# Neo Geo Pocket Color

> handheld console

**Wikidata**: [Q1977455](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1977455)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo_Geo_Pocket)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/neo-geo-pocket-color

## Summary
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is a handheld video game console released by SNK in 1999 as a successor to the Neo Geo Pocket. It was part of the sixth generation of consoles and featured a color TFT screen, competing with devices like the Game Boy Color. The system was known for its portability, backward compatibility with Neo Geo Pocket games, and a library of titles including fighting games and puzzlers.

## Key Facts
- Released in Japan on March 16, 1999, North America on August 6, 1999, and Europe on October 1, 1999.
- Launched at a price of $69.95 in the U.S. in 1999.
- Manufactured by SNK, succeeding the Neo Geo Pocket and preceding the Neo-Geo X.
- Technical specs: 6.144 MHz clock frequency, 12 KB RAM, 4 KB VRAM, and 64 KB ROM.
- Discontinued in North America and Europe on June 13, 2000, and in Japan on October 30, 2001.
- Part of the Neo Geo series and compatible with link cables for multiplayer and connectivity with Neo Geo home consoles.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Neo Geo Pocket Color released?
A: The Neo Geo Pocket Color launched in Japan on March 16, 1999, followed by North America on August 6, 1999, and Europe on October 1, 1999.

### Q: Why was the Neo Geo Pocket Color discontinued?
A: The console was discontinued due to poor sales and financial struggles at SNK, ending support in 2000–2001 across regions.

### Q: Could the Neo Geo Pocket Color play older Neo Geo Pocket games?
A: Yes, it was backward compatible with black-and-white Neo Geo Pocket titles, enhancing them with color through optional updates.

## Why It Matters
The Neo Geo Pocket Color played a notable role in the late 1990s handheld gaming market as SNK’s attempt to challenge Nintendo’s dominance. It introduced a color screen earlier than some competitors and emphasized arcade-style experiences, leveraging SNK’s expertise in fighting games (e.g., *King of Fighters R-1*). Its link-cable functionality allowed multiplayer gaming and connectivity with SNK arcade machines, fostering a unique ecosystem. Though commercially unsuccessful, it maintained a cult following and influenced later handheld designs, showcasing SNK’s innovation despite the company’s financial decline.

## Notable For
- First handheld console by SNK to include a color TFT screen.
- Backward compatibility with Neo Geo Pocket games, with optional color enhancements.
- Supported link-cable connectivity for multiplayer and interaction with Neo Geo arcade systems.
- Part of the sixth generation of consoles, competing with the Game Boy Color and WonderSwan Color.
- Hosted exclusive titles like *Match of the Millennium* and *Pocket Tennis Color*.

## Body
### Development and Release
SNK released the Neo Geo Pocket Color in 1999 as a color successor to the 1998 Neo Geo Pocket. It launched in three regions: Japan (March 16), North America (August 6), and Europe (October 1). The system was priced at $69.95 in the U.S., positioning it as a premium handheld option.

### Technical Specifications
- **Processor**: 6.144 MHz Motorola 68000-based CPU.
- **Memory**: 12 KB RAM, 4 KB VRAM, and 64 KB ROM.
- **Display**: 2.13-inch reflective TFT color screen (160x120 pixels).
- **Battery Life**: 6–8 hours on 2 AA batteries.
- **Connectivity**: Link cable port for multiplayer and Neo Geo console/arcade machine linking.

### Game Library
The console supported over 30 titles, including *The King of Fighters R-1*, *Pocket Tennis Color*, and *SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters’ Clash*. Games were distributed on cartridges, with some releases featuring color-enhanced versions of Neo Geo Pocket software.

### Discontinuation
SNK discontinued the Neo Geo Pocket Color in North America and Europe on June 13, 2000, and in Japan on October 30, 2001, due to low sales and the company’s financial instability. The system sold approximately 1 million units worldwide during its lifespan.

### Legacy
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is remembered for its vibrant screen, innovative link features, and faithful arcade-style ports. Though it failed to match the Game Boy Color’s popularity, it retains a dedicated fanbase and is celebrated as a pioneering device in SNK’s hardware history. Its design influenced later retro-style consoles like the Neo-Geo X (2012).

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013