View source for Neo Geo Pocket

{{Short description|Line of handheld video game consoles}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox information appliance
| title = Neo Geo Pocket
| logo = [[File:Neo Geo Pocket logo.svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]<br /><br />[[File:Neo Geo Pocket Color logo.svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| image = [[File:Neo-Geo-Pocket-Anthra-Left.jpg|frameless|upright=0.5]] [[File:Neo-Geo-Pocket-Color-Anthra-Left.jpg|frameless|upright=0.5]]<br />[[File:SNK New NEOGEOPOCKET Color.jpg|frameless|upright=0.5|center]]
| caption = {{plainlist|
* Top Left: Neo Geo Pocket
* Top Right: Neo Geo Pocket Color
* Bottom: New Neo Geo Pocket Color
}}
| manufacturer = [[SNK]]
| family = [[Neo Geo]]
| type = [[Handheld game console]]
| generation = [[Fifth generation of video games consoles|Fifth]]
| releasedate = Neo Geo Pocket: {{vgrelease|JP|October 28, 1998}}Neo Geo Pocket Color: {{Video game release|JP|March 19, 1999<ref name="Game Machine 582">{{Cite magazine |date=March 1, 1999 |title=SNK "Neo Geo Pocket" Color March 10 |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19990301p.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112113156/https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19990301p.pdf |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |magazine=Game Machine |page=1 |language=ja |issue=582}}</ref>|NA|August 6, 1999|EU|October 1, 1999<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neo Geo Pocket Color |url=http://www.neogeopocket.co.uk/home.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000229033155/http://www.neogeopocket.co.uk/home.html |archive-date=February 29, 2000}}</ref>}}New Neo Geo Pocket Color: {{vgrelease|JP|October 21, 1999}}
| price = {{plainlist|
* Neo Geo Pocket: {{¥|7800|link=yes}}
* Neo Geo Pocket Color: {{¥|8900}}{{,}}{{US$|69.95|link=yes}}
* New Neo Geo Pocket Color: {{¥|6800}}
}}
| discontinued = {{Video game release|NA|June 13, 2000|EU|June 13, 2000|JP|October 30, 2001}}
| media = [[ROM cartridge]]
| cpu = [[Toshiba TLCS900H]] core (16-bit) @ 6.144&nbsp;MHz<br />[[Zilog Z80]] @ 3.072&nbsp;MHz for sound
| memory = 12&nbsp;KB [[RAM]] for 900/H<br />4&nbsp;KB RAM for Z80<br />64&nbsp;KB [[Read-only memory|ROM]]
| display = 2.7", 160×152 resolution, 146 colors on screen out of a palette of 4,096
| compatibility = 
| predecessor = 
| successor = 
| sound = T6W28 (enhanced [[SN76489]]), 6-bit [[Digital-to-analog converter|DACs]]
}}

The {{nihongo foot|'''Neo Geo Pocket'''|ネオジオポケット|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a series of [[Handheld game console|handheld game consoles]] developed and manufactured by Japanese video game company [[SNK]] between 1998 and 2001. The first model, the monochrome Neo Geo Pocket, was released in Japan in October 1998, marking SNK's entry into the handheld gaming market and competing with [[Nintendo]]'s long-running [[Game Boy]] line. It was quickly superseded by the more mass-produced {{nihongo foot|'''Neo Geo Pocket Color'''|ネオジオポケットカラー|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} in 1999, a more widely produced model featuring a color display and full [[backward compatibility]] with the games for the original model. 

The Neo Geo Pocket Color launched in Japan in March 1999, followed by releases in North America in August and parts of Europe in October. It received generally positive reviews for its microswitched [[joystick]] and a library of games featuring SNK franchises such as ''[[The King of Fighters]]'', ''[[Samurai Shodown]]'', and ''[[SNK vs. Capcom]]''. A smaller and lighter revision, the '''New Neo Geo Pocket Color''', was released exclusively in Japan in October 1999, offering improved ergonomics and minor technical refinements.

Despite its positive reception, the Neo Geo Pocket line struggled commercially due to limited third-party support, low retail visibility, and strong competition from the [[Game Boy Color]] and [[WonderSwan]]. Following SNK’s acquisition by [[Aruze]] and the company’s bankruptcy in October 2001, the Neo Geo Pocket series was discontinued, marking the end of SNK's involvement in hardware manufacturing.

== History ==
=== Monochrome system ===
[[File:Neo Geo Pocket Computerspielemuseum (cropped).jpg|thumb|Neo Geo Pocket, in camouflage brown]]

SNK, known for its successful [[Neo Geo (system)|Neo Geo]] arcade and home console systems, entered the handheld gaming market for the first time with the release of the Neo Geo Pocket in 1998. The market had been dominated by [[Nintendo]] and its [[Game Boy]], but SNK believed that the Pocket would target a "slightly different" audience.<ref name="Computer & Video Games 1998">{{Cite magazine |date=September 1998 |title=New handheld from arcade masters |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_202_1998-09_EMAP_Images_GB |magazine=[[Computer & Video Games]] |page=7 |issue=202}}</ref>

The device featured a monochrome display and was primarily released in Japan and Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 12, 2012 |title=Screw the Vita, Let's Talk About the Other NGP |url=https://kotaku.com/screw-the-vita-lets-talk-about-the-other-ngp-5887143 |access-date=September 6, 2023 |work=Kotaku |language=en-US}}</ref> It was sold along eight titles at launch, including ''[[Baseball Stars]]'', a port of the 1989 game, and ''[[King of Fighters R-1]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 1, 1998 |title=「SNK「ネオジオポケット」モノクロ版は10月22日 同時発売ソフトは格闘ゲームなど8作」 |trans-title="SNK's Neo Geo Pocket monochrome version will be released on October 22nd, with 8 titles including fighting games" |url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19980901p.pdf |magazine=Game Machine |language=ja |issue=571 |accessdate=June 12, 2024}}</ref>

SNK released the Neo Geo Pocket in various color variations, such as Platinum Blue, Platinum Silver, Platinum White, Carbon Black, Maple Blue, Camouflage Blue, Camouflage Brown, and Crystal White.<ref>{{Cite book |date=October 2020 |publisher=Shufunotomo |isbn=9784074447602 |page=142, 143 |language=ja |script-title=ja:ハンディゲームマシンコンプリートガイドデラックス ゲームギア・ワンダースワン・ネオジオポケットEdition |trans-title=Handy Game Machine Complete Guide Deluxe: Game Gear, WonderSwan, Neo Geo Pocket Edition |script-chapter=ja:ネオジオポケット |trans-chapter=Neo Geo Pocket}}</ref> The Neo Geo Pocket received the [[Good Design Award (Japan)|Good Design Award]] in 1998 from the [[Japan Institute of Design Promotion]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998 |title=Neo Geo Pocket NEOP 10010 |url=https://www.g-mark.org/award/describe/24266 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514142221/https://www.g-mark.org/award/describe/24266 |archive-date=May 14, 2015 |access-date=July 6, 2021 |website=Japan Design Promotion Association |language=ja}}</ref> The system experienced limited commercial success, leading SNK to discontinue it in favor of a color model.<ref name="IGN 1999">{{Cite news |date=March 20, 1999 |title=TGS: Handhelds Aplenty |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/03/20/tgs-handhelds-aplenty |access-date=January 25, 2025 |work=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
=== Color model ===
[[File:Neo-Geo Pocket Color.JPG|thumb|Neo Geo Pocket Color, in platinum silver]]
In response to the market's shift towards color displays, SNK announced the Neo Geo Pocket Color in January 1999. This upgraded handheld featured a non-[[Backlight|backlit]], full-color screen and was released in Japan in March 1999 with seven launch titles, including ''[[Puzzle Link]]'' and ''[[Samurai Shodown! 2]]''.<ref name="Game Machine 582" /> The Neo Geo Pocket Color was designed to compete with Nintendo's [[Game Boy Color]] and Bandai's [[WonderSwan]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mullen |first=Micheal |date=April 27, 2000 |title=SNK Aims At Handheld Gaming |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/snk-aims-at-handheld-gaming/1100-2450977/ |access-date=January 25, 2025 |work=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="IGN 1999" />

=== U.S. release and marketing ===
SNK never officially released the monochrome Neo Geo Pocket in North America or Europe, though customers in these regions could mail-order the system and its games through SNK's website beginning in April 1999. However, just two units were sold before the launch of the Neo Geo Pocket Color in the United States in August 1999.<ref name="Provo 2004">{{Cite news |last=Provo |first=Frank |date=June 11, 2004 |title=The History of SNK |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-history-of-snk/1100-6089278/ |work=GameSpot}}</ref>

The Neo Geo Pocket Color debuted in the U.S. in August 1999, initially available exclusively through the online retailer [[eToys.com]]. It launched with six titles and carried a price of {{US$|69.95|year=1999|round=0}}. The U.S. version came in six colors: Camouflage Blue, Carbon Black, Crystal White, Platinum Blue, Platinum Silver, and Stone Blue. In its first two months, the Neo Geo Pocket Color sold 25,000 units.<ref name="Provo 2004" /> Ahead of the 1999 holiday season, distribution expanded to major retailers such as [[Wal-Mart]], [[Best Buy]], [[Toys "R" Us]], and other national chains. SNK also spent US$4{{Nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Inflation|index=US|value=4|start_year=1999|r=1}}{{Nbsp}}million in {{Inflation/year|index=US}}) on television ads airing on [[MTV]], [[Comedy Central]], [[Cartoon Network]] and [[Nickelodeon]].<ref name="Provo 2004" />

By May 2000, the system held a modest 2% share of the U.S. handheld console market, tiny compared to Nintendo's dominant Game Boy and [[Game Boy Color]], but enough to turn a profit for SNK USA.<ref name="Provo 2004" />

=== Revision ===
[[File:NeoGeo Pocket Color (29421176547).jpg|thumb|New Neo Geo Pocket Color, in translucent blue]]
On October 21, 1999, SNK released a redesigned, slimmer version of the handheld, known as the New Neo Geo Pocket Color, exclusively in Japan, selling at {{¥|6800|year=1999}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Archives – September 1999 |url=http://archive.kontek.net/sngp.classicgaming.gamespy.com/news/archive/newsarch_9_1999.htm}}</ref> This model was 13% smaller than the original and featured improved sound output.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Neo Geo Pocket Color specs |url=http://archive.kontek.net/sngp.classicgaming.gamespy.com/hardware/nngpc/nngpc_specs.htm}}</ref>

=== Financial troubles ===
Despite a good start to sales in both the U.S. and Japan, the Neo Geo Pocket Color faced challenges. The console had low retail support in the U.S.,<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2000 |title=The end of an era: a cruel look at what we missed: Part 2 |url=http://archive.kontek.net/sngp.classicgaming.gamespy.com/editorials/end_of_an_era_part2.htm}}</ref> limited third-party support due to a lack of communication with third-party developers by SNK's American management,<ref>{{Cite web |title=NeoGeo Pocket Color Feature |url=http://www.captainwilliams.co.uk/gaming/ngpc/ngpc.php |access-date=October 9, 2010}}</ref>
and stiff competition from other handhelds, driven by the popularity of Nintendo's ''[[Pokémon]]'' franchise,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2012 |title=Neo Geo Pocket Color 101, A beginner's guide |url=http://www.racketboy.com/retro/snkneo-geo/neogeo-pocket-color-101-beginners-guide |website=racket BOY}}</ref> and strong competition from [[Bandai]]'s [[WonderSwan]] in Japan.<ref name="Provo 2004" />

Meanwhile, SNK had been in financial trouble for at least a year, and in January 2000, the company was acquired by [[pachinko]] manufacturer [[Aruze]].<ref name="Provo 2004" /> Conflicts with the new Aruze leadership led to the departure of SNK's founder and several employees, who formed a new company, BrezzaSoft.<ref name="Provo 2004" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2016 |title=History for SNK Corporation |url=http://www.mobygames.com/company/snk-corporation/history |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320134442/http://www.mobygames.com/company/snk-corporation/history |archive-date=March 20, 2016 |website=Moby Games}}</ref> On June 13, 2000, Aruze ceased SNK's operations in North America and Europe.<ref name="Provo 2004" /> The handheld continued to be sold in Japan until SNK declared bankruptcy on October 30, 2001.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 30, 2001 |title=SNK Waves Goodbye |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/31/snk-waves-goodbye |access-date=June 11, 2023 |work=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Seyoon Park |first=Andrew |date=October 29, 2001 |title=SNK Corporation closes its doors |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2821015,00.html/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011102031404/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2821015,00.html/ |archive-date=November 2, 2001 |access-date=October 31, 2023 |work=GameSpot}}</ref> After emerging from bankruptcy, the company did not pursue further development of handheld consoles.

== Features ==
The Neo Geo Pocket is a horizontally oriented handheld console, similar in form factor to the Sega's [[Game Gear]], in contrast to Nintendo's vertically oriented Game Boy. The device features a finger groove on the back for improved grip, and game cartridges are inserted into a rear slot. Both models include two [[action button]]s, along with "Power" and "Option" buttons. A notable feature is the microswitched thumb pad, which offers [[joystick]]-style eight-directional input and was generally regarded as more precise than conventional [[d-pad]]s.<ref name="Videogame Hardware Handbook" />

The original Neo Geo Pocket featured a monochrome [[liquid-crystal display]] capable of displaying eight shades of grey. It offered approximately 20 hours of battery life using two [[AA battery|AA batteries]], with a [[CR2032]] battery used to retain saved data and maintain the internal [[real-time clock]]. The Neo Geo Pocket Color introduced a reflective color TFT screen and extended battery life to around 40 hours. Both systems include a stereo [[headphone jack]] and, like other non-backlit handhelds of the era—including the Game Boy line—require adequate external lighting for optimal visibility.<ref name="Videogame Hardware Handbook" />

In addition to gaming functions, the Neo Geo Pocket and Pocket Color include basic [[Personal digital assistant|PDA]]-style utilities such as a clock, calendar, and a [[horoscope]] generator.<ref name="Videogame Hardware Handbook" />

[[File:NeoGeoPocketLinkCable.jpg|thumb|The link cable for linking systems together]]

Cables for linking multiple Neo Geo Pocket systems were available, as well as a cable to connect the Neo Geo Pocket Color and the [[Dreamcast]], as part of a partnership between SNK and [[Sega]].<ref name="Computer & Video Games 1998" /> Supported Neo Geo Pocket Color games include ''[[King of Fighters R-2]]'' (which links with ''[[The King of Fighters '98|The King of Fighters: Dream Match 1999]]'' and ''[[King of Fighters Evolution|The King of Fighters' 99: Evolution]]''), ''[[SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium]]'' (links with ''[[Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000]]''), ''[[SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters' Clash]]'' (links with ''The King of Fighters' 99: Evolution''), ''[[SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters 2 Expand Edition]]'' (links with ''Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000''), and ''Cool Cool Jam'' (links with ''[[Cool Cool Toon]]'').{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}}

At the September 1999 [[Tokyo Game Show]], SNK unveiled a wireless adapter for Neo Geo Pocket Color units, designed to enable wireless communication between systems.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=September 21, 1999 |title=TGS: SNK and NeoGeo Pocket Color |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/21/tgs-snk-and-neogeo-pocket-color |access-date=January 25, 2025 |work=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

== Technical specifications ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2025}}
{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable sticky-header"
! Model
! Neo Geo Pocket
! Neo Geo Pocket Color
! New Neo Geo Pocket Color
|-
! CPUs
| colspan="3" | [[Toshiba TLCS]]-900/H core (16/32-bit CISC based on [[Zilog Z80|Z80]]) @ up to 6.144&nbsp;MHz
|-
! RAM
| colspan="3" | 12&nbsp;KB for 900/H, 4&nbsp;KB for Z80 (shared with the 900/H), 4&nbsp;KB of tilemap RAM, 8&nbsp;KB of character RAM
|-
! ROM
| colspan="3" | 64&nbsp;KB BIOS
|-
! Interfaces
| colspan="3" | SIO 1 channel 19200&nbsp;bit/s, 5-pin serial port
|-
! Display
| 2.6-inch (diagonal) reflective monochrome [[liquid-crystal display]] (LCD)
| colspan="2" | 2.6-inch reflective [[thin-film transistor]] (TFT) LCD
|-
! Resolution
| colspan="3" | 160&nbsp;×&nbsp;152 (256&nbsp;×&nbsp;256 virtual screen)
|-
! [[Direct memory access|DMA]]
| colspan="3" | 4 channels, integrated in TLCS-900/H core
|-
! Colors
| 8 shades of grey
| colspan="2" | 146 (or 20 in monochrome mode) on-screen out of 4096
|-
! Palettes
| 2 for sprites, 2 per scrolling plane
| colspan="2" | 16 for sprites, 16 per scrolling plane, additional 8 sets of 8 colors each assigned to the 6 monochrome-mode palettes (2 for sprites, 2 per scrolling plane), backdrop, and window
|-
! Characters
| colspan="3" | 512 8&nbsp;×&nbsp;8 characters, transparency + 3 colors per character
|-
! Sprites
| colspan="3" | 64 8&nbsp;×&nbsp;8 sprites, each can be placed behind, in-between, or above the scrolling planes, no arbitrary scanline limitation
|-
! Scrolling
| colspan="3" | 2 scrolling planes, 32&nbsp;×&nbsp;32 tilemaps with 8&nbsp;×&nbsp;8 character tiles
|-
! Special effects
| colspan="3" | Character flipping, sprite chaining, sprite coordinate offsetting, windowing, color inversion
|-
! Sound
| colspan="3" | T6W28 (enhanced [[SN76489]] with 3 square-wave tone generators + 1 noise generator, stereo capability), dual 6-bit [[digital-to-analog converters]]. Sound system controlled by a [[Zilog Z80|Z80]] processor @ 3.072&nbsp;MHz.
|-
! Cartridges
| colspan="3" | Up to 4&nbsp;MB ROM and 0.5–2&nbsp;MB of RAM
|-
! Batteries
| 2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[AAA batteries]] for 40 hours of gameplay, [[CR2032]] battery for backup memory and clock
| colspan="2" | 2&nbsp;×&nbsp;[[AA batteries]] for 40 hours of gameplay, CR2032 battery for backup memory and clock
|-
! Width
| {{cvt|122|mm}}
| {{cvt|130|mm}}
| {{cvt|126|mm}}
|-
! Height
| {{cvt|74|mm}}
| {{cvt|80|mm}}
| {{cvt|74|mm}}
|-
! Depth
| {{cvt|24|mm}}
| {{cvt|30|mm}}
| {{cvt|30|mm}}
|-
! Weight
| {{cvt|130|g}}
| {{cvt|145|g}}
| {{cvt|120|g}} without battery
|}
<gallery>
File:Neo Geo Pocket Motherboard Back.jpg|Neo Geo Pocket motherboard
File:Neo Geo Color Motherboard Bottom.jpg|Neo Geo Pocket Color motherboard
</gallery>

== Game library ==
[[File:NeoGeoPocketColorFaseleiCart.jpg|thumb|Neo Geo Pocket Color game cartridge]]
{{Main|List of Neo Geo Pocket games}}
Only nine games were released for the original monochrome Neo Geo Pocket, all of which are [[backward compatible]] with the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Six of these nine games were later re-released in updated color versions for the Pocket Color. Some Pocket Color titles can also be played in monochrome on the original system.

A total of 73 games were released for the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Most were developed by SNK, including entries from its established franchises such as ''[[Fatal Fury]]'', ''[[Metal Slug]]'' and ''[[The King of Fighters]]''.<ref name="Videogame Hardware Handbook">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/Videogames_Hardware_Handbook_Vol_1_2nd_RE_2016_UK/page/n251/mode/2up |title=Videogame Hardware Handbook Vol. 1 |date=2016 |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-906078-44-7 |edition=2nd |location=United Kingdom |pages=252–253 |language=en-GB |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>

Some major third-party developers contributed to the library, including [[Sega]] with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure]]'', a title based on ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' that has been cited as one of the best games produced for the system.<ref name="Parish 2014">{{Cite news |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=October 28, 2014 |title=Neo Geo Pocket Color: The Portable That Changed Everything |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/neo-geo-pocket-color-the-portable-that-changed-everything |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506174011/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/neo-geo-pocket-color-the-portable-that-changed-everything |archive-date=May 6, 2018 |access-date=February 12, 2020 |work=[[USGamer]]}}</ref><ref name="McFerran 2014" /><ref name="Lamble 2012" /> [[Capcom]] collaborated with SNK on several crossover titles, including ''[[SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium]]'' and the ''[[SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters]]'' series. [[Namco]] published a version of ''[[Pac-Man]]'' that included a plastic cross ring designed to restrict the system's microswitched joystick to four directions; this version has been regarded as one of the best home ports of the game.<ref name="McFerran 2014" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hannley |first=Steve |date=July 6, 2013 |title=Pocket Power: Pac-Man |url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2013/07/06/pocket-power-pac-man/46429/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207003802/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2013/07/06/pocket-power-pac-man/46429/ |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |access-date=February 2, 2020 |work=Hardcore Gamer}}</ref>

=== Cartridges ===
Neo Geo Pocket cartridges are smaller than Game Boy cartridges.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=September 15, 2000 |title=NeoGeo Pocket Color |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/16/neogeo-pocket-color |access-date=July 26, 2018 |work=IGN |language=en-US}}</ref> Games were initially packaged in small, clamshell-style plastic cases with colorful cover art, resembling the packaging of [[Neo Geo AES]] games. These cases were regarded by some fans as particularly distinctive.<ref name="McFerran 2014" /> In an effort to reduce costs, SNK USA adopted cardboard packaging for the North American market, a decision that reportedly angered SNK's leadership in Japan.<ref name="Provo 2004" /> Japanese releases later shifted to cardboard boxes as well, while European titles continued to be sold in clamshell cases until the system was discontinued in that region.<ref name="McFerran 2014" /> Toward the end of the system's lifespan in North America, games were frequently bundled in [[blister pack]]s to clear remaining inventory, sometimes including previously unreleased titles such as ''Faselei!''.<ref name="Parish 2014" />

=== Re-releases ===
Several Neo Geo Pocket Color games were re-released via [[video game console emulator|emulation]] on the [[Nintendo Switch]], beginning with ''Samurai Shodown! 2'' as a [[pre-order incentive]] for the 2019 ''[[Samurai Shodown (2019 video game)|Samurai Shodown]]'' reboot.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=August 28, 2019 |title=Samurai Shodown for Switch debut trailer, screenshots |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/08/samurai-shodown-for-switch-debut-trailer-screenshots |access-date=September 20, 2023 |work=Gematsu}}</ref> These re-releases were later compiled into ''[[Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection]] Vol. 1'' (2021) and ''Vol. 2'' (2022), which were also released for [[Windows]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Zachary |date=March 31, 2021 |title=NeoGeo Pocket Color Collection Vol. 1 (Switch eShop) Review |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/56726/neogeo-pocket-color-collection-vol-1-switch-eshop-review |access-date=September 20, 2023 |work=NintendoWorldReport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Massey |first=Tom |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol.2 Review |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/neo-geo-pocket-color-selection-vol-2 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Nintendo Life}}</ref>

== Reception ==
SNK sold over 25,000 Neo Geo Pocket Color units in Japan and more than 100,000 in Europe by the end of 1999. By May 2000, the system held a 2% share of the North American handheld market.<ref name="Provo 2004" />

Retrospective reviews of the Neo Geo Pocket have been largely positive.

Jeremy Parish of ''[[USGamer]]'' called it an influential handheld, describing it as a "technological bridge" between the 8-bit portable era and the [[Game Boy Advance]], commended its robust build quality, and noting that its distinctive "clicky stick" was a precursor to features in later consoles.<ref name="Parish 2014" /> He praised the system's diverse library, highlighting titles like ''[[SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters' Clash]]'', ''[[Sonic Pocket Adventure]]'', ''[[Magical Drop]]'', and ''[[Pac-Man]]''. Parish attributed its commercial failure to SNK's limited retail presence and the acquisition by [[Aruze]] in 2000, concluding, "Neo Geo Pocket Color's life may have been painfully brief, but it was nevertheless memorable for those who experienced it."<ref name="Parish 2014" />

Ryan Lambie of ''[[Den of Geek]]'' called the Neo Geo Pocket one of Nintendo's strongest competitors, praising its "brilliant" game library, design, and quality. He lamented its early market exit, writing, "It was a premature end for a system that, although doomed to remain a distant second to the Game Boy, could have forged a great little niche of its own."<ref name="Lamble 2012">{{Cite news |last=Lamble |first=Ryan |date=January 25, 2012 |title=The life and times of the Neo Geo Pocket Color |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/12257/the-life-and-times-of-the-neo-geo-pocket-color |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111510/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/12257/the-life-and-times-of-the-neo-geo-pocket-color |archive-date=October 21, 2018 |access-date=February 12, 2020 |work=[[Den of Geek]]}}</ref>

Damien McFerran of ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' called the Neo Geo Pocket, alongside the WonderSwan, one of the most "interesting challengers" to Nintendo. He praised its library, clamshell packaging, hardware, and battery life, writing, "The Neo Geo Pocket Color may not have succeeded in its goal of wrestling market share away from Nintendo, but that doesn't automatically mean it was a failure. Many fans will argue that the quality of the software available was far in advance of that on the Game Boy Color, and the fantastic controls, amazing battery life, cool PDA features and excellent screen combine to make a system which is still hard to put down, even today."<ref name="McFerran 2014">{{Cite news |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=March 26, 2014 |title=Hardware Classics: SNK Neo Geo Pocket Color |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/03/hardware_classics_snk_neo_geo_pocket_color |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725225022/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/03/hardware_classics_snk_neo_geo_pocket_color |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2020 |work=[[Nintendo Life]]}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of Neo Geo Pocket games]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{SNK}}
{{Video game consoles|Generation=Fifth}}
{{Handheld game consoles}}

[[Category:1990s toys]]
[[Category:2000s toys]]
[[Category:Backward-compatible video game consoles]]
[[Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld game consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued handheld game consoles]]
[[Category:Neo Geo Pocket|Color]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1999]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2001]]
[[Category:Regionless game consoles]]
[[Category:Z80-based video game consoles]]