Editorial Review

Look out, Game Boy Color. When it comes to serious portable gameplay, there's finally some legitimate competition for the popular Nintendo system (which has sold over 80 million units). If you dare to be different, consider the NEOGEO Pocket Color, a hand-held system created by the Japanese company SNK.

The screen is 10 percent bigger than Game Boy's, but the overall machine has roughly the same convenient pocket-sized dimensions and light weight as the Game Boy. The NEOGEO Pocket Color provides up to 40 hours of continuous fun on just two AA batteries. The 16-bit graphics are crystal clear--making it easy to tell the difference between humans and animals, friends and foes, and walls and doors--and easily viewed in both bright and dim lighting. The color palette has three times the range of its competitor's, with 146 possible shades. There is also a built-in calendar, daily horoscope, alarm clock, and global clock that can be accessed even without a game cartridge in the slot. Two players can go head-to-head with a simple cable connection (sold separately). NEOGEO is available in six different casing colors: silver, clear, blue, ocean blue, stone blue, and anthracite.

The only drawback is that NEOGEO is new and, therefore, playing catch-up to Nintendo's well-stocked list of titles, which boasts A-list offerings such as Super Mario Brothers, Pokémon Pinball, and Tetris. But SNK scores points for the few titles that it does offer for the system. Among the better titles for NEOGEO are Dragons Wild video poker, arcade classicsBust-A-Move and Pac-Man, and your basic serve-and-volley Pocket Tennis. Most of these games are pretty addictive and perfectly suited to the well-designed, thumb-friendly, eight-position joystick. --Carrie Bell

Pros:

• Better graphics than other portable players
• Very good visibility in bright sun and dim light
• Variety of fun colors

• No Pokémon titles yet
• Response of the joystick isn't the best on games (such as Crush Roller) that require sharp, quick turns

Reviews (9)

Great little system
I recently ordered a NGPC,received it the other day, and I must say even in though we are bombarded with the hype regarding the PSP and DS, this system still rocks. Very simple to use, and has a great library of games, which include Metal Slug, Fatal Fury, Puzzle Bobble, and SNK V. Capcom, just to name a few.
It is too bad that SNK pulled the plug on this console before it even made a dent in the US, but I think the fact that it is an "extinct" system adds remarkably to it's appeal. Get yourself one of these systems while they are still cheap and available.

Awesome Handheld
At the time when the Neo Geo Pocket Color was released, I, like many others, didn't buy it because I wanted a Game Boy Color. SNK, although extremely successful in Japan, was not able to match the popularity of Nintendo's well-marketed new handheld console in America. Sadly, SNK USA eventually went under and the Neo Geo Pocket Color disappeared from shelves.

Although the Neo Geo Pocket Color didn't sell as well as Nintendo's Game Boy Color in America, that is not to say that it didn't deserve more credit than it was given. The NGPC arguably has the best fighting game titles of any handheld console. Games such as SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Milennium, King of Fighters R-2, Samurai Showdown 2, and Fatal Fury: First Contact are part of what the NGPC is still best known for. The built-in thumbstick also gives fighting game fans the option of straying from the traditional directional pad on a handheld console and allows for a much better way of playing the quarter-circle oriented games. Aside from the SNK fighting game titles, the NGPC hosted a slew of wonderful (and very addictive) puzzle games, including Bust-A-Move, Puzzle Link, and Magical Drop.

For some people, the problem with the Neo Geo Pocket Color was the lack of variety on the part of its games' genres. For those who weren't fans of fighting or puzzle games the NGPC really didn't have a lot to offer (at least not enough to buy what used to be a $69 console.) Although the NGPC had a fair number of sports titles and classic hits such as Pac-Man, Sonic the Hedgehog: Pocket Adventure, Metal Slug: First Strike, and Pocket Sports Series - Baseball Stars, it just wasn't enough to compete with Nintendo's ever-growing list of popular games. There were a few RPG's made for the NGPC, but most kids fell to the lures of Nintendo's new Pokemon games instead.

The Neo Geo Pocket Color has the ability to play imported games, which is very nice since some NGPC games, like Last Blade, were not released in America. The games will obviously still be in Japanese when you play them, but they can be played on the American console. My only real complaint about the NGPC is the lack of a backlit screen, but when the NGPC came out most handheld consoles didn't have that feature (if they did, they ate batteries like crazy - *cough* Sega Game Gear). The thumbstick was a wonderful addition to the console and allowed for much better gameplay than did consoles with only directional pads. Overall, the Neo Geo Pocket Color was a very sophisticated (and sadly, overlooked) console with the best good-to-bad game ratio of all handheld systems. I would recommend any serious gamer to get one, especially if you enjoy great fighting games. The Neo Geo Pocket Color didn't get all the attention it deserved, but it really did bring a whole new dimension to the world of video games.

wow, just wow
wow. this system is so cool. with a growing variety of games, and a nice portable size, you can take it anywhere. You'lle love the translucent colors too. It should be the competitor with game boy color in a few years once it gets popular. lots of sports and fighting games, and quite a few arcade games (pac-man!!). it also has an awesome screen in the beginning when there is no game in. you can use calendar, horoscope, alarm, and more. But this, and not only will you be satisfied with the results, you will be kinda like the new kid on the block that everyone oo's and aa's about. SWEET!

SNK has done it again
The Neo Geo Pocket Color easily defeats all handheld systems graphic wise. It has superb graphics with perfect coloring. The depth of each little detail is almost perfect. The Neo Geo has only a few games (30-50) but eachone is 3 times better than a Game Boy game. All people who buy a Neo Geoshould deffinetly by a SNK vs. Capcom:Match of the Millenium game to gowith it. Anyone who buys a Neo Geo is cool in my book.

A great system
Although the library of games available for the NeoGeo Pocket is small, it's a case of quality over quantity.Every game I have tried on this system has been excellent.Of course, some are better than others, but Ihave yet to play one that was a genuine disappointment.Because the systemhas more processing power and a better display than the Gameboy Color, thegames have more depth and playability and SNK has done a good job with thesmall game library, especially with the fighting games (which areexcellent) and the Sonic the Hedgehog conversion.Since I don't have themoney to buy dozens of games, the small game library doesn't really concernme.I really enjoy my NeoGeo Pocket and am glad I bought it over a GameboyColor. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Look out, Game Boy Color. When it comes to serious portable gameplay, there's finally some legitimate competition for the popular Nintendo system (which has sold over 80 million units). If you dare to be different, consider the NEOGEO Pocket Color, a hand-held system created by the Japanese company SNK.

The screen is 10 percent bigger than Game Boy's, but the overall machine has roughly the same convenient pocket-sized dimensions and light weight as the Game Boy. The NEOGEO Pocket Color provides up to 40 hours of continuous fun on just two AA batteries. The 16-bit graphics are crystal clear--making it easy to tell the difference between humans and animals, friends and foes, and walls and doors--and easily viewed in both bright and dim lighting. The color palette has three times the range of its competitor's, with 146 possible shades. There is also a built-in calendar, daily horoscope, alarm clock, and global clock that can be accessed even without a game cartridge in the slot. Two players can go head-to-head with a simple cable connection (sold separately). NEOGEO is available in six different casing colors: silver, clear, blue, ocean blue, stone blue, and anthracite.

The only drawback is that NEOGEO is new and, therefore, playing catch-up to Nintendo's well-stocked list of titles, which boasts A-list offerings such as Super Mario Brothers, Pokémon Pinball, and Tetris. But SNK scores points for the few titles that it does offer for the system. Among the better titles for NEOGEO are Dragons Wild video poker, arcade classicsBust-A-Move and Pac-Man, and your basic serve-and-volley Pocket Tennis. Most of these games are pretty addictive and perfectly suited to the well-designed, thumb-friendly, eight-position joystick. --Carrie Bell

Pros:

• Better graphics than other portable players
• Very good visibility in bright sun and dim light
• Variety of fun colors

• No Pokémon titles yet
• Response of the joystick isn't the best on games (such as Crush Roller) that require sharp, quick turns

Reviews (5)

Neo-geo pocket
I love the neo-geo pocket.It's very fun.As soon as it came to me I opened it.I LOVE THE NEO-GEO POCKET.BY THE WAY IT IS WAY BETTER THAN A GAMEBOY

Better Than GBC
I just was given to keep(and fix)from my cousin.I mastered Sonic after playing it on the SEGA Genesis.Samurai Showdown and King of Fighters.It's 10 times a Gameboy/GBC even htough it dont gots pokemon.But it aint no GBA

GET THIS AT ALL COSTS!
THIS IS A KILLER SYSTEM!I suggest you get this system over Gameboy color any day!The graphics are much better and the games kick!It has a world clock, alarm, and a horascope... This is a must have!

The excellence of the underdog
This is the greatest portable gaming system every made.The joystick provides amazing response to your movements and isn't so loose to be unstable (like the N64 controller).The screen is HUGE, for a portablesystem, and it's small enough to fit into your pocket, but big enough to becomfortable to hold.The software selection is also excellent, as you cansee from all the other reviews.All in all, if you need (or justdesire...) a portable gaming system, this is the one to get.No other"Game Boy Color" can beat the quality OR performance of thisbaby.

Finally, a pocket system worth carrying!
I don't know how they did it but SNK made a game system this old arcade rat loves.Forget the game boys, Neo Geo Pocket is a real grown-up with the power to deliver graphics, game play and great feel in a walkman-sizedpackage.Try Dragons Wild or Bust a Move and you'll see why this is thebest value in its class. ... Read more

Features

• Made by SNK
• AC adaptor for the NEOGEO handheld game system
• Plugs into any standard outlet
• Saves battery power
• Play for as long as you like

Reviews (8)

You get what you see.
This product is a perfect example of getting what you see.

What does it do exactly? You plug one end into your power outlet, and the other end into your NeoGeo Pocket Color, and you can play without using a battery.

It works like a charm and has a long cable, but the problem is that the system can run for 40 hours on batteries, which is a lot of playing.

I like this product because I don't usually go places and I don't want to have to buy batteries every few months or so.

Well...it's an AC adapter...and it's first-party
Like I said in my title, it's an ACadapter, and it's first-party, meaning you don't have to worry about it screwing up your NGPC. And to the guy who said that this takes away all the portability, ever think people play their NGPC at home or in a place with a free outlet? Why wast batteries when you don't have to? And then when you want to leave, just unplug it! Please, think before you review.

The right choice
A previous reviewer said the Game Boy's adapter was compatible and would cost less.Game Boys use three times as much power as NGPCs, though, so using the wrong adapter means risking burning out the unit.Always get the manufacturer's model and avoid universal solutions when you're dealing with power sources, or at least check yourself to make sure the power rating printed on the unit matches the source exactly.Besides, this one's nicer than the other AC adapter designs because the transformer block is in the middle of the cord instead of at the contacts, meaning you don't have to make any extra room for it in the wall socket -- it'll plug in like a regular two-pronged power cord.

The adaptor works fine
I've owned the adaptor since the system was released in the U.S. a couple of years ago, and it works just fine.It's an AC adaptor, not much to get wrong there.If you don't want it, don't buy it...but don't be scared off by that bizarre anti-AC adaptor rant.

You've got to be kidding me!?!?!
By using an A/C Adapter with ANY type of hand-held system, you are virtually taking the word "portable" out of "portable video gamimg systems" such as Neo Geo Pocket Color, Game Boy Advance, etc.In this day and age, who in the world wants to be connected to an wall-socket while playing video games?Or, worse than that, plug this A/C Adapter into an extension cord, then plug the extension cord to the wall outlet ... what a mess!You're better off spending your money on any of the new-wave "high-tech" batteries on the market today, such as Duracell's "Ultra" or Energizer's "E2 Titanium", both proven to last longer in high-tech devices.Better yet, go purchase the "3-in-1 Worm Light" for Neo Geo Pocket Color...which includes a re-chargeable battery pack w/charger. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Look out, Game Boy Color. When it comes to serious portable gameplay, there's finally some legitimate competition for the popular Nintendo system (which has sold over 80 million units). If you dare to be different, consider the NEOGEO Pocket Color, a hand-held system created by the Japanese company SNK.

The screen is 10 percent bigger than Game Boy's, but the overall machine has roughly the same convenient pocket-sized dimensions and light weight as the Game Boy. The NEOGEO Pocket Color provides up to 40 hours of continuous fun on just two AA batteries. The 16-bit graphics are crystal clear--making it easy to tell the difference between humans and animals, friends and foes, and walls and doors--and easily viewed in both bright and dim lighting. The color palette has three times the range of its competitor's, with 146 possible shades. There is also a built-in calendar, daily horoscope, alarm clock, and global clock that can be accessed even without a game cartridge in the slot. Two players can go head-to-head with a simple cable connection (sold separately). NEOGEO is available in six different casing colors: silver, clear, blue, ocean blue, stone blue, and anthracite.

The only drawback is that NEOGEO is new and, therefore, playing catch-up to Nintendo's well-stocked list of titles, which boasts A-list offerings such as Super Mario Brothers, Pokémon Pinball, and Tetris. But SNK scores points for the few titles that it does offer for the system. Among the better titles for NEOGEO are Dragons Wild video poker, arcade classicsBust-A-Move and Pac-Man, and your basic serve-and-volley Pocket Tennis. Most of these games are pretty addictive and perfectly suited to the well-designed, thumb-friendly, eight-position joystick. --Carrie Bell

Pros:

• Better graphics than other portable players
• Very good visibility in bright sun and dim light
• Variety of fun colors

• No Pokémon titles yet
• Response of the joystick isn't the best on games (such as Crush Roller) that require sharp, quick turns

Features

• Handheld portable game system
• 8 position joy stick
• 146-color display
• Reflecting TFT-format LCD
• For 1 player

Reviews (15)

10 stars...no, 20
I ordered the Neogeo Pocket Color just for the novelty of it.I hadn't even held one before, let alone played one.So I ordered two, one for my friend and one for me, not expecting anything great at all.

Simply said: SNK has created an amazing handheld experience.You may think "but it's an out-dated handheld, there's no way that I would enjoy it."And I would have agreed with you a couple days ago.SNK produced games so well for this little handheld that I have not experienced anything like it through out my years of playing videogames.These games don't feel like they should be on a handheld at all, they're as deep as any other console game and they look great!Not only are the games great, the NGPC is small and lighter then I expected.It runs off two AA batteries for 40 HOURS!I thought to myself "40 hours?That can't be right, thats impossible," but it's true!Built in clock, calander, horoscope, world time, and alarm are a GREAT addition as well.

I am a Gameboy Advance freak, with 33 GBA games in my library. I wrote this review on Dec. 12, 2003. I know next-gen gaming.One last note from a serious gamer:

I am truely dissapointed and confused why the Neogeo Pocket Color has not swept the handheld industry.The quality of this little console amazes me, even today, when gaming technology is more advanced.If only other companies would take a lesson from SNK, and start producing as GOOD a handheld experience as the NGPC.

I would recomend this gem for ANYONE.Games are few to choose from, but most you see here on Amazon are excelent.

Enjoy

Buy a SNK Neo Geo Pocket Color!!!
This is a great system.It is very affordable, and fun.Even if you are a die hard GBA/SP fan like me, I would still recommend a SNK Neo Geo.You can easily pick up games for this system at a fraction of the cost of other games.The graphics are really good, and the overall feel of the system in my hands is good.I really like the 8-way joy stick.Overall - just a very neat system that is often overlooked.SNK rules!

One of the greatest yet least heard of handheld,
I useally don't write reviews unless I really like what I got. Anyway,I just recently bought my NeoGeo Pocket and I was amazed. I used to own a gameboy color and a gameboy advance, but this is better than the two. This 16 bit console compared to a 32 bit gameboy advance. To me, The graphics on the NeoGeo is better. And most of the games on the GBA are from the snes. It's basically a handheld snes(super nintendo). So what I'm trying to say is, the graphics are 16 bit 'cause the snes is. The GBA does have more games than the neogeo. There is 50 on the GBA, over 1000 in the gameboy library, but the graphics are [bad] on the gameboy. The screen is a bit smaller(2.6 compared to 2.85) but It's no big deal. It's also more economical. ... The games look and play the same as the GBA. The NeoGeo also has a joystick(joy) compared to the gameboy advance which still keeps the D-Pad. The games are a bit hard to find, but worth it. This is truly a great system.

A handheld that wasn't understood,
I just got my NeoGeo pocket and I was amazed! I used to own a gameboy and a gameboy advance and this is better than both of them. First of all, it has a joystick(joy) but nintendo still keeps the D-Pad. Yes, the screen will be a bit smaller than the GBA(2.6 compared to 2.85), but i didn't see a difference. It's a 16 bit powerhouse(compared to the GBA, which is 32 bit)but the games look and play the same as the GBA. Also, the Game boy has over a thousand games in it's library, but the graphics are crappy. And most of the "New" GBA games are mostly the same games from the snes. The GBA is basically a portable snes. Anyway, most of the games on the NeoGeo are likeable, like sonic pocket adventure, metal slug 1st and 2nd mission, match of the millenium SNK vs. Capcom, Biomotor Unitron(a pokemon clone) and many others. The games are a little hard to find, but are worth it. This is truly a great handheld that everyone should have a chance to play.

better then gameboy or gameboy advance
this is the best handheld gameing system out there the color is great and the it really clear if your into fighting games this is the system to get the only thig that is bad about it is that thay dont make games for it any more. i think there is 46 games out in the us but all the games on it are great!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Look out, Game Boy Color. When it comes to serious portable gameplay, there's finally some legitimate competition for the popular Nintendo system (which has sold over 80 million units). If you dare to be different, consider the NEOGEO Pocket Color, a hand-held system created by the Japanese company SNK.

The screen is 10 percent bigger than Game Boy's, but the overall machine has roughly the same convenient pocket-sized dimensions and light weight as the Game Boy. The NEOGEO Pocket Color provides up to 40 hours of continuous fun on just two AA batteries. The 16-bit graphics are crystal clear--making it easy to tell the difference between humans and animals, friends and foes, and walls and doors--and easily viewed in both bright and dim lighting. The color palette has three times the range of its competitor's, with 146 possible shades. There is also a built-in calendar, daily horoscope, alarm clock, and global clock that can be accessed even without a game cartridge in the slot. Two players can go head-to-head with a simple cable connection (sold separately). NEOGEO is available in six different casing colors: silver, clear, blue, ocean blue, stone blue, and anthracite.

The only drawback is that NEOGEO is new and, therefore, playing catch-up to Nintendo's well-stocked list of titles, which boasts A-list offerings such as Super Mario Brothers, Pokémon Pinball, and Tetris. But SNK scores points for the few titles that it does offer for the system. Among the better titles for NEOGEO are Dragons Wild video poker, arcade classicsBust-A-Move and Pac-Man, and your basic serve-and-volley Pocket Tennis. Most of these games are pretty addictive and perfectly suited to the well-designed, thumb-friendly, eight-position joystick. --Carrie Bell

Pros:

• Better graphics than other portable players
• Very good visibility in bright sun and dim light
• Variety of fun colors

• No Pokémon titles yet
• Response of the joystick isn't the best on games (such as Crush Roller) that require sharp, quick turns

Features

• Superior portable gaming console
• Displays 4,096 colors and shows 146 at a time for vivid graphics
• AA batteries and a lithium battery allow for 40 hours of continuous play
• Revolving joystick offers great maneuverability
• For 1 player

Reviews (10)

wow,just wow
wow. this system is so cool. with a growing variety of games, and a nice portable size, you can take it anywhere. You'lle love the translucent colors too.It should be the competitor with game boy color in a few years once it gets popular. lots of sports and fighting games, and quite a few arcade games (pac-man!!). it also has an awesome screen in the beginning when there is no game in. you can use calendar, horoscope, alarm, and more. But this, and not only will you be satisfied with the results, you will be kinda like the new kid on the block that everyone oo's and aa's about. SWEET!

NGPC is Da Bomb!
This is simply amzaing little system.It is superior in every way to the Game Goy Color.I strongly recomend buying this system.I also recomend some of the great games for it like Metal Slug 1st Mission, Metal Slug 2ndMission, Gal's Fighters, SNK vs. Capcom, Fasili!, Dark Arms, Puyo Pop andthe Upcoming Neo Geo Audio that will play MP3s!I was kinda nervous atfirst purchasing one, for fear it would'nt be good, but I went ahead andbought it and boy was I suprised!Get this now!

Already worth it after a few games.
I own both a Game Boy Color andNeo Geo Pocket Color, and the NGPC gets *much* more use (yes, even though I played through Pokemon). Basically, the NGPC is worth it for Sonic, Card Fighters Clash, and SNK vs Capcom Match ofthe Millenium alone. Upcoming games like Megaman and Faselei, and currentgames like Metal Slug X, are like the icing on the cake. The system ispretty obviously more powerful than the Game Boy Color, one look at some ofthe great graphics (Sonic especially) will convince you. Also the thumb pad/ joystick is VERY nice and comfortable to use, and the system feels betterin the hands than thr GBC (your hands dont get as cramped) Do yourself afavor and grab this system (I fly alot, and wow do airline flights fly bynow than I have this system. if only it had Tetris! But Shangahi is a goodsubstitute)

NEOGEO is better than GAME BOY COLOR
NGPC is way better than GBC. While GBC is producing lots of boring games, NGPC is taking their their time producing great games. NGPC may only have about 20 games out, but none of them are boring. I had a GBC about 2 monthsago and I sold it because it was so boring. I reccomend a NGPC over a GBCany day.

Very Good System, Definately Worth Getting!
The NGPC is awesome!At first I was dissapointed that it didn't feature a backlight, but the HUGE 40 HOURS worth of play on just 2 AA batteries made up for that!It also has twice the bits as GBC, and over twice thesimultaneous color!But what truly got my attention was the screen, notonly is it bigger and easier on the eyes, its very clear, and you can seethe clarity from all angles!Not to mention it has much better sound, andis much lighter in weight than the GBC.Heres a tip if your a lover offighting games its a MUST!Although the game library isn't that big yetdon't worry, it will be!They currently have about 12 game titles, butthere are alot more to come.Another plus was that they featured built infunctions, such as an alarm, clock, calender, and horoscope!This wasnever done on any GB! I also enjoyed the joystick like directional pad onthe NGPC, which gives you ultimate comfort for longer play!All of this toa price thats very comparable to the GBC.So take my advice and get one! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Look out, Game Boy Color. When it comes to serious portable gameplay, there's finally some legitimate competition for the popular Nintendo system (which has sold over 80 million units). If you dare to be different, consider the NEOGEO Pocket Color, a hand-held system created by the Japanese company SNK.

The screen is 10 percent bigger than Game Boy's, but the overall machine has roughly the same convenient pocket-sized dimensions and light weight as the Game Boy. The NEOGEO Pocket Color provides up to 40 hours of continuous fun on just two AA batteries. The 16-bit graphics are crystal clear--making it easy to tell the difference between humans and animals, friends and foes, and walls and doors--and easily viewed in both bright and dim lighting. The color palette has three times the range of its competitor's, with 146 possible shades. There is also a built-in calendar, daily horoscope, alarm clock, and global clock that can be accessed even without a game cartridge in the slot. Two players can go head-to-head with a simple cable connection (sold separately). NEOGEO is available in six different casing colors: silver, clear, blue, ocean blue, stone blue, and anthracite.

The only drawback is that NEOGEO is new and, therefore, playing catch-up to Nintendo's well-stocked list of titles, which boasts A-list offerings such as Super Mario Brothers, Pokémon Pinball, and Tetris. But SNK scores points for the few titles that it does offer for the system. Among the better titles for NEOGEO are Dragons Wild video poker, arcade classicsBust-A-Move and Pac-Man, and your basic serve-and-volley Pocket Tennis. Most of these games are pretty addictive and perfectly suited to the well-designed, thumb-friendly, eight-position joystick. --Carrie Bell

Pros:

• Better graphics than other portable players
• Very good visibility in bright sun and dim light
• Variety of fun colors

• No Pokémon titles yet
• Response of the joystick isn't the best on games (such as Crush Roller) that require sharp, quick turns

Reviews (47)

Greatest system ever!!!!!!!!
I own all three neogeo systems and by far it is the best system ever made. It leaves gameboy in the dust.It is more powerful and battery life is superb. Here are a few specs. so you know what your getting.
Neogeo supports a 16 bit color palette that can have as many as 146 colors out of 4,600 colors on the screen.
It is relatively smaller than gameboy advance, but is a little bulkier.
It fills right into your pocket so you can take it anywhere.
Take my work, BUY THIS SYSTEM! You won't regret it.

Better than gba sp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got the neogeo a long time ago and i still have it! the neogeo is very durable and is much better than the game boy advance sp.

2 SIMPLE WORDS: BUY IT

Ignore the ignorance
Ignore people like "A gamer from cyberspace" - he doesn't know what he's talking about.

Everyone mentions 40 hours battery life because it's TRUE. Go read the system's specs on any gaming site.

I've owned a NGPC since they came out and still love it. I've had a single pair of AA's last months and months on end. And here's a tip - if you play it with the sound turned all the way down, battery life doubles or triples. More like 60 - 90 hours with sound off. This thing really is incredible when it comes to battery life, and that makes it super econonomical. And don't think it's becvause the graphics are bad, because they're actually better than GBC, but not quite as fancy as GBA. But the controls are the best on any portable game system ever made.

For the price you cannot go wrong, and some of the best portable games ever made are only available on this system. And you can get them super cheap.

Check out: Last Blade, all of the SNK vs. Capcom games, Metal Slugs, etc. Great stuff.

Love it!
I bought this little gem at K-Mart a few years ago without knowing a thing about it. I guess you could say it called to me. I got it in Ocean Blue and picked up King Of Fighters: R-2, which by the way is an awsome game. If this had more advertisement, and more games, this thing whould have sky-rocketed. Do yourself a favor, buy it!

Beware of fake reviews!
I believe that most of the reviews for this product are phoney. If you look closely, many of the reviews from different "gamers" have a quality to the writing that seems very phoney. Like some ad exec. is trying to write like a teenager, but not doing a very good job. Many of the reviews slam Gameboy, and tout the the up and coming popularity of this product. AND, all of them mention "40 Hours on 2 double A batteries," undoubtedly a good thing in portable gaming, but rings false when it is in almost every review. I think this company is trying to launch a false wave of good reviews in order to push their product. Also there's like 150 reviews which is very high for any product on Amazon.com. This may be a good product, but I would be careful buying it based on what may very well be biased feedback. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Look out, Game Boy Color. When it comes to serious portable gameplay, there's finally some legitimate competition for the popular Nintendo system (which has sold over 80 million units). If you dare to be different, consider the NEOGEO Pocket Color, a hand-held system created by the Japanese company SNK.

The screen is 10 percent bigger than Game Boy's, but the overall machine has roughly the same convenient pocket-sized dimensions and light weight as the Game Boy. The NEOGEO Pocket Color provides up to 40 hours of continuous fun on just two AA batteries. The 16-bit graphics are crystal clear--making it easy to tell the difference between humans and animals, friends and foes, and walls and doors--and easily viewed in both bright and dim lighting. The color palette has three times the range of its competitor's, with 146 possible shades. There is also a built-in calendar, daily horoscope, alarm clock, and global clock that can be accessed even without a game cartridge in the slot. Two players can go head-to-head with a simple cable connection (sold separately). NEOGEO is available in six different casing colors: silver, clear, blue, ocean blue, stone blue, and anthracite.

The only drawback is that NEOGEO is new and, therefore, playing catch-up to Nintendo's well-stocked list of titles, which boasts A-list offerings such as Super Mario Brothers, Pokémon Pinball, and Tetris. But SNK scores points for the few titles that it does offer for the system. Among the better titles for NEOGEO are Dragons Wild video poker, arcade classicsBust-A-Move and Pac-Man, and your basic serve-and-volley Pocket Tennis. Most of these games are pretty addictive and perfectly suited to the well-designed, thumb-friendly, eight-position joystick. --Carrie Bell

Pros:

• Better graphics than other portable players
• Very good visibility in bright sun and dim light
• Variety of fun colors

• No Pokémon titles yet
• Response of the joystick isn't the best on games (such as Crush Roller) that require sharp, quick turns

Features

• Handheld portable game system with clear case
• 8 position joy stick
• 146-color display
• Reflecting TFT-format LCD
• For 1 player

Reviews (6)

Excellent system, but no longer supported
The Neo Geo Pocket it one of those odd little gaming systems, like the Atari Lynx that had the power within it to go the distance and really break Nintendo's stranglehold on the handheld market... but it tanked.

This was not due to the system, or even it's less than impressive array of games (most of which were produced by SNK, which does good work, but no one company can cover all the angles needed) but to the financial problems of SNK. When the company couldn't afford to keep the SNK of America open, the Neo Geo Pocket went the way of the dinosaur in the states.

And when SNK itself folded a few years later, the system was pretty well doomed.

So don't expect any new games for this one. She's run her course, and it's a doozy, but it is done.

Now, here's the good news. The Neo Geo Pocket Color has a surprisingly long life span, both battery life and sheer beatings. It's screan isn't backlit, but quite forgiving about lighting conditions and is nice n' big, allowing for surprising detail. It's CPU works well enough to keep slowdown from ever becoming an issue. And the system itself has a battery backup built in for system options (basically how NGP games look on the NGPC and what language you'd like your games in) and a calandar/alarm/horoscope thing when you turn it on without a game (like on a PS or X-Box)

Oh, and it's got *excellent* games.

SNK vs Capcom alone was enough to sell many people on the system, and while she is definately the cream of the crop, MoM is in good company. Metal Slug 1st Mission is just flat out impressive for sheer depth, Falseti feels like an incredibly focused Front Mission, and even the King of Fighters stay remarkably true to their Arcade origins.

If you're a collector, this is videogame history. If you're someone interested in just good gameplay, this is a solid choice. If you're looking to play the latest game, this is not for you.

Interesting note for those of you concerned about buying imports; the NGP has a setting in the handheld itself which toggles all the information between Japanese and English. So, yes; you can play import games on your system with no harsh affects. Likewise, the NGPC is backwards compatable, playing games from the Neo Geo Pocket with no problem what-so-ever.

greatest handheld ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got this system during Y2K and I still love it. It is the perfect video game system for those who don't want to spend money on a gameboy advance SP or DS. Its graphics are great and it has many great games unlike the gameboy which has more mediocre games than good ones. Plus the case colors are great. I would recommend this system for being excellent.

wow, just wow.
wow. this system is so cool. with a growing variety of games, and a nice portable size, you can take it anywhere. You'lle love the translucent colors too. It should be the competitor with game boy color in a few years once it gets popular. lots of sports and fighting games, and quite a few arcade games (pac-man!!). it also has an awesome screen in the beginning when there is no game in. you can use calendar, horoscope, alarm, and more. But this, and not only will you be satisfied with the results, you will be kinda like the new kid on the block that everyone oo's and aa's about. SWEET!

Portable gaming at its best
Two things make NEOGEO great.First, the unit is well designed from a hardware perspective.The tight joystick clicks in 8 directions (geek will appreciate this).The buttons and speaker are well placed.The clear caseis very attractive, and the screen is high quality.Secondly, SNK has along history of producing highly entertaining titles.Ok, the titles arenot deep (no equivalent to Zelda in NEOGEO land), but they are FUN andgenerally of consistenly high quality!I was hooked on NEOGEOs arcadetitles like Magical Ball Drop (amazing) and the Samurai Showdownseries--having these titles in a portable format is sweet.

The New System in Town
NeoGeo Pocket Color is truly the next generation of gaming. Although the system currently does not have very many games, almost all of them are worth every penny. The most recent game, SNK vs. Capcom - Match of theMillenium is the funnest handheld game I have ever played.The screen ofNeoGeo is about the same size as the Gameboy, but that is the onlysimilarity. NeoGeo's screen has a lot more colors that Gameboy and isconsiderably brighter and easier to see in any lighting condition. Thecontrols of both systems use two buttons on the right side, but NeoGeo hasa joystick insted of the D-Pad of the Gameboy, making controlling gamesmore precise and easier on the thumbs, especially fighters. Overall,NeoGeo is much better than the GameBoy Color and should start giving itsome serious competition pretty soon. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A good idea, but...
I tend to be pretty clumsy, so i thought the neck strap would be a good idea.It is very sturdy,(at the widest point, 1-1.5 inches), once around your neck it's not going anywhere.The only problem I have is that it'stoo short.It seemed long enough when I got it out of the box, but whenit's on, the game is only 8-10 inches away from your face.It's not so badthat I would return it, but I was a little surprised.Overall, I don'talways use the strap, but when I do I'm not worried about dropping my Neo.

Great additon to your NGPC line-up
If you are a hardcore gamer and want this system with you 24/7 then this neck strap is great! It is extremely strong and the only neck strap you should use with the NGPC. Casual gamers or gamers that don't want to beembarresed with the neck strap on should stay away from this product.Overall I recommend it, especially if you want every NGPC thing you can getlike me.

Better than "Game Boy"ÿ
I was very against my six year old playing video games. I own a Game Boy and found my thumbs sore after an hour of play.

This concerned me, I played the Neo Geo and the joystick was great. Now it's under the tree. ... Read more