The Super Pocket Neo Geo Edition delivers authentic SNK classics in a device that fits in any pocket. The price is low, the library is strong, and the nostalgia hit is real. The compromises are obvious and constant. The hardware is tiny, the screen is cramped, and some games deserve a bigger display. You get a fun impulse gadget, not a primary retro machine.
Pocket size, pocket strengths
The Super Pocket line from Blaze Entertainment leans into simplicity. This Neo Geo Edition keeps the same hardware as previous models, with a vertical Game Boy-style body and Evercade cartridge support. At 125 mm by 78 mm by 25 mm, it is smaller than most phones. The size is a blessing for portability and a drawback for comfort. Large hands fight for space, especially when trying to reach the rear shoulder buttons.
Inputs feel solid. The D-pad has clear cardinal directions and works well for fighters. The four face buttons deliver quick presses without mush. The rear L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons exist mostly for Evercade cart support. Their placement works, but only barely, because of the cramped design.
The 2.8-inch IPS display hits 320 by 240. It is bright, with good viewing angles. Scanline filters and different aspect modes help maintain a vintage look. The screen is fine for slower genres, but shooters like Blazing Star or Last Resort overwhelm the tiny panel. Situational awareness drops fast once the action fills the screen.
Audio is serviceable through the built-in speaker, with noticeable distortion at high volume. The 3.5 mm jack is the better option. You get no Bluetooth and no Wi-Fi.
A strong retro roster
The built-in library covers a wide slice of SNK’s peak years. You get Fatal Fury Special, Samurai Shodown II, Metal Slug X, Mutation Nation, Blazing Star, Sengoku 3, Top Hunter, Shock Troopers 2nd Squad, Last Resort, Alpha Mission II, Over Top, Soccer Brawl, King of the Monsters 2, and The Last Blade.
The selection mixes known hits with cult favorites. The thrill of Metal Slug X or the precision of Samurai Shodown II survives the transition to handheld play. The run-and-gun chaos in shooters is less pleasant on a small screen, but the save states help. Every title supports up to four save slots. Emulation is stable. A green flash on boot looks odd at first but is harmless.
Compared with Evercade handhelds, this device takes a different approach. Evercade opens each game with background info. The Super Pocket drops you straight into gameplay. Less museum, more arcade.
The biggest hardware downgrade versus Evercade is the loss of HDMI output. Neo Geo games shine on big screens. The art, animation, and detail lose impact on a 2.8-inch panel. Shooters feel tight. Some sprites blend into the action. There is no workaround. The USB-C port handles charging only.
Built-in games are locked to this unit
Blaze plans three Neo Geo collections for Evercade cartridges. None of those sets overlap with this handheld’s built-in lineup. Metal Slug X and the other internal titles stay exclusive to this device. You cannot use them on an Evercade EXP or an Evercade home console. That is an odd restriction inside the same ecosystem.
Battery life sits around four hours depending on brightness and volume. For quick sessions, that is enough. For trips, you will want a charger nearby.
Value over purity
At its core, the Super Pocket Neo Geo Edition is a fun toy with strong games trapped inside limited hardware. The compromises are noticeable. The experience is far from the ideal way to enjoy SNK’s classics. But the cost is low, the convenience is high, and the pick-up-and-play nature has charm.
If you understand its limits and treat it as a pocket novelty, you get a good slice of retro history for a fair price. If you want the best Neo Geo experience, you need a bigger screen, a device with TV-out, or an Evercade handheld paired with a home console.