The N-Gage could have been a contender...

[classicb]

If it had launched with the games that have recently come out and the QD system. The only thing Nokia got right at launch was the timing. The handheld market was just the GBA SP which had the kiddy image. Unfortunately the system and the games looked very rushed and all the design flaws in the original kept people away. Finally now when it seems to be too little too late they are getting it right. I can't help but imagine the success that could have been far better had it launched with games like Pocket Kingdoms, Pathway to Glory, King of Fighters, X-Men Legends,... These are great games that unfortunately are going to be missed by the majority of gamers. While I love the N-Gage I can't imagine how they plan to turn this thing around with the PSP and DS on the market. Nokia has stated firmly several times though that they are here for the long haul, I can't wait to see what their plan is. x_x


* collectors note *

the print runs seem to be getting much smaller on the current releases. the last two games I got Pathway to Glory and Pocket Kingdoms were the display copies. I asked if the newer games were selling better and he said "no you're the only one buying them we just only get one or two copies of each" I saw as he was getting the game out that they had 4+ copies of Moto GP, MLB Slam, Tomb Raider. So forecasting into the future the later releases (also known as the good games) may be harder to find.

edit: I also wanted to add do you think we'll see ebay flooded with just the game cards (like the NGPC) while finding games complete could be much harder. I know there has to be a wharehouse somewhere with bags of these chips that never saw packaging.

[Richter Belmount]

its just gonna die of course , i want only one for the snes and nes emulators.

btw*in your game room pics in your sig nice space harrier cab =P = )*

[classicb]

I always thought the emulators were a bonus. I don't think I would get one just for emulation though. I'm sure other handhelds do a better job. that said the N-Gage is no slouch. I'm surprised just how good the game have gotten.

*plays somebody on the other side of world at Pathway to Glory while walking to the store*

[zektor]

If Nokia's plans include releasing ANY more games I will be ever happier than I am now. If not, no big deal. I have found so much for this system that I am really good for a long time. And I am dying to try this online:

http://www.tibiame.com/

I have been able to make this little phone play full length RM movies, MP3's, OGG's XviDs...just to name some. I think if people just saw what it can do they would think much differently about the N-Gage. The last system I was actually able to do so much with was the Dreamcast.

On another note, I went to a local game store tonight and didn't see anything about the N-Gage except for the kiosk, and of course that was off. I asked if they had any games, and the salesperson first hesitated, then said "Wait, I think we do". He then pulls out two huge totes of games. Every release to date as far as I saw! Still at full prices however...

Maybe if they didn't hide the damn games and systems in the back room they could generate mroe sales...

[classicb]

you can add Sega Master System :) to the list of things the N-Gage can do. I don't know how long it's been released but I think only a few days. I have tibia on my phone but haven't had a chance to play it yet. If the N-Gage does go under I think we can still look forward to games like that.

[zektor]

its just gonna die of course , i want only one for the snes and nes emulators.

btw*in your game room pics in your sig nice space harrier cab =P = )*

I think you'd be disappointed in the SNES emulator to say the least, and while the NES emulator is very good the aspect ratio is pretty bad. The best emulator for the N in my opinion is the Gameboy emulator. Seems to run at full/near full speed with sound, and compatible with ever game I have tried. If you get one, get it for other reasons than just an emu system.

[zektor]

you can add Sega Master System :) to the list of things the N-Gage can do. I don't know how long it's been released but I think only a few days. I have tibia on my phone but haven't had a chance to play it yet. If the N-Gage does go under I think we can still look forward to games like that.

Yep. tried it. It displays nicely, just plays like crap. That's ok tho, as this IS progress! Now we at least know that SMS emulation is coming along. I will be SO happy when it is at perfect speed with sound.

[thegreatescape]

Maybe if they didn't hide the damn games and systems in the back room they could generate more sales...

Its the same thing here (except for the prices) and it baffles the mind to think that one Nokia is getting no favours from the people they rely on to sell their products. Its not enough to just have a kiosk with flyers on it, they need to get games on the shelf to show people the N-Gage isnt dead just yet :/

The GB Emulators are definately the highlight of the N-gage's emulator library- VBoy is great, the only problem is when you try to play some of the larger roms (e.g 2mb) it has flicker problems. The SMS/GG emulator is making good progress too- it will be good to play game gear games in public again without being embarressed :)

[WanganRunner]

Well, if the thing does go the way of the dodo, hopefully I'll be able to snag one of those display kisoks. :D

[Satac]

If Nokia's plans include releasing ANY more games I will be ever happier than I am now. If not, no big deal. I have found so much for this system that I am really good for a long time. And I am dying to try this online:

http://www.tibiame.com/


Wow - this sounds great - a free MMORPG on the go :eek 2:
Has anybody played this? Is it good?

[CreamSoda]

NGage=The 3DO of the handheld world.

[classicb]

Well, if the thing does go the way of the dodo, hopefully I'll be able to snag one of those display kisoks. :D

try snagging one now the stores don't even turn them on anymoe..


NGage=The 3DO of the handheld world.

if you mean in terms of being overpriced at launch and not selling well I'd agree but if you mean in terms of what the hardware could do I don't think so. most people think N-Gage=Dreamcast of the handheld world

[Jasoco]

I have an N-gage game. Tomb Raider. It sits unopened on my shelf until the end of time, or I find an N-gage at a GameStop in 10 years.

[classicb]

I have an N-gage game. Tomb Raider. It sits unopened on my shelf until the end of time, or I find an N-gage at a GameStop in 10 years.

I guess you kind of missed the point of my post

[Jasoco]

I wasn't even looking for your point.

[classicb]

I wasn't even looking for your point.

nevermind then keep up the good work

[PDorr3]

The only reason I think the N-gage failed was becuase it was waaay too expensive and it was also not marketed and advertised enough. There ARE alot of good games coming out for it now, I cant wait to collect for the system, but I'm gonna wait until I can pick up a QD for under $100.

[Gemini-Phoenix]

The emulator's were indeed a nice bonus. They don't run with sound, but to play the original Sonic on my mobile phone was just bliss!!!


I have also noticed that hardly anywhere is stocking Ngage games. It's always been that way. If I find somewhere that does, its usually a phone shop getting rid of Rayman 3's (Expensively) or a bunch of the first 6 - 8 games which came out (The common crap)

I also believe that the last handful of games will definately soar in value. Pocket Kingdoms and Pathway To Glory in particular as these will no doubt be the two most sought after games for the Ngage.


I think we will start seeing more memory cards / Cd Rom or Dvd Rom discs with all the games on plus extra's. Bootlegs basically. No doubt as Ngage stuff dries up, these bootleg discs will become more available...



I've now upgraded my phone to a better mobil so I can keep my Ngage as a gaming device only. May even look to getting a QD as well if they drop to sub £50.


It's pretty obvious that as mobile phone technology advances, the Ngage will be left behind. Unless Nokia include Ngage compatability in a wider range of their phones (Ie, most their newer phones take the same memory cards, so why not include controller buttons?) - Why limit Ngage games to just specific handsets?

[classicb]

It's pretty obvious that as mobile phone technology advances, the Ngage will be left behind. Unless Nokia include Ngage compatability in a wider range of their phones (Ie, most their newer phones take the same memory cards, so why not include controller buttons?) - Why limit Ngage games to just specific handsets?

this is actually a popular rumor among people speculating how Nokia plans to stay committed to mobile gaming as they lose ground competting in the handheld market.

[postulio]

we're obviously not talking about the same system... my ngage has a tiny, mind blowingly stupid orientation screen, the best graphics resemble Lego's having sex, and buttons feels like im playing snake on my OLD nokia phone, only this time its colorful (somewhat).

future rarity? sure, most shit consoles are. but if you guys had hopes for this system, or are wondering why its dying... perhaps you should rethink your choice of hobby, or at least monitor the market more carefully. Ngage had Degenerate stamped all over it the second it was anounced, the only person i met who actually argued this point was the Nokia rep i met at E3 that year.

what did ngage do wrong? id say just about everything, arguing about it wont help and is pointless, i didnt kill it, it was dead the second it was born.


people should definately keep their eyes pealed for cheapo games for this stinker, its practically already a collectable. to those of you who havent tried it yet, dont sweat it, youre not missing anything, for an ngage experience all you need is to break your fingers and play batman and/or mortal kombat on the game gear with duct tape on each side of the screen.

yes i do own it, no i didnt pay much for it ($30), yes i played the recent games (flash card), and no, its not fun.


let the flames begin!

[classicb]

I don't disagree acept for the part about the recent games. Games like Pathway to Glory and Pocket Kingdoms don't require allot of button movement and are more strategy based. A good idea for a system with not the greatest buttons. I like the online aspect of those games too. I hope the N-Gage gets more games like those.

[Jasoco]

I wasn't even looking for your point.

nevermind then keep up the good work LOL

Oh, I have a question. Since the N-Gages screen is vertical, how in the world are emuulated games displayed? Are they "Letterbox" with space above and below? Or are they rotated? Isn't the screen pretty small if they're horizontal? Or does it stretch/squish it? Anyone have a diagram? I've always been curious.

[thegreatescape]

Most of the emulators can run letterbox, rotated, squished or cropped. For some reason the gameboy emulator i use (vboy) cant run in full screen and has top/bottom borders + very thing vertical borders. Still plays great though ;)

Re: Postulio.
I'd love to add a rebuttle, but nokia just put up an x-men legends demo and I have to go watch legos having sex (even though its sprite based) and not have fun on my tiny, mind blowingly stupid screened n-gage. :|

[tony_good]

NGage=The 3DO of the handheld world.

I couldn't have put it better myself. If there's one area The Big N will always dominate, it's the handheld market.

N-Gage was a good idea that was unfortunately doomed from the very beginning.

Anybody who didn't see that was just deceiving themselves.

[zektor]

we're obviously not talking about the same system... my ngage has a tiny, mind blowingly stupid orientation screen, the best graphics resemble Lego's having sex, and buttons feels like im playing snake on my OLD nokia phone, only this time its colorful (somewhat).

future rarity? sure, most shit consoles are. but if you guys had hopes for this system, or are wondering why its dying... perhaps you should rethink your choice of hobby, or at least monitor the market more carefully. Ngage had Degenerate stamped all over it the second it was anounced, the only person i met who actually argued this point was the Nokia rep i met at E3 that year.

what did ngage do wrong? id say just about everything, arguing about it wont help and is pointless, i didnt kill it, it was dead the second it was born.


people should definately keep their eyes pealed for cheapo games for this stinker, its practically already a collectable. to those of you who havent tried it yet, dont sweat it, youre not missing anything, for an ngage experience all you need is to break your fingers and play batman and/or mortal kombat on the game gear with duct tape on each side of the screen.

yes i do own it, no i didnt pay much for it ($30), yes i played the recent games (flash card), and no, its not fun.


let the flames begin!

There must be something wrong with your N-Gage, since mine displays great...nothing near the way you describe. Perhaps you are really playing on your old phone and just don't realize it?

Anyway, for everyone else, try it and make your own judgement. This guy's post is somewhat incorrect imho.

[classicb]

Re: Postulio.
I'd love to add a rebuttle, but nokia just put up an x-men legends demo and I have to go watch legos having sex (even though its sprite based) and not have fun on my tiny, mind blowingly stupid screened n-gage. :|

How is it? (I'm of course talking about the x-men and not the legos ;) ) I planed on buying it next week. I'm on a mac so I can't download the demo. :(

Also I'd still like to do that trade if you've thought of anything you want.

[classicb]

I love this great cell phone/handheld that seems to find a way to keep going despite all the bad reps. I will keep buying for it untill it goes no more. At that time I should have a complete set of games and then slowly but surely the rest of the video game collectors will realize what they missed out on and scramble to collect for the system but find out that many of the better late release games had low print runs. Then I'll point them to this post and say I told you to get it when it was still new. These are the same people who PM me asking me where I got some of my Neo Geo Pocket Color titles. which I always reply too with "I got it when it was new in the store."

[Parodius]

People are always impressed by what it can do. The only thing I miss on it is a camera.

My DS and/or GBA rarely leave the house unless it is for a more sizable trip. I ALWAYS carry my cell-phone. Somebody needs to address this....

Maybe Sony will release a PSP compatible Sony-Ericsson phone someday....

[classicb]

that's the thing I think that is so great about the N-Gage. I never bring my handhelds with me unless it's a big trip. I mostly play them at home. I take my cell everywhere (I don't even have a house line). It's a great idea unfortunetly Nokia hasn't figured it out yet. As far as camera's go the rumor is the next N-Gage if it is to be will have a camera on it. It is also rumored to be a flip phone with a button layout more like the GBA SP. (I don't believe Nokia has ever made a flip phone so these rumors may be totally false).

[Satac]

that's the thing I think that is so great about the N-Gage. I never bring my handhelds with me unless it's a big trip. I mostly play them at home. I take my cell everywhere (I don't even have a house line). It's a great idea unfortunetly Nokia hasn't figured it out yet. As far as camera's go the rumor is the next N-Gage if it is to be will have a camera on it. It is also rumored to be a flip phone with a button layout more like the GBA SP. (I don't believe Nokia has ever made a flip phone so these rumors may be totally false).

Nokia made a flip phone, but its ugly like hell:

http://www.handy-discount.de/nokia/nokia_7200_b.jpg

[Satac]

that's the thing I think that is so great about the N-Gage. I never bring my handhelds with me unless it's a big trip. I mostly play them at home. I take my cell everywhere (I don't even have a house line). It's a great idea unfortunetly Nokia hasn't figured it out yet. As far as camera's go the rumor is the next N-Gage if it is to be will have a camera on it. It is also rumored to be a flip phone with a button layout more like the GBA SP. (I don't believe Nokia has ever made a flip phone so these rumors may be totally false).

Nokia made a flip phone, but its ugly like hell:

http://www.handy-discount.de/nokia/nokia_7200_b.jpg

A new N-Gage could look like LGs new gaming phone:

http://www.ngagegaming.com/gdb/images/EpZuZkAZZyVOtwpyIA/Industry_News_4_500.jpg

[Cauterize]

If it had been advertised properly, it might have stood a chance, the adverts for it were horrible...

and a Camera would have definately boosted sales...

[zektor]

I love this great cell phone/handheld that seems to find a way to keep going despite all the bad reps. I will keep buying for it untill it goes no more. At that time I should have a complete set of games and then slowly but surely the rest of the video game collectors will realize what they missed out on and scramble to collect for the system but find out that many of the better late release games had low print runs. Then I'll point them to this post and say I told you to get it when it was still new. These are the same people who PM me asking me where I got some of my Neo Geo Pocket Color titles. which I always reply too with "I got it when it was new in the store."

That is so true. I remember when I purchased the NGP and games at the store, and people were looking at me funny. Now, so many people would love to get their hands it. I have 10 games for the N-Gage as of now, and aim for a complete collection myself.

One thing is for sure, and that is Nokia really wants in on the gaming industry. The N-Gage will not be the last for them. Perhaps they will incorporate better controls and graphics for gaming in many of their future phones, which will definitely up the amount of people with their system. This would be a nice idea, because that would mean everyone with a Nokia phone can pick up games and get playing.