Neo Geo Pocket Color
| |
| Manufacturer | SNK |
|---|---|
| Product family | Neo Geo |
| Type | Handheld game console |
| Generation | Fifth |
| Release date | Neo Geo Pocket
|
| Introductory price | |
| Discontinued | |
| Media | ROM cartridge |
| CPU | Toshiba TLCS900H core (16-bit) @ 6.144 MHz Zilog Z80 @ 3.072 MHz for sound |
| Memory | 12 KB RAM for 900/H 4 KB RAM for Z80 64 KB ROM |
| Display | 2.7", 160x152 resolution, 146 colors on screen out of a palette of 4096 |
| Sound | T6W28 (enhanced SN76489), 6-bit DACs |
The Neo Geo Pocket series is a line of handheld game consoles developed and manufactured by SNK between 1998 and 2001. It began with the monochrome Neo Geo Pocket, released in Japan on October 28, 1998 as SNK's first handheld system and a direct competitor to Nintendo's long-running Game Boy line. In response to the growing popularity of color handhelds, SNK released the upgraded Neo Geo Pocket Color on March 19, 1999 in Japan, featuring a color screen and full backward compatibility with games for the original model.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color rolled out internationally throughout 1999, reaching North America on August 6 and parts of Europe on October 1, and briefly gained traction thanks to its innovative microswitched joystick, strong launch titles, and popular SNK franchises such as The King of Fighters, Samurai Shodown, and SNK vs. Capcom. On October 21, 1999, a smaller and lighter revision of the hardware was released exclusively in Japan as the New Neo Geo Pocket Color, offering improved ergonomics and minor technical enhancements.
Despite a favorable critical reception, the series struggled commercially due to limited third-party support, low retail visibility, and intense competition from the Game Boy Color and WonderSwan in Japan. Following SNK's acquisition by Aruze and its bankruptcy in 2001, the Neo Geo Pocket line was discontinued, marking SNK's final venture into hardware.