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N-Gage Hardware and Software Price Dropped
GamesIndustry.biz has the news that Nokia is dropping the price on N-Gage Hardware and Software. They also reconfirmed the thought that the deck may recieve another redesign. From the article: "Despite putting significant weight behind the launch of the original device, and responding quickly to consumer feedback by launching the much-improved N-Gage QD handset within a matter of months, Nokia has had very limited success with N-Gage - selling only 1.5 million units of the platform worldwide to date."
Nokia had a lot going against them in the market. Poor product reviews, terrible product design and a fairly high price tag are not going to sell systems.
This possible redesign should be a product overhaul. It's not as if they can turn a blind eye to customer response to the problems with the current product and expect to succeed.
Their competition has increased, and there are a total of four major handhelds fighting for market share, GBASP, DS, NGage, and the PSP which has yet to arrive but isn't far off. The new handhelds offer a lot, and if the NGage isn't something great Nokia can expect that their time in the handheld department has come to a close.
The N-Gage has been written off as a failure by most gamers since before its release, but Nokia is still pushing it, still supporting it with new titles and redesigns.
This kind of faith in a product is a bit unusual, but refreshing. They're still trying to make it work, and while general opinion doesn't match mine, there's still no guarantee that it won't catch on eventually.
If Nokia decides to remain in the gaming industry after the N-Gage is gone, I see potential for great things. After all, if you try this many times, you'll be bound to strike gold eventually. :)
Goo goo g'joob.
Now you can get that piece of hardware that nobody wants and nobody owns for less money that still nobody wants to spend.
So how does this "price drop" actually work?? Nokia sells the phone to the carriers, they determine the price and sell the device. Which from what I've seen it ranges from -$200 to $150 with service and $200 with prepaid service.