Clock is ticking for N-Gage

How long now before Nokia throws in the towel on the N-Gage? After a disastrous launch, a lukewarm re-launch and an ongoing stream of mediocre titles tainting its small library, the N-Gage is at best treading water or, more likely, headed for an early bath.

With heavyweight rivals from Nintendo (the DS) and Sony (the PSP) due in these parts within months, rumours have already surfaced of Nokia cutting its losses and shutting down the ill-starred project. The big N has been quick to pooh-pooh the mooted infanticide but only a fool can't see that N-Gage will be flatted by the DS/PSP juggernauts.

Fuelling the fire is Nokia's decision to mothball the R&D department directly responsible for the handheld.

Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Perhaps the Finns are better off sticking to what they know best: making damn fine phones.