Nokia's N-Gage QDAs an owner of a Nokia N-Gage QD, I'm well aware of the pulling of N-Gage software from retail shelves several months back. While plenty of software is still available via eBay and from Nokia directly, Nokia had the foresight to start a download service today for N-Gage users to have instant access to the system's large range of games. While it's easy to be critical of Nokia's design choices for the N-gage - particularly of the original model - it's very difficult to be critical of Nokia's non-stop support for the moribund platform, which debuted in 2003.

Here's the release:

N-Gage owners get easy access to games through www.n-gage.com/gameshop

Espoo, Finland - Today, Nokia launched its first global digital retail distribution channel for N-Gage games. N-Gage owners can now trial, purchase and download popular N-Gage games like Pathway to Glory and Mile High Pinball from www.n-gage.com/gameshop.

To access N-Gage content, N-Gage owners simply browse the online catalogs to see what is available and then download their choices to a PC. With a compatible memory card reader and memory card, game files can then be installed to the N-Gage game deck. The price of games ranges from 19.99 to 29.99 euros per game and purchases can be made directly using a credit card.

"As we move forward with our next generation of mobile gaming, we continue to offer N-Gage owners easy ways to get games," says Jukka Hosio, Director, Global Sales, Multimedia, Nokia. "The N-Gage platform is recognized worldwide for its high-quality mobile gaming content. By making these games available for download over the internet, we're making it easier for N-Gage owners to find and purchase new games."

In conjunction with this new distribution channel, N-Gage fans can experience everything the N-Gage platform has to offer at www.n-gage.com. Fans can purchase game decks and accessories, keep informed on the latest N-Gage news and features, challenge friends and strangers through N-Gage Arena and download mobile content to meet all their N-Gage gaming needs.

Nokia continues to develop and expand the N-Gage platform and the connected mobile gaming experience. Nokia's next generation mobile gaming solution includes enhanced 3D game graphics capability and offers user-friendly search, purchase and installation of high-quality rich games as well as connected gaming with spontaneous access to a global mobile gaming community. Best of all, the solution will work with a number of Nokia multimedia devices, thus giving consumers the freedom to choose a multimedia device that best suits their individual needs.

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.