N-Gage is what Nokia mobile users have been anticipating from a very long time. After much delays and expectations a pre-release of the N-Gage platform is finally available for download as reported by AllAboutSymbian. N-Gage is more than just games actually. It is a whole community based gaming platform where you can interact and socialize with other N-Gage gamers.

N-Gage is now available for download for lucky Nokia N81 users. To get the N-Gage application you need to go to N-Gage First Access Community page where you will get access to N-Gage Portal application that is required to run the games and use the community-based features.

The pre-release version is unfortunately available to N81 users only and it is hoped that the official full-version release will soon support new devices too but until then the good news is that P@sco has hacked around the application to make it work with Nokia N95 (Make sure you have the latest Firmware version to experience N-Gage) which can be downloaded from the links below:

N-Gage for N81 (First Access)
N-Gage for N95 (Hacked app)

Symbian-Guru.com claims to have tested the hacked application for Nokia N95 and is reporting that it works like a charm. The games currently available for N-Gage platform are:

• FIFA 08.
• Creatures of the deep.
• Space Imapct - Kappa Base.
• System Rush - Evolution.
• Block Breaker Deluxe.

I won’t be able to test this on my own Nokia N95 due to a non-updated firmware but I will try to get screenshots if possible. Also please note that you need to have an updated firmware version before testing out the N-Gage platform.