The Retro Nokia N97 Comes Back, But With a Twist: This time, it has a D-pad instead of a standard keyboard
In a bold blend of nostalgia and modern tech, Sugar Cubes has reimagined the iconic Nokia N97 as the N97 Elite—a gaming handheld that pays homage to its legendary predecessor while aiming to capture a new audience.
Once celebrated for its daring slider design, touchscreen, and full QWERTY keyboard back in 2009, the original Nokia N97 stirred buzz despite its mixed performance. Now, the Elite takes that classic sliding mechanism and repurposes it for gaming. Its 4.7-inch display slides upward to reveal a controller layout complete with a D-pad and buttons, offering a fresh twist on a familiar design—even if it misses out on analog sticks.
Under the hood, the N97 Elite is powered by a Snapdragon 855+ chip from 2019, paired with an impressive 12GB of RAM and a massive 512GB of storage. While these specs might not compete with today’s top-tier gaming rigs, they provide ample muscle for running classic emulators and even some modern games.
Teased for months on Chinese social media, the device is already available in China for CNY 1,499 (around $205 USD). Catering to fans of anime, special editions featuring designs inspired by Gundam and Dragon Ball add an extra layer of charm.
However, early reviews have been mixed. Critics point out that much like the original N97—with its resistive touchscreen and underwhelming performance—the Elite may struggle to deliver a consistently smooth gaming experience. For those with a deep sense of nostalgia, this homage might hit the right note; for others, it may serve as a quirky collectible rather than a daily driver.
Ultimately, the N97 Elite is a fascinating experiment in reviving a bygone era, merging the retro aesthetics of the past with the hardware capabilities of today. Whether it will capture the hearts of gamers or become a relic of missed potential remains to be seen.
