Nokia calls time on the N-Gage

Nokia have confirmed that they will no longer be supporting the much maligned N-Gage mobile games platform. Its 2003 release was an early attempt at combing a mobile handset with a top-end handheld gaming console. Despite offering some worthy titles, the N-Gage was criticised for its odd shape and uncomfortable size when in use as a phone, and became dubbed the “Taco” phone.

Nokia says that “N-Gage games can be purchased until the end of September 2010. While the N-Gage.com site together with the N-Gage Arena and other community features will remain in operation throughout 2010.”

Though new games will not be published for the N-Gage, Nokia’s Ovi Store is set to become a hub for games from both Nokia and third party publishers.

If you are one of the few who grabbed an N-Gage and now fear for your digital downloads, rest easy. Nokia assure us that “Your games are safe. All your purchased N-Gage games will continue to work on your N-Gage compatible mobile device and they’re yours to keep. However, community features of the games will not be functional after 2010.”