Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Jul 23, 2021
    70
    For those who didn't make the Neo Geo leap with the excellent SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium (which is included here anyway), Neo Geo Pocket Colour Selection Vol.1 is where to start. With an excellent range of titles as well as the only way currently to play two superb Metal Slug titles outside of picking them and a handheld up, it's an easy decision to p-p-p-pick up a pack. It's always going to be a tough sale to take a leap if not familiar with the handheld and lacking that deep nostalgic love, but even with some strange additions outside the recognisable (honestly, Dark Arms is bonkers, fantastic fun), there really is a lot to make that purchase totally justifiable.
  2. Apr 11, 2021
    70
    So is it worthwhile? For SNK fans, yes, especially if you missed the Pocket Color like everyone else. Despite the Compilation’s game-to-dollar value, though, this is still a collection of twenty-year-old handheld games. If you miss the Game Boy days and want something new to play, you may find something worthwhile here.
  3. Mar 30, 2021
    70
    Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 1 will be a letdown for those who’ve already purchased some (or all) of the fighters released prior. But if you’ve been wondering why SNK hasn’t bundled these handheld games together, wonder no more. While very much a mixed bag, there’s enough here for the curious, and more so for fans. Bring on Vol. 2.
  4. Mar 24, 2021
    70
    A very retro collection of games from an obscure portable system of the past is probably a hard sell for most gamers. For those with an affection for the Neo Geo Pocket, this is a fine bit of nostalgia. The fighting and Metal Slug games included are still remarkably fun and show off the precise controls of the system. Beyond nostalgic charm, though, the original Neo Geo arcade versions are also available in the Switch store and probably a lot more appealing.
  5. Mar 22, 2021
    70
    NeoGeo Pocket Color Selection Vol.1 is as good as you'd expect a collection of 10 portable games from the turn of the millennium to be. Throw in a couple of hidden gems and some cool features and you're left with a decent offering from SNK.
  6. Mar 21, 2021
    70
    Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol 1 is a welcome history lesson for anyone who thought portable play at the turn of the millennium was all about Nintendo. SNK had a good thing going with the Pocket Color - and given half a chance, with better backing and more third-party support (a fantastic Sonic game aside, which sadly isn't on this set, non-SNK games were thin on the ground), you wonder if it might've given the Game Boy a decent run for its money.
  7. Apr 19, 2021
    65
    Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Volume 1 is a mixed bag of nostalgia. As a groundbreaking piece of hardware at the time of release, I’d highly recommend SNK fans to check this out. As games, time has taken its toll on most of them. Ranging from solid to nearly unplayable, these games hit the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Fighting fans or those who want to carry a fun golf title around will be satisfied with their purchase. Retro RPG players will find something to love here too. If you want that Metal Slug fix, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Overall, the selection is a strong start. With some key titles missing, a second go-around with included improvements will be a welcomed addition when it eventually releases.
  8. Mar 22, 2021
    60
    While the games themselves haven’t aged terribly well and there are too many fighting games here, NeoGeo Pocket Color Selections Vol. 1 demonstrates the best way to preserve old games. On top of simply playing the games themselves, you can take a look at everything that came with the cartridges way back when on top of taking advantage of convenience features like rewind. Unfortunately, this is undermined by the incredibly small screen size which you cannot change. [*See March 31 score update]
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. Dec 18, 2021
    10
    This is pretty cool, it’s a lot fun playing these games, in fact I love the genre of these games that it makes for a great experience for me
  2. Mar 28, 2021
    10
    First I want to say this is coming from a longtime fan of SNK. If you have the opportunity to play Neo Geo Pocket color this will feel rightFirst I want to say this is coming from a longtime fan of SNK. If you have the opportunity to play Neo Geo Pocket color this will feel right at home for you. If you're relatively new to SNK games I think this is a perfect introduction. Honestly these are 10 top quality titles from the Pocket color Library. If you like myself or a lover of 2D fighting games an arcade games you will definitely enjoy it. Full Review »