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RetroMo: Neo Geo Pocket Color

We take a look back at SNK's impressive handheld system, and why it failed.

SNK is a company that has been down and come up again. The one-time arcade publisher put themselves at the front of the arcade development game with the release of their Neo-Geo arcade units, followed by a slightly overpriced home console, and nowadays thrive as one of the most fan-dedicated developers around, releasing games aplenty for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and other consoles. In the middle of their fall and rise, however, SNK actually gave the handheld market a try.

In 1998, the company released their first handheld system, the Neo Geo Pocket. A simply designed system with a comfortable control scheme, the Neo Geo Pocket gained a bit of appeal in Japan and overseas markets, with such games as Samurai Showdown and King of Fighters R-1 gaining a bit of attention. However, the system was discontinued merely a year later, but with good reason- SNK added some much needed improvements for a newer model.

Metal Slug

This newer model arrived throughout the world in late 1998/early 1999, and was known as the Neo Geo Pocket Color. The system was a vast improvement over the original hardware, with a back-lit screen and colors added to give the games a more glossy appearance. It would also get stronger support in the US than the original Neo Geo Pocket, as SNK began to work on getting the system some big exclusive titles. With SNK's arcade back-log, several titles were ready right off the bat, including Metal Slug: First Mission, Baseball Stars Color, King of Fighters R-2, and Samurai Shodown 2. SNK would also produce several niche titles for the system, including Puzzle Link 2, Neo Dragon's Wild, Neo Cherry Master, and Neo Mystery Bonus. It was these kinds of distinct releases that would earn the system a reputation with hardcore purchasers.

And yet, third parties still weren't able to step up for development. SNK did secure some support for the system, resulting in the release of Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure from Sega, Pac-Man from Namco, and several tie-in titles with Capcom, including the fighting game SNK Vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium. However, popularity soon began to wane on the system, as SNK was struggling with trying to keep up with Nintendo.

SNK vs. Capcom

Barely over a year later, in June 2000, SNK of America and SNK of Europe both began a recall for the system, as it seemed to be doing better sales overseas than it did in those respective markets. The system ended up getting no more new titles past a certain point, and became just another novelty item in prize-vending machines in Japanese arcades. Months later, SNK would announce that it was shutting down operations, after struggling so long with sales and disappointing releases. Many thought that was the end of the story.

However, SNK resurfaced in 2003, stronger than ever and dedicating themselves as a powerful third party developer. They began producing games for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 systems, and remain well in the game today, ready to tackle the next-gen scene with the forthcoming Metal Slug Anthology for the Nintendo Wii. Surprisingly, the Neo Geo Pocket Color continues to make the rounds today as well. A system bundle with six hit titles continues to be sold in niche stores, as well as gaming retailers, for a budget price of around $50, and it still has a decent following, even if no new titles are coming out for it.

Sonic the Hedgehog

The system itself is a neatly designed one, with a menu interface that almost acts as a predecessor for a personal system. One could customize the appearance, name, dates, and other details in a menu system, and then load up games with ease by snapping a cartridge into the proper holder. The control scheme is just as comfortable as the Neo Geo Pocket, complete with a helpful D-pad and buttons that work very well.

For $50, you can find the system and a slew of games, and there's a few we recommend hunting down. Sonic is always a great game, and SNK Vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium is an outstanding portable brawler, especially for fans of the arcade games of the same name. Also worth noting is Metal Slug: 2nd Mission, an improved sequel with better difficulty and more mad shooting to its credit.

The Neo Geo Pocket Color may have never found its popularity, but it seems to have its place in the gaming lexicon as a nice little oddity that deserves ownership. It marked a turning point for the folks at SNK, as well as gamers seeking something new outside of the Nintendo tent. I still have one today and it's always a good little system to turn to.

See you next time on RetroMo!