SNK brings a vital piece of handheld history to modern systems with NEOGEO POCKET COLOR SELECTION Vol.2, a compilation released on PC on November 9, 2022. This collection serves as the second wave of digital remasters for the beloved NEOGEO Pocket Color, a system renowned for its vibrant color screen and compact form factor that briefly made an impact upon its release in 1999. The package delivers a curated experience of ten distinct titles, offering players a chance to revisit the golden age of portable gaming or discover the unique charm of this underrated device for the first time.

Explore the NEOGEO POCKET COLOR SELECTION Vol.2

This collection is a treasure trove for retro enthusiasts, featuring a diverse mix of genres ranging from action and role-playing to casual sports and puzzle challenges. While four of the included games have been previously released on other platforms, this volume introduces six brand-new titles to the collection, expanding the library significantly. The lineup covers a wide spectrum of gameplay styles, ensuring that whether you are looking for strategic deck-building, competitive wrestling, or relaxing puzzle mechanics, there is something within the NEOGEO POCKET COLOR SELECTION Vol.2 to suit your tastes.

Notable Titles and Gameplay Mechanics

The collection boasts a varied roster of games, each offering its own mechanical quirks. Highlights include:

  • SNK VS. CAPCOM CARD FIGHTERS' CLASH: Regarded by reviewers as a standout gem, this title is a card battle RPG where players build decks featuring iconic characters from both franchises. It offers strategic depth and replayability comparable to other classic card games of the era.
  • PUZZLE LINK2: A puzzle title where players link tiles to create combos. It plays similarly to other matching classics and provides a fun, accessible experience once the mechanics are mastered.
  • BASEBALL STARS COLOR: A sports simulation that captures the essence of arcade baseball. While the controls can be challenging, the game delivers a competitive experience with difficult AI opponents.
  • BIOMOTOR UNITRON: An RPG where players customize and strengthen robots known as Unitrons. This title appeals to fans of tinkering and robot customization, though its dated mechanics may require patience.
  • MEGA MAN BATTLE & FIGHTERS: A portable adaptation that brings together characters from the Mega Man arcade fighting games, offering a unique crossover experience.
  • Other Entries: The package also includes BIG BANG PRO WRESTLING for retro wrestling fans, GANBARE NEO POKE-KUN for those who enjoy silly virtual pet simulations, THE KING OF FIGHTERS BATTLE DE PARADISE (a board game-style title best enjoyed with Japanese language support), POCKET TENNIS COLOR, and NEOGEO CUP '98 PLUS COLOR.

Platform Features and Technical Details

Released for PC, NEOGEO POCKET COLOR SELECTION Vol.2 modernizes the handheld experience with quality-of-life improvements. A standout feature is the inclusion of a re-wind function, allowing players to undo mistakes and ensuring that game overs are a thing of the past. This is particularly helpful for challenging titles like Baseball Stars Color where precision is key.

Players should note that the collection supports both Japanese and English languages for specific titles, though some games like Mega Man Battle & Fighters and Ganbare Neo Poke-Kun are available only in Japanese. The language support can affect save data, as different saves may be created for each supported language. Additionally, while the collection includes the original handheld manual for reference, the control scheme may vary on the PC edition. It is also important to mention that link modes, which were essential for multiplayer on the original hardware, are disabled in this release, except for VS modes where applicable.

Who Should Play NEOGEO POCKET COLOR SELECTION Vol.2?

This collection is ideal for fans of retro gaming, SNK and Capcom history, and those who appreciate the unique design of the NEOGEO Pocket Color. It appeals to players who enjoy a mix of deep strategy in games like Card Fighters' Clash and lighthearted casual experiences. The re-wind feature makes it more accessible for modern audiences, bridging the gap between vintage charm and contemporary convenience. Whether you are a long-time collector of SNK memorabilia or a newcomer curious about the system's colorful library, this selection provides a comprehensive gateway into the world of the NEOGEO Pocket Color.