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Espoo (pte027/03.02.2003/13:13) - Finnish cell phone giant Nokia Corp is preparing to launch its new handheld game console, and has asked three major Japanese firms to provide the games.
Among the gaming firms that have agreed to supply gaming software are Sega Corp, Taito Corp and Capcom Co Ltd. The games will include those starring the popular Sega Corp character Sonic the Hedgehog, Taito Corp's Space Invaders and some of the most popular Capcom games. Negotiations are still under way with Namco Ltd., and the number of participating Japanese firms is expected to increase.
Once the device is on the market, game fans can either download the games or buy memory cards that contain them. In the future, users will likely be able to play the games online and against other users of the same console.
Nokia announced plans to develop a phone-equipped handheld game console in November last year. Details on the specifications of the console, as well as how it will be marketed, have yet to be announced. Nokia has, however, said that the console will be marketed in Europe and around the world this year.
As the console is not going to be marketed in Japan, it is not likely to compete with Nintendo's Game Boy. An introduction to the Japanese market is hindered by the telecom specs, which are different from those Europe.
Nokia controls over a third of the global mobile handset market.
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