Wow. I never thought I'd be saying this but... [N-Gage]

[Daria]

... I really like the N-Gage. I jusy got a new job, and my boyfriend wanted me to get a cellphone in case I had any trouble getting home. Kind of a security/leash type of thing. I never ever wanted a phone, so I figured if I had to have one I might as well get something that could play games. And Pocket Kingdom looked pretty spiffy, as does the new Rifts. So that settled it, I'd try an N-Gage.

But now that I have one, I love it as a phone. It's got awesome reception (although that's probably more Cingular's doing then the phone it's self), the buttons are a decent size and well laid out (the problem I always had with my boyfriend's phone was never knowing what button did what and always jamming the wrong one when I figured it out), it's got all these useful applications like a calculator (always need one of those when we eat out), day planner, notepad, convertor (like currancy to US dollars, pounds to kgs etc..), composer (Paul really hates it, Nextel charges him $4 a ringtone and I can make my own or download midis :P) and just everything about it's so... so customizable. It's like carrying around a little computer in my purse. :P

I haven't even tried playing games on it yet, well ok that's a lie, it came with Tony Hawk but I hate those games. I've just having fun playing with all the little extras. As soon as we get a Bluetooth adaptor I'm downloading a Genesis emulator and Shining Force.

I don't know why everyone's always knocking it, I mean it's not a handheld as much as a cool phone that can also play a few games. Although I understand that the QD underwent a lot of improvements over the old model (I have a QD). So whatever they did, they did it right. (:

Only complaint I have is that I can only seem to assign 3 numbers to a contact, one of which is listed as fax. They should have at least added a "work" field.

[SamuraiSmurfette]

I also am on the N-Gage bandwagon
It's a great cell phone (with one of the best speaker phones around)
and I've got mine loaded up with Genesis roms
Portable Rocket Knight, Gunstar Heroes, Phelios...
Does it get much better? :D

[RangerG]

I really think Nokia made a mistake marketing this in EB and other places as primarily a portable gaming system. It is a phone that has gaming capabilities. As such, it doesn't compete against the DS or PSP and it really is tops in its class for the price. I hope it isn't too late for the N-Gage.

[Crush Crawfish]

Crap, I keep getting more and more tempted to buy one of these. I figure I'm going to have to buy a phone someday, so I think I'll make it an N-gage.

How good are the genny emulators? Are there any slowdown or sound problems? I'd kill for some portable dynamite headdy. :D

[Lemmy Kilmister]

So how much did it end up costing you? I've been thinking about getting one too, but can't really justify spending 100 bucks on it. Can't you get some sort of phone service deal and get it for free?

[Daria]

So how much did it end up costing you? I've been thinking about getting one too, but can't really justify spending 100 bucks on it. Can't you get some sort of phone service deal and get it for free?

... initially $1200.

Cingular made a cockup. After the fact only $100. But that's not all that bad considering all it's features.

[Slipdeath]

The only complaint I have is that there is no pre-installed ringtones.

[Daria]

The only complaint I have is that there is no pre-installed ringtones.

Yes there are. At least I have some on my phone. O.o

[drwily008]

Yeah, I too have the QD and I love it. I've got T-Mobile and ALWAYS get a perfect reception. Daria, let me know how Pocket Kingdom is please. Do you have to be online to play or is it single player too? If it's got single player I'm getting it, it looks great. And boy do I hate emulating but I sure would like a reliable link to tap into the "other" capabilities that this has.

[Ackman]

my friend can play megadrive games on his O_O I saw him playing Sonic 2? and not some crappy remake, the real deal?

[classicb]

Yay more N-Gage users :)

It is by far the most portable system. What it lacks in power to the DS and PSP I think it makes up in portability. The only system I carry around in my pocket all day :) but then again it's my cell phone too :) If you are getting it with a new cell plan the system should be free or even give you money back. I think this system is great after all even PSP users need a cell phone. Right now is the perfect time to get into the N-Gage since Nokia is cuting the prices on games and the games are getting better. I had a whole topic for the upcoming game Rifts (which I'm really excited about http://www.n-gage.com/rifts-promiseofpower/ ) but maybe the N-Gage DP fan numbers are still too low. Emulation on it is getting really good now. You can play GB, GBC, NES, SNES, SMS, Genesis, MAME, Comodore 64... If you're just getting into the N-Gage do a search for "N-Gage" and you'll find some good topics and a lot of good information from Cautrize and others. Unfortuntly most N-Gage topics die fast around here do to the lack of intrest. I think Nokia is finally repairing their image with the QD system and their recent games. Most people who try it become fans.

Don't forget one of the Best Games for it is FREE to download SNAKES got get it know if you haven't already. Plus Nokia has a bunch of Demo's for their games you can download too.

[thegreatescape]

composer (Paul really hates it, Nextel charges him $4 a ringtone and I can make my own or download midis :P)
Remember to make a tone thats all equally high notes, lowest temp and max volume. Hold it up to peoples ears and they will be really impressed with your work ;)
My n-gage came pre-installed with ringtones AND porn! The follies of used hardware. It wasnt the good kind of porn either, it was dirty dirty fetish stuff :puke:

[Daria]

Yeah, I too have the QD and I love it. I've got T-Mobile and ALWAYS get a perfect reception. Daria, let me know how Pocket Kingdom is please. Do you have to be online to play or is it single player too? If it's got single player I'm getting it, it looks great. And boy do I hate emulating but I sure would like a reliable link to tap into the "other" capabilities that this has.

I read that it had a single player mode, no clue how long it is though. But when I actually get the game I'll write a little something about it here. (:

[Dahne]

As soon as we get a Bluetooth adaptor I'm downloading a Genesis emulator and Shining Force.

I dare you to drive people insane by making the Shining Force battle theme your ringtone.

Dun dah DUN dah, dun dah DUN dah, dun dah dun DAAH, dun dah daaaaah....

[poloplayr]

Oh god, another one joining the dark side. these are troubling times.

[Satac]

And boy do I hate emulating but I sure would like a reliable link to tap into the "other" capabilities that this has.

Check out My-Symbian (http://my-symbian.com/7650/applications/index.php) - you'll be surprised what the little N-Gage can do X_x

[WanganRunner]

I wish Verizon offered it....

weaksauce.

[Gast]

Only complaint I have is that I can only seem to assign 3 numbers to a contact, one of which is listed as fax. They should have at least added a "work" field.I don't know about the QD but my old-style N-Gage lets me add pretty much as many numbers to a contact as I want and also lets me Name what type of Number it is :hmm:

[Daria]

As soon as we get a Bluetooth adaptor I'm downloading a Genesis emulator and Shining Force.

I dare you to drive people insane by making the Shining Force battle theme your ringtone.

Dun dah DUN dah, dun dah DUN dah, dun dah dun DAAH, dun dah daaaaah....

You don't have to dare me, that was the plan anyway. ;)

[K3V]

New customers can get a free N-Gage at T-Mobile, instant rebate too so no waiting around for a check to come in the mail:

http://www.t-mobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=228792&class=phone

If I didn't use the camera on my phone as much as I do (I've got a Nokia 3650), I'd trade it in for an N-Gage for sure. I love being able to play games on my cell phone but the button layout and d-pad is definitely lacking. If they add a camera to the next N-Gage, sign me up.

[digitalpress]

How good are the genny emulators? Are there any slowdown or sound problems? I'd kill for some portable dynamite headdy. :D

Do some searches - there are a number of threads discussing N-Gage emulation. Quick summary answer for you - the emulator is good but no sound.

Welcome to the N-Gage club, Daria! Pretty much everyone who's spent any fair amount of time with it likes it. It's easy to knock but the people doing so blindly are simply missing out.

Have fun with it!

[Geddon_jt]

The Shining Force games are the only ones I have tried that I can't get to work on my N-Gage for some reason :(.
On the bright side, the Phantasy Stars run fine... :)

[SamuraiSmurfette]

I've been having problems with Shmups, mostly.
Everything works fine, except the sprite for the plane is missing.
about 3/4 of shooters have this problem.
However, these ones work fine:
Musha
Phelios
Battle Squadron
Vapor Trail
Whip Rush

[NintendoMan]

I really think Nokia made a mistake marketing this in EB and other places as primarily a portable gaming system. It is a phone that has gaming capabilities. As such, it doesn't compete against the DS or PSP and it really is tops in its class for the price. I hope it isn't too late for the N-Gage.

This is SO SO true! They never should have labeled it as MORE of a portable gaming machine. To much expectations then, which of course you can't even begin to compare it to the DS or PSP.

[Daria]

The Shining Force games are the only ones I have tried that I can't get to work on my N-Gage for some reason :(.
On the bright side, the Phantasy Stars run fine... :)

They may not be compatible. I didn't see them listed on Picodrive's compatibility list. But I didn't see them on the non-compatibility list either.

Although Shining in the Darkness supposedly works. Which I need to beat anyway. (:

[Uzi 9mm]

my friend can play megadrive games on his O_O I saw him playing Sonic 2? and not some crappy remake, the real deal?

Ummm maybe because the Megadrive is the Genesis?

[Cryomancer]

New customers can get a free N-Gage at T-Mobile, instant rebate too so no waiting around for a check to come in the mail:

http://www.t-mobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=228792&class=phone


So...do I have to get a contract with this I assume? Otherwise, hey, I'd love a free N-gage.

[Slipdeath]

The only complaint I have is that there is no pre-installed ringtones.

Yes there are. At least I have some on my phone. O.o

Really, how do you get there?

[retroman]

i have said it before and i will say it again...I got N-Gage on day one...and still love it today.....

[classicb]

New customers can get a free N-Gage at T-Mobile, instant rebate too so no waiting around for a check to come in the mail:

http://www.t-mobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=228792&class=phone


So...do I have to get a contract with this I assume? Otherwise, hey, I'd love a free N-gage.

yes you do. if you want to avoid the contracts the N-Gage is now $99 out the door nothing more to pay ever and if you want to use it as a cell phone you can buy prepaid minutes. EBGames and probably Gamestop will be selling the $99 no contract phones which makes allot more sence than buying a phone that needs a contract at a game store that doesn't sell contracts.

[classicb]

If I didn't use the camera on my phone as much as I do (I've got a Nokia 3650), I'd trade it in for an N-Gage for sure. I love being able to play games on my cell phone but the button layout and d-pad is definitely lacking. If they add a camera to the next N-Gage, sign me up.

Well it looks like the N-Gage 2 will have a camera for no other reason other than its so cheap these days why not. The head of the N-Gage just answered a bunch of questions today about the N-Gage for a summary look here http://www.allaboutngage.com/news.php?id=36081 He even went as far as saying they would be ahead of the PSP by 2007 (I don't know about that but I'm all for the N-Gage continuing).

[FurinkanianFrood]

If it's a good phone at a reasonable price then it's a lot better than I thought it was. If yer gonna buy a phone it can't hurt. It's just that the other way around seems funny.

I can't stand cell phones personally. People got along fine without them, but eventually someone will force me to get one, between work and siginificant others it's inevitable.

They are useful and all. It's really just a balancing act vs. cost+annoyance.

If this thing ever gets more development and a second iteration the PSP wil be even more of rip off. A decent phone beats the heck out of a few crappy movies and stuff saved to expensive cards IMO.

The reaction to the initial design set this thing back quite a bit.....

I'm amazed they didn't give up.

[Daria]

The only complaint I have is that there is no pre-installed ringtones.

Yes there are. At least I have some on my phone. O.o

Really, how do you get there?

Hit the menu button, go to profiles, and then edit the one you want (normal), there's a ringtone setting listed there.

[Gemini-Phoenix]

The QD did undergo a few developments (Good ones like brighter screen and external MMC slot, as well as no more side talking and the unit is a lot smaller) but they sacrificed quite a bit.

Namely, the QD isn't Triband (As far as I know). It also doesn't have a lot of the features the original does, like PC USB port, and MP3 player (Which is actually quite useful!)


The emulator's are really good though, and I spend more time playing Genesis and GameBoy games than I do using it as a phone or playing actual Ngage games.

[NeoSNightmarE]

my friends girlfriend was borrowing her cousins Ngage once and we were all busting out laughing when she had to talk into it on the side. it was just really funny. now the QD, that looks pretty damn good for a phone with gaming capabilities if you ask me. ive been thinking about getting one and putting it off. ill see honestly. i just pimped out my 3595 with new lights and the such.

[Daria]

The QD did undergo a few developments (Good ones like brighter screen and external MMC slot, as well as no more side talking and the unit is a lot smaller) but they sacrificed quite a bit.

Namely, the QD isn't Triband (As far as I know). It also doesn't have a lot of the features the original does, like PC USB port, and MP3 player (Which is actually quite useful!)


The emulator's are really good though, and I spend more time playing Genesis and GameBoy games than I do using it as a phone or playing actual Ngage games.

I couldn't imagine using the QD to listen to MP3s. The speakers seem kinda "hollow" sounding to me. That or Tony Hawk just had terrible sound quality.

[classicb]

The QD did undergo a few developments (Good ones like brighter screen and external MMC slot, as well as no more side talking and the unit is a lot smaller) but they sacrificed quite a bit.

Namely, the QD isn't Triband (As far as I know). It also doesn't have a lot of the features the original does, like PC USB port, and MP3 player (Which is actually quite useful!)


The emulator's are really good though, and I spend more time playing Genesis and GameBoy games than I do using it as a phone or playing actual Ngage games.

I couldn't imagine using the QD to listen to MP3s. The speakers seem kinda "hollow" sounding to me. That or Tony Hawk just had terrible sound quality.

The QD isn't meant to play MP3s even though it can through a third party software. It isn't stereo and it does sound kind of hallow as a result. The MP3 and USB features will also becoming back in the N-Gage 2. There was also mention of adding back the Triband feature as well. Still will be at least a year or two before the N-Gage 2 so lets all enjoy the QD for now. :)

[Stingray]

New customers can get a free N-Gage at T-Mobile, instant rebate too so no waiting around for a check to come in the mail:

http://www.t-mobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=228792&class=phone


There's also currently a $50 mail in rebate from Nokia, so you actually get a free N-Gage QD and $50. I was thinking of changing my cell provider anyway, this just clinched the deal. Mine arrives next week.

-S

[Big Papa Husker]

Do they still sell NGAGEs at Gamestop or EB? How much?

[josekortez]

I still need to buy one. I found 12 sealed games I had bought over before Christmas yesterday back when they were cheap at EB and they are collecting dust.

[classicb]

Do they still sell NGAGEs at Gamestop or EB? How much?

I believe they do and the price should be $99 with out a phone plan.

[thehistorian]

Rather than a new post...

I recently picked up one from t-mobile.. It was free with a couple game thrown in to boot.

I must say I've been very pleased with it. With the addition of a Bluetooth dongle for my PCs it has replaced my pocket pc, ogo and old cellphone mix. I now only use the N-Gage. The pc software make setting things up a breeze and I don't have to pay squat for ringtones and wallpapers. If I have my laptop but no Wifi connection available, I just use the Bluetooth modem over GPRS. I get my home and work email via the phone.

And the fact that I can play decent games on it...

Damn it.. I'm turning in to a fanboy...

[Stingray]

With the addition of a Bluetooth dongle for my PCs ...

What did you pay for the bluetooth dongle and where did you get it. I need to pick one up too.

-S

[CreamSoda]

Ok I got some questions... (This isn't what you think, it's an honest question, so please don't flame the hell out of me).

I love handheld gaming, played GameGear,Nomad,Gameboy,Gameboy: Advance, DS, PSP, ect. And they all have there pros and cons and all that...

Anyway, right now I mainly am all for the PSP, I always wanted a real 3D capable handheld and this is it! I don't really care about all the features, just the awesome games.

Now for the question already...

Is the Ngage actually worth getting as a handheld game system only?(I don't care about all the other features/already got a cell phone). But just for the games alone is it worth checking out?

Thanks, and I'm sorry for the long post. ;)

[thehistorian]

With the addition of a Bluetooth dongle for my PCs ...

What did you pay for the bluetooth dongle and where did you get it. I need to pick one up too.

-S

I hit Compusa, but if you don't mind waiting try Newegg (http://www.newegg.com). Much better pricing.


Is the Ngage actually worth getting as a handheld game system only?(I don't care about all the other features/already got a cell phone). But just for the games alone is it worth checking out?

Emulation is pretty good on it. There are emus for most of the older systems, though in some cases you will need to pay for them to get all the features. The games that I have are not bad (Pocket Kingdom, Ashen, The Sims and Tony Hawk).

[stevec1636]

I got mine for $10.00 so i can't complain. but it really isn't a great gaming system, better phone than anything else. i glad i can get games for it for $5.00 otherwise it would just sit there and collect dust.

[geelw]

Ok I got some questions... (This isn't what you think, it's an honest question, so please don't flame the hell out of me).

I love handheld gaming, played GameGear,Nomad,Gameboy,Gameboy: Advance, DS, PSP, ect. And they all have there pros and cons and all that...

Anyway, right now I mainly am all for the PSP, I always wanted a real 3D capable handheld and this is it! I don't really care about all the features, just the awesome games.

Now for the question already...

Is the Ngage actually worth getting as a handheld game system only?(I don't care about all the other features/already got a cell phone). But just for the games alone is it worth checking out?

Thanks, and I'm sorry for the long post. ;)


well, if you love handheld gaming and you're willing to take each system on its strengths and weaknesses, sure you should get an n-gage! i'd disco down to n-gage.com to check out the games, and go from there. since you'd only be buying the unit to play games on, you'll find some cool titles to choose from, and probably some surprise games you didn't think you'd see on the system.

g.

[Daria]

Anyway, right now I mainly am all for the PSP, I always wanted a real 3D capable handheld and this is it! I don't really care about all the features, just the awesome games.

Now for the question already...

Is the Ngage actually worth getting as a handheld game system only?(I don't care about all the other features/already got a cell phone). But just for the games alone is it worth checking out?

Thanks, and I'm sorry for the long post. ;)

Umm... if you're comparing it to a PSP then no definately not. It's one of the those systems you might pick up for one or two good games though. Or for a (limited) portable emulator.

[Mythik]

I don't think I could ever get an N-Gage, I mean, sure Im a video game geek, but flaunting that in the general public when I'm trying to pick up chicks isn't the best move for an 18 year old guy :p

[thehistorian]

I don't think I could ever get an N-Gage, I mean, sure Im a video game geek, but flaunting that in the general public when I'm trying to pick up chicks isn't the best move for an 18 year old guy :p

Off topic I know... But do you really want a chick that judges you by your phone? I've gotten more girls attention from the n-gage than any other phone. Especially when they see the Sims on there..

[Stingray]

[quote=thehistorian]With the addition of a Bluetooth dongle for my PCs ...

What did you pay for the bluetooth dongle and where did you get it. I need to pick one up too.

-S

I hit Compusa, but if you don't mind waiting try Newegg (http://www.newegg.com). Much better pricing.

Just got one on ebay for $20 & it's the one that has the "tested w/ N-Gage" label on the box. I also picked up a 512 mb MMC for $30.

-S