Let's get this straight from the start; this is a gaming device that doubles as a cell phone, not the other way around.
One key feature that gives this away is the unmistakable direction-control button for the left thumb. In addition, the numbers are sideways from what you'd normally expect on a cell phone. Add the high-resolution screen and it should be fairly obvious this is primarily a toy with a few functional features thrown in as an afterthought.
The QD differs from the original N-Gage in that it is smaller and sits slightly better in your hands. In the process, it also ditched some bells and whistles such as the radio and MP3-player functionalities. Both versions are fully compatible, however, meaning you can use the same game cards and play against each other using multiplayer.
So, let's cut to the chase; does the N-Gage QD deliver some serious fun? The answer is: it depends. The Sims, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 and other slow-paced games work well with this format. It is easy to see how the N-Gage can truly save the day when you're stuck in an airport terminal for hours with nothing to do.
Another neat feature is the Bluetooth-based multiplayer option that comes with most games. Setting up the multiplayer option is a snap and the connectivity between consoles works well without any noticeable lag. Beyond Bluetooth, you can easily connect with other players worldwide using the N-Gage Arena option.
On the downside, the most glaring shortcoming of the N-Gage QD is the small screen. Furthermore, the screen is narrow and tall rather than wide and short like we're used to. This is not a big deal for the slower games I mentioned earlier.
However, pop in a racing game and you have a problem. Since you have very limited vision to the sides, you don't discover sudden turns until you're halfway off the track and heading straight for a stone wall. The same problem appears in those Super Mario-style, side-scrolling jumping games. You just don't see the dangers ahead until you've jumped into the arms of some monster, or better yet, jumped off the edge of a cliff into thin air.
Another drawback is the tiny game cards. At a leaf-thin, <1 x 1.25 in., these things seem designed to get lost or damaged. On other hand, this is a Catch-22: if the game cards were bulkier, I'd probably gripe about that. Each game comes with a small plastic case for four game cards, which helps a little bit.
Lastly, the design feels cluttered with way more buttons than 'pure-bred' game consoles have. You have the full set of cell phone keys, along with special game keys and navigation keys, many of which have dual functions. In other words, it's easy to get the buttons mixed up in the heat of the moment.
In conclusion, the N-Gage QD could be a good buy if you like to travel light and gravitate towards slow-moving, more strategic games. If racing games with split-second reflexes is your thing, you may be better off with a traditional gaming device.
