Sales of Nokia N-Gage started in 60 countries at the beginning of October, and widespread interest was immediately aroused in the cordless game deck. Amid the game fever one thing was almost forgotten: you can also play music and make calls with it.

After a favourable reception, about 400,000 N-Gage game decks were sold immediately during the first two weeks. Initially sales were made from 30,000 retail outlets but the number is increasing constantly.

Nokia Mobile Phones says that customers have been particularly enthused with the game options provided by the equipment. N-Gage is the first cordless game deck that allows for multiplayer game play using Bluetooth technology and on GPRS networks.

Interest is expected to accelerate at Christmas, although the actual breakthrough is expected during 2004. The aim is to sell 6 million game decks by the end of 2004.

Sales will be speeded up by launching new games that are being developed for Nokia by many well known game producers such as Activision, Electronic Arts, Eidos, Sega and Taito. During 2004 Nokia will also start publishing games itself.

Although the features of the games have attracted attention on the market, N-Gage is also a tri-band telephone, a digital music player and a stereo radio.

>> www.n-gage.com
>> www.nokia.com

With the game deck you can play online in the N-Gage Arena.