Nokia launches improved N-Gage

Nokia has taken the wraps off the latest version of its N-Gage mobile gaming device, the N-Gage QD mobile game deck.

Offering wireless multiplayer gaming on a handheld console, the N-Gage was launched last autumn by Nokia but has enjoyed only limited success.

The new device features longer battery life, improved gaming controls, brighter screen, enhanced smartphone features, a hot-swappable multimedia (MMC) slot for instant gaming and the new N-Gage Arena launcher application.

The launcher allows gamers to connect to the worldwide mobile gaming community over mobile networks as well as take part in close-range gaming via Bluetooth.

The device is expected to sell from around €99 (£65) with a contract to €199 (£132) on its own, and will be available in Europe from May.

"After six months on the market with the N-Gage platform, we wanted to expand our device portfolio based on the feedback we've received," said Nokia's senior vice president of games, Ilkka Raiskinen, in a statement.

"With improved gaming ergonomics, gamers can now start to play games at the push of a button and enjoy the increased responsiveness of the game keys.

"We also added support for hot-swap MMC and extended the battery life. For phone calls, we reoriented the speaker and microphone to support 'classic talking'."