A Chinese company has introduced N97 Elite, a handheld gaming console inspired by the legendary Nokia N97. With a retro sliding design, gaming-focused controls, and Snapdragon 855+, is this a true revival or just a nostalgic gimmick?
A Nostalgic Gaming Experience
The new device, called N97 Elite, was developed by Sugar Cubes and has quickly gained attention among tech enthusiasts with a love for retro designs. Instead of being just another smartphone, the N97 Elite is a dedicated gaming console while still retaining the signature look of the Nokia N97, including its legendary sliding mechanism and classic aesthetics.
The 4.7-inch touchscreen can slide up, providing an optimized viewing angle for gaming. Below the screen, there’s a D-pad and several function buttons tailored for gaming. However, one drawback is the lack of an analog stick, which may be disappointing for fans of action or shooting games.
Decent Performance for Casual Gaming
In terms of hardware, the N97 Elite is powered by a Snapdragon 855+ processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. While the chipset debuted in 2019, it still handles retro games and some modern titles with moderate system requirements. To maintain stable performance, the device is also equipped with a built-in cooling fan to prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions.
The N97 Elite is now available in China for $205 (approximately 5.2 million VND). Additionally, the company has released limited-edition variants inspired by popular anime franchises such as Gundam, Evangelion, and Dragon Ball, making it an attractive option for anime and gaming fans alike.
Doubts About Its Quality
Despite its unique design, the N97 Elite has received mixed reviews. Some users have pointed out underwhelming performance and software bugs that need to be addressed. However, for those who appreciate retro aesthetics and are looking for a compact gaming device, the N97 Elite remains a compelling choice.
Nokia N97 – A Legendary Device and a Costly Lesson
Back in 2009, the Nokia N97 was seen as a game-changer, aiming to push Nokia into the emerging smartphone era. It featured a touchscreen, a full QWERTY keyboard, 32GB of internal storage, and a 5MP camera—specs that were considered cutting-edge at the time.
However, due to its resistive touchscreen, outdated Symbian OS, and underwhelming performance, the Nokia N97 failed to compete with the iPhone and early Android smartphones. This misstep became one of Nokia’s biggest strategic mistakes, leading to its downfall in the mobile industry.
Now, with the launch of the N97 Elite, fans have the chance to revisit a design that once defined an era—this time, not as a phone, but as a modern gaming console. Will it be a true revival of a legend, or just a fleeting nostalgic novelty? That will depend on how the N97 Elite performs in real-world gaming experiences.