How to set up and use n-Gage on the Nokia N85

Nokia's n-Gage platform has been around for a while but, since it was revamped recently, it has become a much more intuitive system with even better games and comes pre-installed on most handsets.

Taking inspiration from the original gaming handset, the n-Gage, the platform allows you to play top-class games, with stunning graphics and console-like gameplay.

You can also download free trial versions of the games if you're not sure you want to commit to paying in full.

To set up an n-Gage account, follow these instructions:

Setting up n-Gage using your handset

1. Navigate your way to the n-Gage application which should be in your Applications folder (Figure 1).
2. Open up the application (Figure 2).
3. Scroll across the top menu until you reach My Profile - Create Player Name (Figure 3).
4. Click on Player Name and enter a username (Figure 4).
5. Scroll to Personal Settings and enter your details (Figure 5).
6. When asked if you'd like to save the entered details to your profile, click Yes.
7. Click Connect and log in now when prompted (Figure 6).
8. If you haven't already registered for n-Gage, Click on Register New Account (Figure 7).
9. Re-enter your player name and password, accept the terms and conditions and you're ready to start playing n-Gage (Figure 8).

Setting up n-Gage online

1. Head to the n-Gage website by clicking on this link.
2. Click on Create Player Name in the top right hand corner of the page.
3. Enter your player name and details in the fields displayed, ensuring you accept the terms and conditions.
4. A confirmation email will be sent to your email address. Click on this link to activate your account.

Now you have an account set up, you can start downloading games and join the n-Gage community.

Downloading games through your handset

1. Ensure you have either Wi-Fi, 3G or GPRS connection active.
2. Navigate and launch the n-Gage application stored on your phone.
3. Click on Showroom and choose the game you'd like to download (Figure 9).
4. Choose Download Free Trial (Figure 10).
5. After you have chosen the download location (whether you want to download onto memory card or the phone itself), the game will begin to download (Figure 11).
6. When the game has downloaded, install when prompted (Figure 12).
7. To purchase the game, launch the free trial and select Purchase Now (Figure 13).
8. Select a licence if prompted (full license with unlimited game play if you want to be able to play the game forever) (Figure 14).
9. Choose a billing method. The options are via your mobile phone network operator or by credit card (Figure 15).
10. Enter your payment details (Figure 16).
11. Confirm the purchase and you'll be able to play the game forevermore!

Downloading games through the n-Gage website

1. Head to the n-Gage website
2. Choose the game you wish to download and click on the Download Free Trial link.
3. Select the N85, and click on the Yes box when asked if you have n-Gage installed on your device.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions and click on Download and install game now.
5. The file will now be saved to the computer.
6. Connect your Nokia N85 via the supplied cable and either select PC Suite mode if you have the PC Suite installed or Mass Storage Mode if you don't.
7. Transfer the downloaded .n-gage file to the n-Gage folder on your Nokia N85.
8. Disconnect your Nokia N85 from your computer, launch the n-Gage application and the game you downloaded will be in the downloaded games section.
9. Click launch and your game is ready to play.