Mitu.nu

Not sure how exactly the Ngage went over in the UK, or if you’re a masochist, but I’m curious to see how you regard it as a mobile device/gaming device. I know I’ve been doing the same thing with the PSP I bought for myself over Xmas. Initially, I had to fight it to like it, but now that I’ve wrestled the thing into a corner, and come to terms with its quirks, I love it.

Hope to read more from ya.

-Blaine
taranwalker.1up.com
untitledpodcast.1up.com

Hi Blaine, thanks for your comment!

Well, I actually make a differentiation here between “mobile gaming” (which, I consider to be gaming on a device meant primarily as a mobile phone), and “handheld gaming” (which is gaming on a handheld console, i.e. PSP, DS etc)

I own both a DS (albeit currently broken!) and, (as of two days ago!) a PSP, and I do not doubt the success and validity of handheld gaming one bit! In fact, what with the seeping (read: explosion!) of the Nintendo DS into the casual market, that’s something that’s only going to grow.

In terms of mobile gaming: well, the original N-gage did just as badly here as everywhere else, I believe. I liked the concept but not the execution! I am just excited to see this new ‘N-gage platform’ that will operate a mobile gaming service on new smartphones (because, the N95 is a very nice looking phone indeed, at least in my opinion!)

However, with moves such as the PSP gaining Skype functionality, and the N95 being more of a ‘full multimedia experience’ on a phone, I do think that the lines between ‘mobile gaming’ and ‘handheld gaming’ will begin to blur until there is little to no differentiation – so maybe this whole issue is going to be null and void in future anyway. ;)

Hmm, sorry for rambling a bit there – I may turn this comment into an actual follow-up entry. ;)