland-based cell phone giant Nokia. Here are a few pictures of the system in action:
Is it a phone or game machine?
Both, Nokia included many features found in a high end cell phone, but delivers them in a game-focused design.
Are the games downloadable, or cartridge based?
Games will be released exclusively for the N-Gage on interchangeable game cards (MMC cards). You will also be able to play current downloadable Java 2 based cell games.
Does the N-Gage play music?
Yes, the N-Gage comes with the necessary software to play MP3 and AAC files. All you need is an N-Gage, USB cable (supplied with the system), PC, and a (MMC) memory card to store your music files on. There is also a FM radio receiver built in so you can listen to the radio. Music features can be accessed by the use of shortcut buttons on the face of the N-Gage.
Does the screen have a backlight?
Yes, the N-Gage comes with a backlit LCD screen. The N-Gage's backlit screen is brighter than the GBA SP's side-lit screen.
What is the screen performance?
The high-contrast 176x208 pixel display uses 12-bit color. This equates to a 4096 color depth. Colors will be very vivid and easy to see with the aid of the backlit screen.
Will I be able to send text messages and check email with my N-Gage?
Absolutely, if you are the rare IGN reader that enjoys social contact with other human beings, you can keep in touch with your friends on your N-Gage between games.
- Supported email protocols are: IMAP4, POP3, SMTP, and MIME2.
- You will also be able to utilize Multimedia messaging (send, reply, forward, play audio, stop audio, insert multimedia content) enabling easy and more colorful messaging with compatible devices.
Does the N-Gage support multiplayer?
Yes, multiplayer gaming is one of Nokia's major focuses for the N-Gage. Multiplayer capabilities are one of the N-Gage's most promising features as well. There is no need to use cables to connect to a fellow N-Gager for multiplayer fun, the connection is wireless with the help of Bluetooth technology. Also, the N-Gage Arena will open up the possibility of global network multiplayer games.
Which games support multiplayer?
Many of the N-Gage's launch titles will support wireless BlueTooth multiplayer connectivity. The following N-Gage games will support multiplayer:
- Pandemonium (1-2 players)
- Marcel Desailly Pro Soccer (1-2 players)
- MLB Slam (1-2 players)
- Moto GP (1-4 players)
- Puyo Pop (1-2 players)
- Puzzle Bobble VS. (1-4 players)
- Rayman 3 (1-4 players)
- Red Faction (1-2 players)
- Taito Memories (1-4 players)
- Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (1-2 players)
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (1-2 players)
- Virtua Tennis (1-2 players)
What is the N-Gage Arena?
The N-Gage Arena is Nokia's online community where N-Gage players will be able to post high scores, "Shadow Race" other players (race against another players recorded level/ track time), upload clips to prove your skills, and download cheats and strategies. The N-Gage Arena will also be the destination for future online multiplayer games, where players will be able to challenge and play other people across the globe.
How long will the batteries last?
The N-Gage comes with its own rechargeable battery (BL-5C Li-Ion) and will support the following usage times:
- Games: 3-6 hours.
- Talk time: 2-4 hours.
- MP3: up to 8 hours.
- Radio: up to 20 hours.
- Standby: 150-200 hours.
How much will the games cost?
Game cards will carry a MSRP that ranges from $30-$40.
How much information can fit on a game card?
All of the N-Gage's launch games are on MMC cards that range from 8-16MB. Larger 32 and 64MB cards could also be developed for future games if the extra memory is needed.
Does the N-Gage play Game Boy games?
No, the N-Gage is an entirely different system and only plays N-Gage game cards and downloadable cell phone games.
What kind of CPU and operating system does the N-Gage run on?
The N-Gage runs on a 104Mhz ARM processor, and operates with the Series 60 operating system. The Series 60 operating system is similar to a windows based OS.
What services providers will the N-Gage be compatible with?
You will be able to use your N-Gage's cell phone capabilities with the service provider of choice.
Which publishers will be supporting the N-Gage?
The following seven major publishers are supplying the N-Gage with games:
- Electronic Arts- No specific games have been announced as of yet. EA is the worlds largest interactive entertainment company, and the company says it is excited to take advantage of the N-Gage's capabilities.
- Gameloft- Gameloft is currently working on Marcel Desailly Pro Soccer, Rayman 3, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.
- THQ Wireless- Announced games are: MLB Slam!, Moto GP, and Red Faction.
- Eidos- Announced games are: Pandemonium, and Tomb Raider.
- Sega- Sega is working on: Puyo Pop, Sega Rally 2004, Sonic N, Super Monkey Ball, and Virtua Tennis.
- Taito- Announced games are: Taito Memories, and Puzzle Bobble VS.
- Activision- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
- In addition to these publishers, Nokia will be publishing its own first-party game entitled "Pathway to Glory".
Will we see more than one N-Gage?
Nokia hasn't officially announced that they will develop updated versions of the N-Gage. Nokia's Director of Global Marketing Services Sari Tollet hinted in an interview that Nokia would like to improve on the design of the N-Gage, and that Nokia is "here for the "long term". Whether she is alluding to the N-Gage's successor or to an earlier updated model is unclear. We can only wait for the final word from Nokia.
Do I need a cell phone account to purchase and use the N-Gage solely as a game player?
No, there is no need to activate your N-Gage for cell phone service in order to play games on it.
Where will I be able to purchase an N-Gage?
Initially the system will be available at Best Buy, Circuit City, Electronics Boutique, GameStop and Target, but eventually Nokia plans to sell it in game stores and cell stores alike. Nokia has already begun its online and in-store pre-order campaign. Gamestop, and EB Games, websites and stores are currently taking orders.
What accessories are available for the N-Gage?
Extra batteries, car chargers, wireless BlueTooth headsets, travel chargers, memory cards, and travel cases are available for the N-Gage. (a few pictures of accessories)
We will continue to update the IGN N-Gage channel with new information about the approaching handheld as it becomes available. If you have further questions about the N-Gage, please send them to IGN's N-Gage Mailbag.