The Neo Geo Pocket Color
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is still a topic of conversation among gamers, even 20 years after its launch. Despite its short lifespan and tiny game library, the 16-bit handheld still has some incredible games that have aged well, and the console is still beloved by those who owned one.
While the Neo Geo Pocket Color was overshadowed by the Game Boy, it’s still beloved by many who wish it had a larger library. Even though SNK’s handheld only had around 70 games, the ones that are still available are praised for their unique gameplay and excellent graphics. If you’re interested in learning more about the Neo Geo Pocket Color, check out our guide on how to play it, as well as our list of best Neo Geo Pocket Color games.
Best Neo Geo Pocket Color Games
Here are some of the best Neo Geo Pocket Color games:
SNK Vs Capcom: The Match of the Millennium
The Match of the Millennium is one of the most well-known fighting games on the Neo Geo Pocket Color. It’s a crossover between the Street Fighter and Samurai Showdown series, featuring characters from both and combat that’s similar to Samurai Showdown.
Though the game isn’t as graphically impressive as SNK’s Metal Slug, it’s still a fun fighter with a nice variety of moves and special abilities. It’s also one of the few fighting games on the Neo Geo Pocket Color, making it something of a gem.
Puyo Pop and Bust-A-Move Pocket
Fans of puzzle games will likely find a lot to love on the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Puyo Pop is a clone of the popular Dr. Mario game, but it’s better than its inspiration. The goal is to match four bubbles in a line to pop them, causing the chain to grow. If the chain gets too big, it’ll pop and the game is over.
Bust-A-Move Pocket, on the other hand, is an isometric version of the classic Bejeweled game. The goal is the same as in Puyo Pop – match four of the same bubbles in a line or column to pop them. It’s a fun clone of a timeless classic that’s perfect for short play sessions.
Biomotor Unitron
Biomotor Unitron is one of the best action games on the Neo Geo Pocket Color. It’s a side-scrolling shooter with gorgeous, colorful graphics. The game begins with a spaceship crash-landing on a planet. The player controls the ship’s robotic arms as they explore the planet, fighting off enemies and solving puzzles.
The gameplay is reminiscent of Metroid games, with each area requiring different tools to access new areas. It’s a challenging game that requires a lot of patience, but it’s incredibly rewarding once you figure out a puzzle.
Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure
Sonic Pocket Adventure is more than just a simple port of the Genesis games. Instead, it’s a unique twist on the level designs from Sonic 2, with music from Sonic 3. As a result, the gameplay is different from most other Sonic games, and it’s considered one of the best Sonic games on the handheld.
Metal Slug
Metal Slug is one of the most challenging games on the Neo Geo Pocket Color, and it’s also one of the most beloved. The game is an isometric, 2D shooter that puts players in the role of Marco and Tarma as they fight against aliens with an endless supply of weapons.
During the 16-bit handheld’s lifetime, Metal Slug was ported to several other platforms, but the Neo Geo Pocket Color version is considered one of the best. The graphics are gorgeous for a handheld, and the combat is challenging without being frustrating.
SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash
If you’re looking for a CCG game on the go, SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash is the best option. It’s relatively simple and easy to learn, but there’s still a lot of strategy involved. The game also has over 500 cards, so it should keep you busy for a while.
Card Fighters Clash is also available on the Nintendo Switch, so if you’re a fan of the handheld and Nintendo, you’re in luck. It’s also recommended by many users on various forums, so it’s probably worth a try.
Personal Experiences and Memories
Some players express nostalgia for the console and its games. Others wish the console had a larger library.
“I have such wonderful memories of my Neo Geo Pocket Color,” one user says. “I remember staying up late learning how to cheat in Samurai Showdown 2, spending hours mastering the moves of Biomotor Unitron and Metal Slug, and admiring the amazing artwork of Perfect Cloth.”
“I never had one,” another replies. “I really wish I had one.”
Others share their personal experiences and memories of owning the console:
A few users are surprised to learn about the console’s existence:
Others mention the connection between the Neo Geo Pocket Color and the Game Boy:
Overall, the Neo Geo Pocket Color is fondly remembered as a good console that didn’t receive enough marketing to become more popular. While it didn’t have a lot of games, the ones it did have were often exclusives or games that were ported over from other SNK products, such as the Neo Geo.
If you’re still interested in this old handheld, it’s relatively affordable on eBay. Some users even sell bundles of the console and some games, which is a nice way to dive back into the world of the Neo Geo Pocket Color.
