Esoteric Devices Wiki

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====== Nokia N-Gage ======

Nokia's weird attempt of releasing a mobile phone that doubled as a game console. Since it's games released on physical media and were relatively unique to the N-Gage, it certainly counts. Containing an ARM920T CPU, some unknown amount of RAM, and a 176x208 vertical screen, the N-Gage was pretty much a failure, becoming known primarily because of it's ridiculous "taco" design and it's generally botched execution. Oddly enough, Nokia claims to have sold 2 million of these things, which isn't the worst figure in the world...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-Gage_(device)

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/UsefulNotes/NGage

===== Version & Revision Guide =====

For general information, see the [[eop:essays:game_console_revisions_overview|Game Console Revisions Overview]].

==== Versions ====

//There are three versions of this console, arranged chronologically.//

=== Nokia N-Gage (2003-2004) ===

//RECOMMENDED OVERALL (for features)//

The original N-Gage with the notorious "taco" design. Easily identified by well, it being shaped like a taco - plus the circular D-pad. Came with MP3 playback, USB support, FM radio, and Symbian 6.1. Game cartridge insertion was very counterintuitive, as one had to remove both the battery and back cover in order to change out a game. Furthermore, the earpiece was located on the "long end" of the phone, which resulted in an awkward placement for anyone using the device for phone calls. A variety of "media" buttons are located on the device face, alongside the expected circular D-pad, keypad, and so on.

=== Nokia N-Gage QD (2004-2006) ===

//RECOMMENDED OVERALL (for usability)//

A redesigned version of the QD which aimed to primarily improve device ergonomics. Can be identified by it's proper D-pad, not being shaped like a taco (more just a blob), and by having it's cartridge slot located below the screen, rather than under the battery. As previously mentioned, one major improvement in the QD is the relocation of the cartridge slot, alongside a much more user-friendly set of buttons for device usage. Furthermore, the earpiece was relocated to the front of the device, eliminating the "side listening" issue found in the original. Alas, some downsides come with the QD, such as a less vibrantly designed UI, the removal of USB, FM radio, and MP3 (outside of low quality 3rd party solutions), and a comparatively outdated OS (still running Symbian 6.1 despite 7.0's release before the launch of the QD). Overall, the QD is a better device for practical usage, but it does pale somewhat in features compared to the original N-Gage.

=== Nokia N-Gage QD Silver Edition (2005-2006) ===

Released only in certain international markets, unlike the two preceding N-Gage systems. Very similar to the normal QD. Changes are very limited and almost entirely cosmetic, with the color scheme being changed to a sleek silver over the dull grey found on the original QD. Furthermore, the 5 and 7 "gaming" buttons (colored orange) on the QD are now normal buttons without small raised "bumps" on top. Whether this had any functional changes for the QD Silver is unknown.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-Gage_QD

https://crappygames.miraheze.org/wiki/N-Gage

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-Gage_(device)

https://beta.mobilephonemuseum.com/phone-detail/nokia-n-gage

https://beta.mobilephonemuseum.com/phone-detail/nokia-n-gage-qd

https://www.fonearena.com/blog/103/nokia-releases-n-gage-qd-silver-edition-to-european-middle-eastern-and-african-markets.html