GameSpot reports that video game retailer GameStop has pulled N-Gage products from about a third of its stores. A Nokia spokesperson told GameSpot, "GameStop is reallocating inventory and efforts on locations where sales have been strongest."

GameStop's major competitor, EBGames has stated that they will continue to stock N-Gage products in all stores for the foreseeable future.

Allack.co.uk reports that Nokia has revised their N-Gage release schedule. Marceille Desailly Pro Soccer has been pushed back into March, leaving February completely barren of N-Gage Game releases. Other games have been pushed back as well, including Sega Rally, now scheduled for an April release. Our N-Gage Release Chart has been updated to reflect these changes. Allack speculates that the delays could be a result of Nokia increasing the security of their copy protection.

We now have a screenshot gallery. Currently, we have at least a couple screenshots for almost every currently released game. (If anyone has any MotoGP screenshots, let us know!) We hope that over time our screenshot gallery will grow into a valuable resource for the community.

Another potential N-Gage competitor was announced yesterday. Nintendo's upcoming portable game system, code-named Nintendo DS, will literally be a dual-screened device. Nintendo says players can look forward to being able to manage their game progress from two different perspectives, "enhancing both the speed and strategy of the challenge."

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MobileWizardry and Mobile Digital Media (MDM) announced the release of an official Atari 2600 emulator, named "Atari Retro" sporting games originally published by Atari. Officially branded and licensed in collaboration with Atari, Atari Retro contains a complete Atari 2600 emulation engine using original cartridge ROM images to give that classic console quality.

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Will it come out this Thursday, as shown on GameStop's website? Will it be pushed back to February, as has been reported with Sega Rally? Or will it come out at some totally other point in time? Hey, your guess is as good as ours! Regardless, Nokia has made available some screenshots of the game, and we would like to share them with you.

Update: GameStop has posted an updated release date for Taito Memories: May 3rd.

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As reported by Allack.co.uk, Upcoming N-Gage title Sega Rally, originally believed to have a release date of January 15th, has been pushed back into February. The new scheduled release date is: February 16th. No news about Taito Memories, which was slated for a January 15th release date as well.

Nokia, together with Electronic Arts, today announced that The Sims™ Bustin’ Out is in development for the N-Gage game deck. The Sims fans will be able to create their own characters and take them anywhere, while on the move and interacting with the mobile community. The Sims Bustin’ Out on the N-Gage platform will have exclusive objects, as well as unique “mini games” where players can earn extra Simoleons.

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Sony Ericsson announced Thursday that it has launched a trial version of its own online gaming service for users of high end Sony Ericsson phones. The service intends to compete with N-Gage's Arena service in the mobile gaming sector.

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Eidos, one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, announced that the company's video game heroine Lara Croft will make a celebrity appearance at this year's Nokia Sugar Bowl. Eidos and the N-Gage game deck have joined together to provide copies of the new Tomb Raider for the N-Gage device to all the game's attendees. Nokia plans to give away more than 70,000 copies at the pinnacle college football game Sunday.

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Just a little nudge to those still considering whether or not to purchase their own N-Gage - now is the time to buy! GameStop's special holiday N-Gage bundle offering reportedly expires January 4th. Bundle includes: N-Gage ($299 value) and 3 games ($100 value) - a total value of $399 for only $199. Free shipping. Electronics Boutique offers a similar bundle - also due to expire January 4th. The deal is available in the retail stores but supplies are limited so getting the games you want can be hit or miss.

Update: Looks like this promotion is being extended.

Sure, Nokia's N-Gage has its share of problems and critics, but Gamespy points out that the N-Gage does indeed have quite a bit going for it. In fact, it is in many ways superior to Nintendo's Game Boy Advance that is currently the market leader. Gamespy writer Justin Lee points out seven specific features that make Nintendo's Game Boy Advance look like an Atari 2600.