Nokia has announced that the N-Gage QD mobile gaming phone has started shipping in Europe. The QD is a extensive revision of the original N-Gage console, and contains a number of new features and improvements, including better multiplayer features, rethought controls and a display that may not actually blind you after prolonged use.
The price begins at a startlingly cheap €49.99 (US$60.77) with a contract, in some markets.
The QD is backwardly compatible with older N-Gage titles, and Nokia are promising another 50 new games by the end of the year.
With competition from Nintendo’s DS and Sony’s PSP imminent, the QD will have to rely on its multiplayer online functions to survive. Nokia are putting a lot of faith in their N-Gage Arena service to connect gamers and build a fan community. Quality, high exposure titles like Sims Online (which is essentially like handing people crack, isn’t it?) and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 will no doubt help to achieve this.
We will have the definitive review of the console here shortly, once we’ve given the console a thorough going over.