Nokia launches QD in the USA !

Nokia announced today it has finally sent its N-Gage update, the QD, to retailers. Already available everywhere else in the world, the new model is an updated version of the original N-Gage model released in October of last year. The new model corrects a number of design flaws that hampered sales of the original N-Gage. As an added incentive, the game deck comes bundled with a copy of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. [br][br][br]The game deck/cell phone-hybrid is now available at a slew of retailers, including most EB Games and GameStop outlets, and online at EBgames.com, Gamestop.com, Walmart.com, and Buy.com. Almost all are offering the device with either an instant or mail-in rebate (with activation) that brings the QD's price down from an MSRP of $199.99 to $99.99. Currently, T-Mobile is the only carrier that supports the phone, but Nokia says customers will have the option to tap into the AT&T Wireless network "soon." [br][br]In a statement, Nada Usina, Nokia's general manager, Games Business, North & South America said, "The N-Gage QD game deck shows that Nokia is fully committed to the N-Gage platform." After the device suffered from critical reviews and tepid sakes when it launched last year, Nokia quickly went to work to rework the N-Gage. Since then, Usina and other Nokia staffers have assured media and industry reps that the QD would not suffer the same fate as its predecessors. Now, it’s up to the consumers whether or not that happens.