No wait, this is N-Gage the gaming platform, not the chunky, barely disguised Series 60 handset that pretended to be a games console (and to its credit could run some great emulators). Of course, we've all known about the N-Gage plans for ages, but this morning Nokia revealed a little more detail about the concept.
Set for launch in November, owners of compatible handsets will be able to download the N-Gage app to their phones and/or PCs from this address. Gamers will then be able to access the N-Gage site, which works rather like iTunes, giving easy access to a whole range of games and allowing users to try before they buy - removing one of the biggest barriers to the widescale adoption of mobile games (at least that's what the mobile industry keeps telling itself).
The service will also offer a community element, allowing games to challenge players from around the world - another factor largelky missing from the UK mobile gaming experience. Games will cost between sic and ten euros each. More here.
The company also announced four new handsets including the high-end Nokia N81, which comes complete with dedicated gaming keys. Here are some images. It's also pre-configured for N-Gage AND the keys light up when you hit 'em.
