Samsung and Sprint teamed up to introduce device they said would ...

shipped Samsung A600 cellphone at $349.99. Samsung phone slides into Game Pad, allowing user to play games using key-press features. Device’s arrival comes 2 months before Oct. 7 debut of Nokia N-Gage handheld gaming device/cellphone at $299. Although many game industry observers have expressed reservations about N-Gage’s pricing, others have said tag was reasonable in comparison with other cellphones now available without same level of game-playing capabilities: Samsung cellphone and new Game Pad, which together would cost nearly $400, could be used as latest example. John Garcia, Sprint PCS senior vp-sales, mktg. & distribution, said: “Sprint recognizes that the number one reason customers own PCS Phones is to communicate. But with PCS Vision from Sprint, customers can do more with their phones than just make clear calls, and we have seen evidence of this with PCS Games. Sprint recently announced more than 2 million games have been purchased since the launch of PCS Vision last August. The PCS Game Pad gives those customers the ability to move their console games into the palm of their hand without sacrificing the qualities they look for in a wireless phone.” Other features of Game Pad include: Menu buttons that allow gamers to navigate through options easily, thumb-shooting button that gives cellphone familiar game control feel, embedded charging port that allows user to recharge battery while playing mobile game, automatic pause with incoming call. Peter Skarzynski, Samsung senior vp-wireless terminals, said: “The wireless gaming industry is experiencing a huge surge in popularity, and Samsung recognizes that consumers desire a device that converges both entertainment and communication. The PCS Game Pad transforms the A600 into a mobile gaming unit that die- hard gamers will find familiar in design, without compromising the integrity of the phone’s design, mobility and superb functionality.”