Talk about tiny. This landscape format device is barely larger than a Nintendo64 cartridge, has a relatively large screen for its size and packs a lot into a very small package. It holds 2 AAA batteries, a CR-3032 button battery and has ports for AC, headphones and a link port. Finally, a wide format portable that is truly pocket sized!
Neo Geo steps into the portable gaming marketplace with their reasonably priced Neo Geo Pocket. SNK claims this to be a 16-bit portable, so despite it being in black and white, it's a 16-bit system. In this day and age where even the Game Boy has gone color, it almost seems silly to release a black and white system. For those Neo Geo fans, I'm sure they'll find gaming satisfaction in this truly tiny system. I don't want to go into what the bits mean, as I don't care anyways. Let's go into the system into detail.
First, this is not a truly American system. I do not want this to appear to be a negative. This is an import system from Japan. While all the text on the physical unit itself is in English, the manual is 100% Japanese. Of course, it doesn't take rocket science to figure this thing out. You've got a tiny joystick-style controller on the left, an A and B button on the right. Also on the right is an option button. The only trick I had was figure out how to turn the device on. Yes, the power button is clearly identified but it requires a sustained button press. I am assuming this is to ensure no false power-ons draining the batteries. The only other interesting item was that the system requires a CR-2032 button battery. If you recall, the Tiger Game.Com also requires such a battery since the Game.Com holds all high scores and PDA informatioj inside the game unit itself, rather than in individual cartridges. I can't speak authoritively, but my system included a set of AAA batteries and a CR-2032 battery. The Game.Com included the CR-2032 battery, and every GameBoy I have ever owned so far has included the first set of batteries. I like the "batteries are included" philosophy so you can start gaming right out of the box.
Second is the games. So far, my 3 game collection has been friendly to me. I say this only because I don't speak Japanese so the games have all either been in English or else have given me the option of English or Japanese. The games themselves were not shrink wrapped as you would typically expect from American titles. From what I understand, the Japanese don't have the same obsession with shrink wrapping that we American's do. Hey, fine with me, less waste and less impact to the environment. The games come in a rather over-sized and durable plastic case, and inside this case is the game cartridge itself in a see-through plastic case of its own. Of course, the manual is also in the case, and in Japanese. I like the fact that the cartridges themselves have their own cases as I think it increases portability because the cartridges are protected from dust and dirt. This is one of the features in the Game Boy and Game Gear that I really liked. The game cartridges themselves appear to have a look inspired by the Game Gear, but then again so does the Neo Geo Pocket itself. This is just meaningless observation that I felt was of interest.
As so many folks have stated in the past, it's the games/software that make or break a system. I agree with this observation to an extent as also personal opinion also play into this factor. In my case, I can say I tried the PSX and the Nintendo64, and I enjoyed the N64 more and have been satisified with my decision. Hey, I don't want any pro-PSX flames sent my way as there is absolutely nothing wrong with owning/playing/enjoying a PSX. Sorry, I veered off topic. Anyhow, the Neo Geo Pocket is a new system so it has a small selection of games. So far, I have only played the Pocket Tennis title and the Neo Geo Cup soccer title. The soccer game has a poor perspective so it's difficult to fully enjoy. There are also spelling errors; when I was 2 goals behind, it said "falts" rather than "falls". Oops. Another big oops was in the Pocket Tennis game; I could not have an exhibition game in one-player mode. Clearly quality control isn't as tight as it should be. This could be a determining factor in the long-term survival of this system. The same argument holds true on any system, but is more important to new system.
At first glance, the Neo Geo is just a portable video game system. If you turn it on and don't insert a game cartridge, you discover that this isn't just a gaming device. Now I know why the Neo Geo Pocket uses a CR-2032 battery. Not only does this little device keep time, but it can also function as an alarm clock, horoscope generator, calendar and time converter. While the calendar is nothing spectacular, it is neat. I also don't recommend the alarm clock for waking you up as it's a little quiet and too short. Of course, I'm not exactly a light sleeper, so your results may vary. Still, SNK managed to sneak in a lot into a tiny package.
I want to comment again on the size of this device. It is really tiny. As I've said before, it's roughly the size of a N64 cartridge. Now, please don't call me a racist or accusing me of stereotyping. I'm not a racist and anyone who knows me will attest to that. I will admit to having to do a little stereotyping in this paragraph, but I only do so because so does the manufacturer of the Neo Geo Pocket. The Neo Geo Pocket is made by SNK, which is a Japanese owned company. Yeah, I know Sony, Nintendo and Sega are also Japanese companies. Overall, the Japanese are not tall people. Yes, there are tall Japanese. I only say this because the Neo Geo Pocket is so small that I'm fairly sure those with larger hands might not really enjoy this system because of how they'll have to hold the system. Obviously the target marketplace is Japan, but since this is video games, I'm sure children are also the main target. I have heard reliable information that video gaming is not just for kids in Japan. Still, the largest user of video games are children although the largest purchaser of this stuff is adults. I would safely say that if you're fine with the small size of the Game Boy Pocket, then you'll do fine with this system.
For those of you who for some reason keep visiting my site, you know this is my first import system. Since I can't read Japanese, the manuals are fairly useless. I am worried about support should something go wrong. Again, the games appear to be in Enlish so the manuals aren't as important. Emails to SNK in regards to the Neo Geo Pocket have gone unanswered and it has been over 2 months since the first one in regards to purchasing the system. I feel like some sort of video game renegade since everything says "For sale and use in Japan Only". I hope the cops don't catch me...
More Information to follow: | King Of Fighters R-1 | Pocket Tennis | Neo Geo Cup 98 |
