It was a nice idea, hampered slightly by the fact that games had to be rewritten to add support for the thing. Now Nokia has decided to embrace the ZeeMote by releasing downloadable software to let the controller work with almost any S60 app or N-Gage game.

The ZeeKey app is available for free download from the Nokia website and the mobile manufacturer has promised to bundle the app with selected handsets (presumably its more entertainment focused N-Series models).

Zeekey app for Zeemote available for Nokia phones [Pocket Lint]

PocketGamer got a look at a new accelerometer-based mobile racing game from Firemint.

As you can see from the video, Real Racing runs on the iPhone — and certainly confirms our hopes for that platform's gaming prowess — but Firemint also have it up and running on a Nokia N95 (all the recent N-series phones have motion sensors built in).

Multiplayer races can take place over a wifi link, and your racing stats are automatically uploaded to the Firemint web site. Brilliantly, the game will also upload videos of your best times to YouTube and share your rankings via Facebook and OpenSocial into the bargain.

GCDC 2008: Firemint shows off awesome iPhone racing game [PocketGamer]

Our policy is that the N-Gage activation codes only work on the device where they were first activated. As with any digital media there is a potential risk of piracy and this policy is one of the ways we are dealing with piracy and ensuring our partners receive their rightful revenues from our platform.

Gamers 'angry' over new N-Gage's DRM [Develop]

Nokia to add Konami games to N-Gage platform [Reuters]

Official N-Gage Site [via Gizmodo]

I'm not scared about anybody. The real question is how do they [Sony Ericsson] do it? Can they create a link between the PSP games and a phone? Can they do the multiplayer and online stuff? We've been doing this for two years and it hasn't been easy.

The mobile version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will be developed by THQ's Universomo in Finland using Cell Weaver technology and will support tournaments, score uploads and downloadable content through N-Gage's Arena service.

A press release that makes the whole thing official is after this.

Espoo, Finland - Nokia, THQ Wireless, Lucasfilm, and LucasArts today revealed that Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is coming to N-Gage, Nokia's next generation mobile gaming platform in 2008.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed casts players as Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The game's expansive story is set during the largely unexplored era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.

The mobile version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is in development by THQ's Finland-based studio, Universomo. Using Cell Weaver(TM) technology, the game lets the player harness the Force while assisting Darth Vader in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi - and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Mobile game provides players with unique community features, including tournaments, score uploads and downloadable content, through N-Gage Arena services.

"We're proud to be able to deliver the next chapter in the Star Wars saga on the N-Gage platform," said Gregg Sauter, Director, Publishing, Nokia. "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Mobile game will take advantage of the N-Gage platform's robust native development environment to provide the ultimate mobile gaming experience, including powerful graphics, connectivity and community elements."

"THQ Wireless is dedicated to creating an awesome mobile Star Wars experience that delivers on the concept of unleashing the Force. The N-Gage platform makes it possible for us to release a rich mobile gaming experience to entertain as wide an audience as possible on N-Gage compatible devices," said Adam Comisky, vice president of THQ Wireless.

"The launch of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will be a major entertainment event in 2008, and bringing the game to the N-Gage mobile gaming platform is a big part of that because it means that millions of people around the world will be able to access the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed world right in the palm of their hand," said Howard Roffman, President of Lucas Licensing.

Get out and play - with N-Gage games in your Nokia device

Nokia reveals N-Gage games service with new publishers and game titles

London, UK - Life just got more entertaining with the new N-Gage mobile gaming service. The service allows you try all N-Gage games for free from any one of the tens of millions of compatible Nokia devices in the market. Once hooked, you can conveniently download and buy a game on your device or PC and continue the fun. You can also share the fun by connecting instantly with friends, challenging players around the world, and participating in community activities in the N-Gage Arena.

"As we expand our focus from a dedicated game phone to a gaming service, we are making getting and playing games even easier," said Jaakko Kaidesoja, head of the games business at Nokia. "The N-Gage service combined with powerful devices, world class titles and brands, and interactive social networking features, takes the mobile gaming experience beyond traditional boundaries."

The N-Gage service will be available globally in November 2007. At that time, the free N-Gage application can be downloaded from http://www.n-gage.com (PC or mobile) and installed in compatible devices. Later, the N-Gage application will be embedded in a wide range of Nokia devices, including the new Nokia N81 and Nokia N95 8GB, so consumers can play straight out of the box.

Furthermore, support for N-Gage continues to grow with EA SPORTS™ FIFA 08, The Sims™ 2 Pets, Tetris®, and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® being developed for the platform as well as new publishers Capcom and Vivendi, and its famed Crash Bandicoot®, on board. Nokia Publishing also announced new titles: Snakes Subsonic and Bounce Boing Voyage.

"With the new N-Gage experience, fans of some of our most popular franchises like FIFA or The Sims can play and stay connected with other fans. With millions of compatible Nokia devices already in the marketplace, we're very excited to help bring quality mobile gaming expriences to the fingertips of a global audience," said Barry Cottle, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EA Mobile.

The indicative pricing for N-Gage games sold through the N-Gage store will range between six and 10 euros excluding local taxes and can be bought with a credit card or charged through operator billing where available. Operator billing is supported in over 20 countries and credit card billing is available globally. Daily and weekly game licenses are also available at lower prices and all games are free to try before purchase. Moreover, whether you choose to get games over the air or over the internet, managing your games catalog is a breeze with simple store and sync to your PC.

"Vivendi Games Mobile is one of the most respected publishers in mobile gaming," said Gregg Sauter, Nokia's director of third party publishing. "Crash Bandicoot is a gaming icon as well as a global powerhouse, having sold more than 33 million units worldwide. With its fun appeal to people of all ages and incredible graphics, the Crash Bandicoot franchise is the perfect fit for N-Gage."

Nokia Announces Vivendi Games Mobile's Popular Crash Bandicoot Franchise For N-Gage

Espoo, Finland - 27 August 2007 - Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, announced today that they are teaming up with Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, to bring the legendary Crash Bandicoot ® franchise to Nokia's new N-Gage mobile gaming platform launching this fall.

"Vivendi Games Mobile is one of the most respected publishers in mobile gaming," said Gregg Sauter, Nokia's director of third party publishing. "Crash Bandicoot is a gaming icon as well as a global powerhouse, having sold more than 33 million units worldwide. With its fun appeal to people of all ages and incredible graphics, the Crash Bandicoot franchise is the perfect fit for N-Gage."

"We are excited to offer Nokia customers the opportunity to enter the thrilling world of Crash Bandicoot and play a number of award winning titles from the popular Crash® franchise," said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. "We look forward to working with Nokia to offer entertaining, innovative mobile games that tap into the performance and innovation of the N-Gage application and Nokia's mobile devices."

Crash Bandicoot follows the original storyline where the crazy marsupial must save the world. Jam packed with action and comedy, the player must take on the role of Crash to defeat the game's villain and mad scientist, Dr. Neo Cortex. More information about the Crash franchise can be found at the official Crash Bandicoot Web site at http://www.crashbandicoot.com

"Capcom is dedicated to creating great mobile games, and believes that N-Gage will allow us to bring some of our most famous franchises to the platform. Our dedication to quality and creative thinking has seen the company produce a series of ground-breaking titles, with stunning visuals and in-depth game play, never before seen on the mobile".

Capcom to bring games to N-Gage platform in 2008

August 27, 2007 - Nokia and Capcom today revealed that Capcom will be publishing games on N-Gage, Nokia's next generation mobile gaming platform, in 2008. Capcom is the first Japanese based publisher to show their commitment to N-Gage, which makes its global debut later this year, ushering in a new era for games on mobile devices.

"With our global reach, it's important to have strong, well respected global partners", said Gregg Sauter, Director of Third Party Publishing, Nokia. "For many years, Capcom has been entertaining consumers around the world with exceptional gaming experiences. We've now reached a point with mobile technologies where companies like Capcom can deliver a whole new level of mobile entertainment. The N-Gage platform will enable this evolution with devices that deliver enhanced graphics and a development tool kit that allows for online tournaments, communities, multiplayer games and, of course, global distribution."

Speaking of the announcement, Yosuke Yoneda, Director of Capcom's European Mobile Division, said "Capcom is dedicated to creating great mobile games, and believes that N-Gage will allow us to bring some of our most famous franchises to the platform. Our dedication to quality and creative thinking has seen the company produce a series of ground-breaking titles, with stunning visuals and in-depth game play, never before seen on the mobile".

Capcom has been highly successful in the mobile market as a result of the company's commitment to innovation and faithful conversion of some of the world's greatest video game franchises. With classic titles such as Mega Man, Street Fighter and Resident Evil, and contemporary brands such as Phoenix Wright, Capcom has captured a wide audience of fans, in terms of age, gender and game playing ability.

N-Gage games are created in a native development environment, allowing developers to take advantage of Nokia devices with advanced graphics and physics capabilities which deliver extremely sharp, clear and fluid game experiences to users. The N-Gage platform provides flexible opportunities for operators and publishers alike. Games can distributed digitally over the air through operator networks or over the internet to a user's PC, which allows for larger file downloads and therefore games with enhanced audio and graphical elements.

What does shared experiences mean? Judging by the features shown and talked about during the session, N-Gage is aiming to be Xbox Live for mobile phones. An easy interface for connecting to other players, a friends list, game demos and ratings, and even eventual game achievement points were just a few of the similarities discussed.

Like Xbox Live Arcade, players will be able to download demos and then upgrade them to full versions, with certain titles having multiple price points depending on how much of the game you wanted to see, effectively turning titles into their own series of microtransactions.

So yeah, Xbox Live, and why not? It certainly isn't a bad community tool to mimic. Hell, I would just be happy being able to purchase a phone knowing what games I would be able to play on it myself. Having a universal friends list and quick n' dirty matchmaking available as well only sweetens the pot.

This marks the first time I have ever been even remotely interested in anything with the named N-Gage attached to it. Savor this moment, Nokia.

Community is key to Nokia's strategy, says Howard [GamesIndustry.biz]

Is a PlayStation Portable Phone coming? Not so, says David Reeves, CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. He told MCV that:

I haven't heard anything about it at all - and I would know. They wouldn't develop it without our knowledge.

Reeves reminds us that Sony Ericsson has Cybershot camera phone and Walkman music player phone combos in the works, but no PSP-branded version in the works. Too bad. It could've been the N-Gage of the twenty-first century. Michael McWhertor

Reeves: 'No PSP phone coming' [MCV]

You might recall that Nokia announced at this year's GDC that they were taking a third run at the mobile gaming market, this time abandoning the hardware side of things (goodbye N-Gage taco) and aiming instead to fill a very big need on the development software side of things.

In essence, Nokia wants to create a unified platform and back-end for Series 60 mobile phones that all developers can work on. Of course this is a business decision and very self-serving, but it's also a great idea and much needed.

Greg Howson over at GamesBlog said he had a chance to spend some time with it and left relatively impressed.

What I saw showed an intuitive looking interface, with easy access to your games, friends etc. As you'd expect community is vital, with the ability to create events, post reviews and generally do that web 2.0 thing.

The service hits this autumn and I'm actually holding my breath. Weird. Brian Crecente

N-Gaged [GamesBlog]

"We are reinforcing our commitment to this industry with two significant initiatives that will help the mobile games industry evolve. Our N-Gage platform will deliver a global games platform that leverages the performance of the tens of millions of S60 converged devices that we are shipping each year," said Gregg Sauter, Director of Games Publishing, Nokia. "Likewise, our support for Java development continues to evolve with more tools for developers supporting SNAP Mobile."

Sauter will be outlining the software platforms at a lunch keynote during GDC Mobile today.

The session will introduce at least six games: Asphalt 3, Street Rules, Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway, Brain Challenge, Midnight Pool and EA Mobile's FIFA 2008.

It will also reveal that Glu Mobile, Indiagames and THQ have signed on to publish a number of games for the new platform.

Most interesting, though, will be a break-down of the new software development kit which will, I hope, outline why publishers would want to start working with Nokia on their new N-Gage games.

I wonder why Nokia is even using the N-Gage brand. It's not like it had any value among gamers, and it's associated more with hardware than software.

Much more details in the press release after the jump. Brian Crecente

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE Mars 5, 2007

Nokia reveals new games, publishers and tools for its mobile gaming platforms

Game Developers Conference 2007, San Francisco, CA - Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, today announced the latest games and publishers for its new N-Gage mobile gaming platform. Updated software development tools for the N-Gage platform and a new testing program for SNAP Mobile's JavaTM platform were also introduced today at the conference. These new developments will help bring fun to play connected mobile gaming experiences to millions of Nokia mobile device owners worldwide.

"We are reinforcing our commitment to this industry with two significant initiatives that will help the mobile games industry evolve. Our N-Gage platform will deliver a global games platform that leverages the performance of the tens of millions of S60 converged devices that we are shipping each year," said Gregg Sauter, Director of Games Publishing, Nokia. "Likewise, our support for Java development continues to evolve with more tools for developers supporting SNAP Mobile."

Sauter will expand on these new developments with a speech at the GDC Mobile sponsored lunch keynote session on Monday 5th March at 1.00pm in Room 134 in the North Hall, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. The session, titled 'The next generation of the N-Gage platform' will also be available at http://www.forum.nokia.com/gdc and http://www.forum.nokia.com/games later in the week.

New game titles and brands

Nokia introduced a range of games for the new mobile gaming platform including Gameloft's Asphalt 3, Street Rules, Brothers In Arms, Hell's Highway, Brain Challenge, Midnight Pool and EA Mobile's FIFA 2008.

New games publishers on board

Games publishers Glu Mobile, Indiagames and THQ Wireless will be publishing a selection of mobile games and content for the N-Gage games platform. The first Glu title for the platform will be World Series of Poker Texas Hold'em (WSOP), which allows players to compete at tables with up to eight mobile gamers against WSOP champions such as Chris "Jesus" Ferguson and Scott Fischman.

Latest tools to develop next generation mobile content

Nokia also launched its next generation software development kit (SDK 1.0) for the new N-Gage games platform, which enables developers to focus on one code-base to create social connected games across a range of Nokia S60 3rd edition devices. The new N-Gage Zone provides all the tools, documentation, support and updates required to successfully develop games for the N-Gage games platform.

"The availability of the N-Gage SDK 1.0 today is the corner stone of Nokia's new development eco-system for developers to create connected mobile games in a familiar C++ environment," said Mark Ollila, Director of Technology & Strategy and Nokia Games Publishing, Nokia. "This single development channel impacts positively on development cycles and budgeting as well as creating new social connected gaming experiences that will lead the way to how people discover, buy and play games in the future."

For developer information, visit http://forum.nokia.com/games.

New testing program from SNAP Mobile

Nokia furthers its Java(TM) development activities by ensuring all SNAP Mobile connected games offer a consistent game-playing experience with the SNAP Mobile Compliance Testing Program, announced today. This program limits costs by combining a self-testing process with a traditional certification program. It also lowers the barrier of entry to this process and enables growth of high-quality game development by publishers and developers who have signed up for the SNAP Mobile Platform.

During GDC, SNAP Mobile and Forum Nokia will reveal the winners of the Nokia and SingTel Multiplayer Game Quest. Launched in June 2006, this multiplayer Java(TM) game development contest on the SNAP Mobile platform encouraged Forum Nokia PRO developers worldwide to develop multiplayer and cross-platform games for Java-enabled devices in one of three categories: cross-platform games, multiplayer games for males, and multiplayer games for females. Winners will receive cash awards, Nokia devices and promotion for their games from Nokia and SingTel Mobile. For more information, visit http://www.fnpro-apac.com/.

For delegates wishing to expand their knowledge in creating connected mobile games for the future, Nokia is holding four developer workshops at GDC.

- 'Developing next generation mobile content for Nokia platforms' presented by Michael Bergen, Business Development Manager, Nokia. Delegates will receive insight about the new N-Gage platform and learn how to access the various developer offerings.

5th March, 2.00 - 2.45pm, Room 120, North Hall, Moscone Convention Center

- 'Developing a connected mobile game for J2ME handsets using SNAP Mobile' presented by Matt Levy, Technical Lead & SDK Manager, Nokia. Levy will demonstrate a step-by-step walk-through on developing a connected mobile game for J2ME handsets using SNAP Mobile.

5th March, 3.00 - 3.45pm, Room 120, North Hall, Moscone Convention Center

- 'The new N-Gage SDK, development tools and platform' presented by Peter Lykke Nielsen, SDK Product Manager, Nokia. Delegates will get an in-depth look into the new N-Gage SDK, development tools and environment.

6th March, 11.45am - 12.30pm, Room 120, North Hall, Moscone Convention Center

- 'Designing next generation connected games' presented by Scott Foe, Producer, Nokia. Foe will discuss what the next generation of gaming means for Nokia and how to design mobile connected games that take advantage of the latest in technology and push the boundaries of what gaming can become.

7th March, 12.00 - 1.00pm, Room 2024, West Hall, Moscone Convention Center

For the latest N-Gage updates and to create a dialogue with N-Gage gaming enthusiasts, visit Future Watch at http://futurewatch.n-gage.com.

We reported earlier this week that Nokia was once more pushing their N-Gage platform. Fortunately, as previously announced, that platform is a software-only one and in no way taco-shaped.

Today, Nokia sent out their schedule for the upcoming Game Developers Conference and it looks as if they're going to have quite the showing.

SEE MORE: 1-on-1 Executive Meetings Discover Nokia's next-generation mobile gaming experience firsthand and see how Java phone consumers can become part of a social connected gaming community. Nokia executives are available for 1-on-1 interviews throughout GDC Mobile and Expo. ... If you'd like to set up a 30-minutes interview with a Nokia executive to learn about the latest announcements and have an interactive experience with the latest next-generation applications, please let us know as soon as possible, as there are limited available times.

HEAR MORE: GDC-Mobile Sponsored Lunch Session
Hear about the next generation N-Gage platform from Nokia executive Gregg Sauter, Director of Publishing

LEARN MORE: GDC Mobile Workshops
Developing Next-Generation Mobile Content For Nokia Platforms
Developing A Connected Mobile Game For J2ME Handsets Using SNAP Mobile: An Easy Guide
The New N-Gage SDK Development Tools And Platforms
Designing Next-Generation Connected Games

PLAY MORE: Nokia Party
Come celebrate and party with Nokia.

I'm already lining up interviews. If anyone can make mobile gaming more mainstream, from the software side of things, Nokia can. Brian Crecente

N-Gage Semi-Officially, Vaguely Dated [Kotaku]

Technically, I guess it would be the third coming since they tried a new model after their disastrous taco-design.

Pocket Gamer is reporting that Nokia is finally getting around to their software launch of the new N-Gage platform. This time around, instead of spending money developing really, really bad hardware platforms, they're just going to stick the gaming operating system into a bunch of their phones.

We can reveal that behind the scenes, activity is ramping up, following a top-secret workshop for publishers and developers, held in Santa Monica last week.

The two-day event saw Nokia fully unveil the new platform for the first time, with a series of technical and business presentations to fill attendees in on the specifics. And check the calibre of some of the companies rumoured to have attended, according to a reliable source:

Disney, Sega Of America, Sony Online Entertainment, Universal, Square Enix, Capcom, THQ Wireless, Glu Mobile, Digital Chocolate, EA Mobile, Tecmo, Namco and Vivendi Games were reportedly all there, along with first-party developers (firms developing games to be published by Nokia) including Backbone Entertainment and Foundation9.

The event seemed to outline exactly how the platform would be developed on, rolled-out and make money. Another two day event is set for Madrid, according to Pocket Gamer.

Will it work this time. I think there's potential to provide deep gameplay on phones, just not sure if this is the way to do it. Or if it isn't already being done. Brian Crecente

EXCLUSIVE: It's all systems go for next-gen Nokia N-Gage [Pocket Gamer]

We were all a bit relieved when the N-Gage handheld bit the big one. There was nothing really wrong with the idea of a gamer oriented mobile phone, but the execution — particularly side talking, a phenomenon that turned even the coolest-handed Lukes into raging doofuses — left something to be desired. As many early adopters discovered, talking into the side of your phone draws just as many incredulous stares as talking into it upside down.

Nevertheless, N-Gage as a gaming brand lives on. Nokia is now aiming to roll it out as a gaming service across all their mobile phones, starting in the first half of 2007. Realizing the mistakes they made with N-Gage's previous iteration, Nokia is stressing third-party support, even releasing a toolkit that will allow indies to make freeware games. FLORIAN ECKHARDT

The New N-gage: The System That Could [Gamesfirst]

It's no secret that the best thing about Nokia's empty, desolate N-Gage booth at E3 was that perfect for cutting through the crowds. The company is gung-ho about their upcoming cell phone fighter One—Who's Next? I didn't check out their stuff at E3 that much (see booth cutting comment above), but the images floating around online are impressive. Nokia says the game clip is real time, but is it really real time or just real time? —Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Digital Legends] Thanks, Torokun!

Warhammer 40,000: Glory in Death just shipped for the N-Gage. Yes, they're still making games for the cell-portable. The game looks a bit like Fire Emblem, but with Orks, Eldars, Space Marines and Chaos Space Marines.

Fancy slideshow of screens and more details after the jump.

"With the combination of classic gameplay, intense storyline and exclusive artwork, fans and newcomers alike will fall under the spell of Glory in Death," said Timo Toivanen, product marketing manager of Nokia Games Division. "Also, thanks to Bluetooth technology and Hotseat functionality, gamers will be able to pit themselves against their friends - wherever they are."

The rich history of Warhammer 40,000 has been brought to life with illustrations from cult graphic artist Mike McMahon, whose artwork has appeared in a number of fantasy franchises including 2000 AD, and a storyline conceived by veteran screenwriter and Warhammer 40,000 expert, Andy Walsh.

The highly acclaimed Warhammer 40,000 universe from Games Workshop has been adapted and developed for the N-Gage games platform for fans to unite and embark in single player campaign mode or two player Hotseat with one N-Gage game deck, or two players via Bluetooth.

I think the biggest problem here will be finding another person with an N-Gage... and yes I do mean anywhere in the world.

Glory in Death [Official Site]

Next-Gen has notes from an interesting talk given at the Game Marketing Conference about how to survive a platform launch.

The key to a successful launch can be boiled down to four points, according to Bob Aniello, vice president of marketing for Jamdat:

Make sure your advertising is bold.
Sell the experience , not the game.
Listen to the haters.
Be first, but be right.

Too bad Nokia didn't sit in on this before the N-Gage launched. They could have avoided a double disaster.

Surviving a Platform Launch [Next-Gen]

It came about two years too late, but there's finally a reason to buy an N-Gage.

The plucky cellphone-gaming conundrum just got classic Civilization.

"The addition of Sid Meier's strategy masterpiece to the N-Gage games catalogue creates a brand new way in which Civilization fans can enjoy this classic title," said Gregg Sauter, director, games publishing, Nokia.

I may have to dust my N-Gage off, Taco-style, and give the game a whirl.

Their mouthpiece says:

"This is no ordinary tournament," said Sally Vedros, product marketing manager for N-Gage Arena. "In the N-Gage Anytime Anywhere Tournament, the competition comes to you. Having a connected gaming device in your pocket makes it easy to accept a challenge, connect to the N-Gage Arena and put your skills to the test wherever you might happen to be."

N-Gage games and schwag to be won, too.

n-Gage Tourney Announced [N-Gage]

The Washington Post has an excellent article up on the graffiti trend in advertising. Sony's PSP graffiti campaign was the latest in a laundry list of companies that includes Nike and Nokia. Seems back in 2003, the cell phone company used sidewalk chalk drawings to advertise that ill-fated gaming phone the N-Gage. It's a wonder that other companies like Sony have even followed suit, seeing on how disastrous the N-Gage release panned out.

Full Story [Washington Post]

Nokia has a created a cool little web-based game called Nokia Network Tycoon. It's a basic simulator that lets you plant cell towers, choose rates and ad campaigns and control a few other options on your road to cell phone provider dominance. I played through once with a company I called N-Gage and lost my ass, so it's a pretty good simulator. Double Zing!

Tycoon [Nokia, thanks Aki]

Oh dear, this may be it for the n-Gage: Nokia's Head of Multimedia Development is not happy about the handset's sales, having hit a mere third of the target that he trumpeted at launch.

"I am not happy. I said we needed to sell 6 million in three years, and we sold one-third of that. We need to make some changes," said Anssi Vanjoki, head of Nokia's Multimedia division, which produces N-Gage.

Two million! We're rather impressed it even did that well! Maybe there's hope for the Gizmondo afte- ... no, maybe not.

Gizmodo s Tobey hit up the N-Gage party in Barcelona where he was spoon fed Nokia s hopes and dreams. Basically, N-Gage is moving into the world of Java games, focusing on Series 60 phones while Snap Mobile handles the Java.

No new N-Gage hardware coming [Gizmodo]

I was cruising through the Reject Shop (think dollar store, but pricier) in a town north of Sydney a few weeks back when I stumbled upon an old-school-side-talking N-Gage. Imagine my delight when I discovered that it wasn t really the crap phone-game device by Nokia, but a cheap knock-off.

The aptly named "All-in-1 PS-336" features musical instruments, a calculator, clock, calendar, alarm, light and games, according to the garish packaging. The instructions were non-existent, but after a little bit of screwing around I was able to find 48 different games, each played in glorious non-bit form of graphics that featured tiny squares with dots in the center of them.

At first glance the games look like crap, but despite the low level graphics I was able to recognize Pole Position, Tanks, Tetris, Break-Out, Space Invaders, Frogger and Snake. Granted, the lack of any discernable graphics can cast a bit of a pall on the game play, but I actually had a bit of fun playing through the games.

Despite the horrid N-Gage design, the PS-336 may be worth the $5 or so I paid for it and did I mention it has a flashlight. Take notice Nintendo and Sony, they ve got a light on theirs.

But yeah, N-Gage. Nokia has intimated that they're be announcing something new at E3, but nobody knows if it'll be a new model of the N-Gage or what. Our best guess? A last-ditch salvage attempt that will brand multiple phones as 'N-Gage compatible.' It's no secret that the N-Gage is just a gussied-up Series 60 phone with a proper videogame form-factor. We're guessing Nokia will expand the brand to encompass all new Series 60 phones, and encourage people to buy N-Gage games even if they don't have an N-Gage proper.

Nokia is announcing something this week, and we'll be sure to let you know as soon as we do.—Joel

High Seize Announced [Game Gossip]

Nokia's N-Gage Price Cuts

Vypad takhle n stupce Nokie N-Gage QD? Bohu el ne [Mobil Idnes]

Nokia also pointed to a couple of honest to goodness game hits including Pathway to Glory, Pocket Kingdom and Colin McRae Rally. I ve played both Pathway and Rally and can say they kick butt. Personally, I d add Ghost Recon to the list too.

Nokia Reveals Overall N-Gage Sales to Date [Gamasutra]

Snakes [N-Gage]