Nokia launch N-Gage mobile gaming service

Remember the Nokia N-Gage? This rather ill-fated attempt by the handset giant to get into the portable games console market sort of fell flat on it’s face. But never to fear – the N-Gage brand has been wheeled out again, this time as a games platform for existing Nokia N-series handsets.

The service, due for full global roll-out in November 2007, brings multiplayer gaming to to the N73, N81, N93, and N95. It’ll allow you to try all N-Gage games for free, and participate in the online “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.”

There’s also been a few titles announced for the N-Gage platform, including EA Sports FIFA 08, The Sims, 2 Pets, Tetris, and Tiger Woods PGA Tour. If you’re a fan of the classic Nokia Snake game, watch out for Snakes Subsonic too. Nokia have also announced that they’ve got game publishers Capcom and Vivendi on board, as well as the rather popular Crash Bandicoot game.

Early indications put the cost of each game at 6-10 euros (about £4-£8), and will be available to purchase via operator billing (where supported) and credit card billing. There’s also apparently daily and weekly game licenses available – useful if you get bored of your games quickly.