| Neo Geo Pocket Color | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Information | |
Type(s) |
Handheld Console |
Generation |
Seventh |
| SNK | |
Predecessor(s) |
Neo Geo Pocket |
Successor(s) |
Neo Geo X |
Discontinued |
2000/2001 |
| Technical Information | |
Supported Media |
Cartridge |
 European Release
| |
| June 13, 2000 | |
   North American Release
| |
| June 13, 2000 | |
 Japanese Release
| |
| March 16, 1999 | |
| Awards | Covers | Credits | Gallery | Help Patches | Reviews | Screenshots | Videos | |
The 'Neo Geo Pocket Color' (or NGPC) was released on March 16, 1999 in Japan. It was a 16-bit color hand held game console designed by SNK, the makers of the Neo Geo home console and arcade machine. It came after SNK's original Neo Geo Pocket monochrome handheld, which debuted in 1998 in Japan (and was released in the United States on August 6, 1999). In 2000, following SNK's purchase by Japanese Pachinko manufacturer Aruze, the Neo Geo Pocket Color was dropped from both the United States and European markets, purportedly due to commercial failure.
U.S. Release[ | ]
The U.S. version of the Neo Geo Pocket Color had an exclusive launch on the website eToys in 1999. eToys also sold the initial launch titles in the preferred plastic snap lock cases. The system debuted in the United States with six launch titles (20 promised by end of year) and retail price of $69.95. Six different unit colors were available: Camouflage Blue, Carbon Black, Crystal White, Platinum Blue, Platinum Silver, and Stone Blue.
Before SNK was bought out, the Neo Geo Pocket Color was being advertised on US television and units were being sold nationally in Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Toys "R" Us, and other large retail chains.
Post-Aruze buyout[ | ]
Remaining stock was bought back by SNK for repackaging in Asia. In June 2000 SNK of America (and Europe) tried recalling most of the back-stock of systems and games to be flashed and re-sold in Asia where the system would continue to be sold and supported. Some of the back-stock of US NGPC hardware and software started showing up back on the marketplace in the US and Asia in 2003. These units frequently appeared bundled with six games stripped of their cases and manuals. Two games often included, Faselei! and Last Blade were never previously released in United States, meaning that they have no US-localized box or manual; however, these titles did receive a European release, incorporating an English translation.
Notable Games[ | ]
SNK Vs. Capcom: Match of the Millenium - An impressive fighter, though unrelated to the Arcade title Capcom Vs. SNK as it came out years earlier. Metal Slug 1st Mission - A port of the popular Metal Slug Series. King of Fighers R-2 - A port of SNK's premiere 2D fighting series King of Fighters. SNK Vs. Capcom: Cardfighter's Clash - An exclusive card battle game in the same style as the Pokémon TCG, featuring characters from the SNK and Capcom gaming worlds. Two versions were released, one focusing on SNK, the other on Capcom. Sonic Pocket Adventure - A sort of "Greatest Hits" of the Sonic the Hedgehog games for the Sega Genesis.
Accessories[ | ]
As was standard, the NGPC could utilize a link cable for one on one versus modes in games. An infared link was released in Japan only. One of the more innovative features of the system was the ability to connect to the Sega Dreamcast with various games, such as Capcom Vs SNK.
Although most peripherals were released by SNK, it is notable that in the United States Nyko released versions of both their popular Worm Light and Shock 'n Rock Game Boy Color peripherals for the NGPC.