T-Mobile Gets In The N-Gage Game



T-Mobile is ramping up to unleash Nokia's N-Gage mobile game deck to U.S. buyers. The

wireless service provider will entice users with a free 30-day trial.



In addition to the trial, the deal includes $50 worth of free voice and text messaging. After the trial period expires, gamers can sign an annual contract for a T-Mobile voice plan and, through 2004, get access to unlimited N-Gage wireless gaming services for an additional $9.99 a month.



The N-Gage features a digital music player, stereo FM radio and tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 mobile phone. The device will retail for $299 USD.



Besides being the first to provide the multiplayer gaming service in the United States, T- Mobile will be the exclusive provider of the game decks at Target, Electronics Boutique, Game Stop and Circuit City.



Independent Research Group remains bullish on Nokia's N-Gage device, which is set to make its debut next month. "Nokia forecasts unit sales of 6 million over the next two years, a small number in terms of total sales, but a good barometer of the company's ability to grow outside its core market," analyst Erik Zamkoff said.