N-Gage is Back! Parasite Pack breathes new life into the handheld
Most of them probably have charge remaining.
Lowtek Games has launched Parasite Pack, a physical complete-in-box release for the Nokia N-Gage, marking the first such release for the platform in nearly two decades. Available now, this collection bundles three retro-inspired titles—FLEA!, FLEA!2, and Tapeworm Disco Puzzle—originally designed for the NES but adapted for the N-Gage’s portrait screen via emulation. Priced at £35, and available from Etsy - the pack includes a game card, an 8-page manual, and extras like ringtones and wallpapers, all housed in a nostalgic case with a holographic seal.
The Nokia N-Gage, released in 2003 by Nokia, aimed to blend mobile gaming and phone functionality, using MMC cards for titles from publishers like Sega and Sony. Despite a promising lineup of over 50 games, its awkward design—earning it the “taco phone” nickname—and competition from the Game Boy Advance led to its discontinuation in 2006 after selling just 2 million units. Lowtek Games, based in Dundee, Scotland, revives this cult classic with Parasite Pack. The trilogy, already popular on platforms like Dreamcast, Evercade, and modern consoles, features challenging gameplay, quirky characters, and original soundtracks by Tuï. Levels have been reworked to suit the N-Gage’s 1:1 pixel aspect ratio, with remappable controls enhancing accessibility.
Credit: Etsy / Lowtek Games
Lowtek’s release nods to the N-Gage’s UK legacy, with a photoshoot in Glasgow echoing Nokia’s original ad campaign. The package’s laser-cut foam insert and full-color manual cater to collectors, while the games offer hours of puzzle and platforming action. This effort builds on Lowtek’s reputation for retro homebrew, following their success with Tapeworm Disco Puzzle’s grid-based mechanics and FLEA!’s punishing jumps. This release bridges a 20-year gap for N-Gage fans and collectors. Watch for how it’s received by the retro community and whether it sparks more N-Gage revivals. You can get the game from Etsy, and here is the page for LowTek games.
