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Nokia’s N-Gage platform has gone through a few revamps over the years, from the modest handheld console that integrated gaming and cellular functionality, to its current full fledged system that sees itself as a must have application on the latest generation of Nokia devices.

Nokia’s N-Gage started off as a mobile gaming device, merging a dedicated handheld gaming system and a cellular phone. This convergence of entertainment and practicality was a major step taken by Nokia throughout the device development.

Over the years, Nokia took the N-Gage idea on a new direction, formulating it to become platform-centric instead of a device-centric system as it was in its infancy. During the recent Nokia: Go Play event, N-Gage found itself being introduced to the masses via Nokia’s Ovi portal, providing music, video and gaming all under one roof. And thus, the new N-Gage system was revealed.

Going full swing with the revival of the next generation N-Gage platform, support has been improved with the following devices being able to run the all new N-Gage:

Nokia N73
Nokia N81
Nokia N81 8GB
Nokia N82
Nokia N93
Nokia N93i
Nokia N95
Nokia N95 8GB

To give consumers a taste of the all new N-Gage system, these devices have been preloaded with demo versions of three introductory N-Gage games, first of which, is Asphalt 3: Street Rules.

As one would have surmised, Asphalt 3: Street Rules by Gameloft is a game that would surely capture the attention of all racing fans. In the demo version, you’ll be given access to either an Instant Play or Arcade mode, where you are able to get into the action immediately. With the full version, you even have access to character choices and options to fine-tune your ride.

Nonetheless, with either Instant Play or Arcade mode, you’ll be provided with hours of pure enjoyment. With an accompanying soundtrack that pumps sufficient adrenaline into your system, and the added excitement you get with every Nitro boost you perform, Asphalt 3: Street Rules is sure to keep you on your toes.

And next up is FIFA ‘07, a game that would surely keep soccer lovers well satisfied. Though not as aesthetically pleasing as you would get with a full-fledged game on a dedicated gaming console such as the PlayStation2 or Xbox360, FIFA ‘07 on the N-Gage delivers a visual experience that surpasses most mobile device games currently on the market. An intuitive gameplay system, with detailed sculpting of the players and fields are the strength of FIFA ‘07 on the N-Gage. The smaller keypad may be a learning curve for those not used to handheld gaming, but once you’ve gotten into it, you’ll be passing the ball like a pro.

Though preloaded only on the N81 or N81 8GB, Space Impact is also downloadable via MOSH, Nokia’s very own file sharing site, located at http://mosh.nokia.com/content/390835310FA94CEEE040050AEE0402D8.

Space Impact utilizes the N81’s unique landscape gaming mode, and gives you a wide-screen experience in this shooter genre game that smacks of nostalgia. With its dedicated gaming buttons at the top of the device, you can hold the Nokia N81 in its landscape orientation, and have a game of Space Impact as though it’s a dedicated gaming device. Of course, you can switch back to portrait mode, but where’s the fun in that? The gameplay element is simple, yet could prove to be surprisingly challenging when you reach later stages as you battle it out in five different levels of varying difficulty. Beyond the simple fly-and-shoot that you’ll be doing, customization of your ship is available, giving you more options for weapon loadout and various other upgrades for your ship.

The demonstration of what the N-Gage system could do in the near future looks set to keep consumers on their toes with its simple, yet full attention to the gaming and aesthetic details of its products. With the current incarnation of N-Gage, entertainment value and future compatibility is undeniably strong, proving that time will never pass you by slowly when you are N-Gaged on your Nokia device.