Sugar Cubes N97 Elite gaming handheld debuts with Nokia N97-like design

Sugar Cubes has introduced a new gaming handheld, the N97 Elite. If the name sounds familiar, it's because the design of the device is based on the Nokia N97, the iconic sliding phone. While the sliding mechanism may not make it unique, given that there are many sliding handhelds out there, the design inspiration does offer a dash of nostalgia.

Now, although Sugar Cubes' new device reimagines the Nokia N97 as a modern gaming handheld, the specs aren't really that modern. To be specific, the top configuration of the N97 Elite packs the Snapdragon 855+, a flagship SoC from 2019. It's not the most powerful mobile chip out there, but it's capable of handling most emulators with ease.

That SoC is paired with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. As for the screen, the N97 Elite comes with a 4.7-inch display, which slides upward and can be tilted to get a more comfortable viewing angle. Sliding the screen reveals the controllers, which replace the keyboard found on the Nokia N97. While there's a D-pad, the device doesn't feature analog sticks (8BitDo Ultimate 2C Hall effect controller curr. $25.99 on Amazon), and its omission is likely due to the compact nature of the device.

It appears that the company has been teasing the prototypes of the device on Chinese social media since late last year, and the N97 Elite is currently shipping in China. There's no word on whether the gaming handheld will make its way to the international market, but as for the price, Sugar Cubes sells it for CNY 1,499, which is about $205.