N-GAGE QD on display at Gamestop!

[Adrian M]

While the QD's US release has been delayed until late July, Gamestop has replaced their demo units with the new QD models. These particular demo units were running the game SIMS: BUSTING OUT and it was most impressive!

 

This has got to be one of the most improved systems I've ever used! Everything seems so much better, from the smaller size, to the brighter screen, to the button layout. The D-Pad and number buttons are "raised" and easier to distinguish from one another. They're made of a rubbery clear plastic and feel great with awesome tactile feedback. There is a new checkmark button to the right of the D-pad which makes confirming menu choices much easier!

 

The screen seems brighter and sharper over the older model as well. And overall casing is much smaller, I'd say slightly wider than the GBA SP (folded) and much thinner as well. Some of the features on the demo units were disabled, but I was able to get into the calendar and phonebook apps and they all worked great!

 

Needless to say, I've had a QD pre-ordered and look forward to getting mine in July!

[joeybastard]

How much are they going for?

[Adrian M]

How much are they going for?

 

$199 retail.

 

You can get a $100 rebate if you opt for the 1 or 2 year service agreement bringing your total to $99

[JohnnyBlaze]

It's a shame there aren't any good games for the N-Gage.....

[Adrian M]

It's a shame there aren't any good games for the N-Gage.....

 

Come on now.

Ashen is coming out any day now.

Pandemonium is a fun 2.5D side scroller.

Sims is fun

Splinter Cell is a decent adaptation.

An Elder Scrolls game is due out this year.

Some of Sega's better games are coming out this year.

There's plenty here to love and enjoy!

 

Plus, you can run emulation on it (if that sort of thing interests you).

[Centerice19]

Its a phone too right? So if i get the new N-Gage i have to buy some cell phone plan with it? or can i just get it for the games?

[Adrian M]

Its a phone too right? So if i get the new N-Gage i have to buy some cell phone plan with it? or can i just get it for the games?

 

Yep, a phone feature is included, but you have a choice whether or not to activate it.

You can opt not to activate the phone feature and pay $199 outright for the system. Or, you can elect to go with a 1 or 2 year plan through AT&T or Tmobile and get a $99 rebate back, bringing your total hardware cost to $100

[SteveW]

I think i'd like to get one if they can expand their game library a little. Ashen does look pretty cool from the TV commercial i've seen, but i'd like a little more assortment of genres.

[Susuwatari]

How much is the phone service if you buy it and never use it? You may end up paying more than $199 if you don't need the phone service and tried to get the $100 rebate from activating it.

[Adrian M]

How much is the phone service if you buy it and never use it?  You may end up paying more than $199 if you don't need the phone service and tried to get the $100 rebate from activating it.

 

Don't know exactly.

I pre-ordered mine at the console-only price as I already have satisfactory phone service from Verizon Wireless.

 

Though, if the plans and N-Gage Arena are enticing enough, I may ultimately opt to unlock the phone service feature on the QD.

[ninjarabbit]

No more side talking from the N-Gage.

[Albert]

No more side talking from the N-Gage.

 

Speaking of which, the infamous Sidetalkin' web site has been updated with a slew of new pictures, at least since the last time I looked. They also mourn the departure of the N-Gage Sidetalkin' feature.

 

I may stop by a GameStop today and see if they have the new N-Gage QD so I can form my own opinions about it.

 

..Al

[JerseyDevil]

 

$199 retail.

 

You can get a $100 rebate if you opt for the 1 or 2 year service agreement bringing your total to $99

 

Twice the price of Gameboy Advance SP and nowhere near the amount of games? Sounds like another failure.

[ninjarabbit]

You also don't need power tools to change your games on the new N-Gage. Question: why didn't they think of that sooner ?

[Adrian M]

No more side talking from the N-Gage.

 

Speaking of which, the infamous Sidetalkin' web site has been updated with a slew of new pictures, at least since the last time I looked. They also mourn the departure of the N-Gage Sidetalkin' feature.

 

I may stop by a GameStop today and see if they have the new N-Gage QD so I can form my own opinions about it.

 

..Al

 

I saw the new units on demo over at an EBGames store this morning as well.

[Jasoco]

Fortunately, not all GS are carrying them anymore. So I don't have to put up with them trying to side-talk me into one.

 

not that any of my stores ever did try. All three local GS' were so glad to dump them and I don't blame them.

 

Cut out the phone, drop it to $100 and then we'll talk... but not over the phone of course.

 

I am only interested in Taito Memories and that I'm not eager to get. So I can um, wait... for eternity.

[JerseyDevil]

 

Cut out the phone, drop it to $100 and then we'll talk

 

Exactly the way I feel. If I spend $200, I want a console with tons of games that I really want to play.

[cryptik76]

If that Elder Scrolls game turns out to be as good as it looks, I may be tempted to buy an NGage QD.

 

But then I'll decide not to get one simply because Adrian M likes them.