HMD Global has confirmed that the retro Nokia 3310 is finally hitting U.S. stores on Oct. 29.
When the reboot of the 2000 OG Nokia 3310 was first launched in Europe last March, HMD Global had said in an official statement that the device would not work in North America, as it was using technology that was not supported by U.S. carriers.
"It's not that we're not launching in the U.S... It's that the U.S. takes a little bit longer to ramp up," said HMD Global Head of Marketing Patrick Mercanton.
He added that the company had plans to take the nostalgic phone to North America, with the aim of making a global launch.
Now the time has finally come. The phone's creators have tweaked the throwback device for it to be functional in the United States. A note for prospective buyers, the new Nokia 3310 will function on 3G networks. It should work on GSM networks of AT&T and T-Mobile but not with Verizon and Sprint's CDMA.
The modern 3310 is an upgraded replica of its predecessor, with all the nostalgic feels. For one, it still has the very functional battery that could basically last a month, thanks to its limited yet practical features — at least maybe for children and grandparents.
When it comes to looks, the 3310 3G has kept the brick bar shape of the old one, but with a taller color screen. It also now enjoys a 2-megapixel camera, a mini browser and micro SD card support. It can be used to occasionally check emails and Facebook updates, but its main function remains to be call and text messaging, and for kids and all the adults who missed it — the iconic game of Snake.
Nokia 3310 3G comes in four colors — azure, charcoal, warm red and yellow. It is now available for pre-order at Best Buy for $59.99.
