It looks to be pretty cool. It is basically a handheld system like the Gameboy that has online capabilities and can double as a cell phone and an MP3 player. Not only that, supposedly you will be able to download java games (for free according to some sources) that will be able to inhabit your system’s resident memory. So far it looks like Sega and Nokia have teamed up for this. I am not convinced that the online and phone time will actually be affordable at the moment. Especially since the system itself will likely cost more than most normal cell phones.
I think the system itself is $299 - but I could be mistaken. I would get one, but I don’t think I’m extreme enough. 
I am thinking of getting a T-Mobile Sidekick though.
Only constipated skater dudes get the N-Gage. I’m sure that if you really want a portable gaming system you get the Gameboy Advance SP, even though according to Nokia anyone to own such system is a little kiddie and not a constipated skater dude. This is bad because constipated skater dudes are Nokia’s desired customer base.
The N-Gage doesn’t seem all that well designed, either: the battery life is short (2-3 hours, if memory serves), the buttons seem horrible and in order to change the game, you have to remove the battery and insert a new teeny-weeny card that can be lost in a second. And it costs about 299€(/$). You can get any real console for that price, AND a bunch of games for it.
But hey, if you’re a constipated skater dude, the Nokia N-Gage is your number one choice.
Ouch, I didn’t see that extreme picture. I think they are outpricing their target market with this one if it is going to cost around 300 bucks and require one to use minutes of some kind in order to play online.
Hell, no! I’m a total dork for new gadgets, and all you have to do is mention some new PDA or cell phone or watch or laptop or whatever and I’m all over it. But with the N-Gage, I never had a moment’s hesitation – that thing is just a mistake.
The worst is the form factor. The Handspring Treo (PDA + cell phone) makes more sense, because it combines features you’re likely to use together. But I still won’t get one because you like like an idiot talking into his palm pilot. So talking into your game boy is supposed to be better?
And as other posters have implied, they completely misunderstood their target market for this thing. It’s going to be way too expensive for most of the people who wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen using it. The success of the GBA proved that the market is driven more by price point than by features – it had a completely lousy screen and almost no exclusive titles (mostly SNES ports), but it was under $100 and sold like gangbusters.
Also, there are rumors (don’t know if they’re true) that since you can’t run the N-Gage as just a dedicated game machine without the cell phone or wireless stuff, then you won’t be able to use them on plane flights. Just dumb.
I think I’ll hold out for the new Sony PSP handheld, as soon as more info is available for it. They’ve got the right idea, combining stuff that makes sense – games + music + video, with a sizeable library of each available from launch. When I want a new cell phone, I’ll get a cell phone.
The N-Gage is gonna fall apart faster than Grandma’s spleen. This will be a flop bigger than Uncle (Tubs) Hershey bellyflopping into the pool. This is gonna tank bigger than Shamu’s home. This is gonna-
You get the picture.
This shows me for the geek that I am: I saw ‘N-Gage’ and thought, “Cool. SDMB discusses model railroading…”
I attended Nokia’s press conference in LA during E3…What a joke. They were hyping the $299 price as a positive, like they were doing us a service for not charging more. They also completely failed to answer any questions in regards to monthly fees (of which there will be). The games also are nothing to get excited about…Woo, an 8 year old port of Tomb Raider and a shitty version of Monkey Ball.
The following day at E3 itself, I was able to play the Ngage. First, the screen is barely larger than a postal stamp and the vertical alignment is annoying. It’s difficult to figure out which buttons do which; they’re also uncomfortable. Finally, to change games, you have to remove the battery first, every time. The Ngage is a terribly misconceived system.
I couldn’t imagine that it got worse after the price hitch. So it is sounding more and more like a dud to me. I was envisioning some online fun playing fight games and such with friends but now I am not so sure that will work.
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrroowwwwwBOOOOMMM
You’ve got company. Instead, it turns out to be about some new game console. Fooey 