Nokia shows off its next gen N-Gage mobile platform with six new games

The successor to the N-Gage might still be a year away, but that hasn't stopped games developers from getting stuck in, as Nokia is demonstrating at E3 with a hands-on showcase.

Demo versions of six new games have been revealed for the next generation mobile gaming platform, which will be supported by a range of Nokia's N-series and S60 handsets.

Whilst some will be familiar to N-Gage owners, with the futuristic racer System Rush: Evolution and 3D fighting sim ONE – Who's Next? providing sequels to existing brands, there's also brand new titles such as poker sim Pocket Aces, Pro Series Golf, shooter Space Impact, and the fishing title Creatures of the Deep.

The latter sounds particularly intriguing, enabling you to travel through some of the world's most exotic angler destinations in your attempt to snare fish, sea creatures and other underwater items to store in your virtual net, with the handset's vibration feedback allowing you to sense subtle bites on your line.

As it's name suggests, ONE - Who's Next? is the follow up to the N-Gage original and continues in the quest of combining multiplayer fighting options (you can take on all-comers over N-Gage Arena) with eye-watering visuals (real-time reflections and light glow at a super smooth frame rate certainly sounds impressive). Whilst 'adaptive' controls are promised, it remains to be seen exactly how well a 3D fighting game will work on a normal handset, however.

Pocket Aces: Texas Hold'em isn't about pushing the control boundaries, of course, but its multiplayer options could still bring something new to the pocket gaming casino sim world, with head-to-head match-ups, rankings and online tournaments all present. Whilst there's no real cash at stake, the ability to use winnings to customise your 3D avatar is a neat trick, whilst the promise that your virtual gambler will apparently learn your strategy – and may even be able to play on its own – is just plain scary.

Space Impact is a relatively standard looking space shooter; the twist is you get the ability to collect exclusive upgrades (from up to 30 different ship parts) over the N-Gage Arena.

Pro Series Golf is also most notable for its multiplayer options. You'll be able to play as one of six professional golfers, including Sergio Garcia, KJ Choi, Retief Goosen, Annika Sorenstam, Colin Montgomerie and Casey Wittenberg, and challenge friends from across the world.

Last, but by no means least, 3D racer System Rush: Evolution certainly seems justified in claiming to be the most stunning looking racing game yet seen on a mobile phone. It also promises an even more convoluted plot than the original, which sees you being hardwired into a computer system and competing against hackers to shatter firewalls.

And just in case all that wasn't enough to be going on with, the Nokia booth will also be showing off the latest developments from Habbo Islands and Shadow Born.

Suffice to say we'll be back very soon with a full hands-on update on each of the games straight from the show floor, as well as the latest news on the new format. (Indeed, click 'Track It!' above to be emailed when we write more about the next N-Gage).

In the meantime, you can enjoy a first glimpse of the images above, or read the official word on Nokia's dedicated E3 site.