Atari Lynx vs Neo Geo Pocket

The Atari Lynx and Neo Geo Pocket were both handheld gaming consoles released in the early 1990s, offering portable gaming experiences to players. While the Lynx boasted color graphics and a larger screen, the Neo Geo Pocket focused on delivering high-quality arcade ports and a comfortable design for extended play sessions.

General information

Atari Lynx
Neo Geo Pocket
Introduction :
The Atari Lynx was released in 1989 as one of the first handheld gaming consoles with a color LCD screen. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering a wide range of games and innovative features such as multiplayer capabilities. While not as well-known as other consoles of its time, the Atari Lynx has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic collectible item.
Introduction :
The Neo Geo Pocket was a handheld gaming console released by SNK in 1998. It was known for its high-quality graphics and arcade-style games. While it was not as popular as other handheld consoles at the time, it has since gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. The console featured a unique click-stick for precise controls and had a short lifespan before being discontinued in 1999. It has become a sought-after collectible for gaming collectors.
Advantages :
  • Portable design allows for gaming on the go
  • Color LCD screen provides vibrant graphics
  • Multiplayer capabilities for shared gaming experiences
  • Wide variety of game genres available
  • Long battery life for extended gameplay sessions
Advantages :
  • Portable and compact design makes it easy to take on-the-go.
  • High-quality graphics and sound for an immersive gaming experience.
  • Impressive library of games available, including popular titles.
  • Long battery life allows for extended gaming sessions.
  • Durable construction ensures longevity and reliability.
Disadvantages :
  • Bulky design may not appeal to modern gamers.
  • Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
  • Short battery life hinders portability.
  • Lack of backlight makes it difficult to play in low light.
  • Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library
  • Small screen size
  • Lack of backlight
  • Short battery life
  • Limited multiplayer options
Year launched : 1989
The Atari Lynx was launched in 1989, offering gamers a color handheld gaming experience ahead of its time. Despite facing tough competition, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Year launched : 1999
The Neo Geo Pocket was launched in 1999, offering a portable gaming experience with a focus on arcade-style games. Despite its short lifespan, it gained a dedicated fan base.
Manufacturer : Atari
Atari manufactured the Atari Lynx, a handheld game console released in 1989. It was the world's first handheld electronic game with a color LCD screen, offering innovative gaming experiences for its time.
Manufacturer : SNK
SNK, a Japanese video game hardware and software company, manufactured the Neo Geo Pocket. Known for their arcade games, SNK brought their expertise to the handheld gaming market with this console.
๐Ÿ”ด Popularity : Low.
The Atari Lynx had limited commercial success compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with the dominant Game Boy and lacked a strong library of popular games, resulting in lower sales and market share.
๐Ÿ”ด Popularity : Low.
The Neo Geo Pocket had relatively low popularity compared to other consoles. It had a niche market and sold fewer units, making it less well-known among gamers.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Atari Lynx is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and built-in screen make it easy to take your games anywhere you go.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Neo Geo Pocket is designed as a portable console, making it easy to take on the go for gaming on the move. Its compact size and battery-powered operation cater to on-the-go gaming experiences.
Official website : https://www.atari.com/


Market and availability

Atari Lynx
Neo Geo Pocket
Console markets :
The Atari Lynx was available in North America, Europe, and Japan, making it a global release. It was not limited to a specific country or region, allowing gamers worldwide to enjoy its features.
Console markets :
The Neo Geo Pocket was primarily available in Japan and North America. It had limited availability in other regions such as Europe and Asia through importation or specialty retailers.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Atari Lynx is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique features and library of games have sparked nostalgia among collectors.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket is now considered retro and collectible due to its limited release and unique library of games. Collectors and fans of classic handheld consoles are seeking out these devices, increasing their value.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Atari Lynx can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability of new units is limited. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Neo Geo Pocket can be found secondhand fairly easily, but new units are rare. Collectors may have better luck finding limited edition models or bundles in good condition.
๐ŸŸก Console cost : Average.
The relative cost of the Atari Lynx is average. It can vary depending on the condition and availability in the second-hand market. Prices may be reasonable for collectors or retro gaming enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸก Console cost : Average.
The Neo Geo Pocket is considered to have an average cost in the market. While it may not be as expensive as some rare consoles, it is also not as affordable as more common options.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari Lynx can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to come by compared to more popular consoles.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the Neo Geo Pocket can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by, but there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
Atari Lynx games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles can be expensive due to their collectibility, there are also many affordable options available in the second-hand market.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
Games for the Neo Geo Pocket can vary in price, with some titles being more affordable due to their availability in the second-hand market. Overall, the cost of games for this console is considered average.


Technology

Atari Lynx
Neo Geo Pocket
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Atari Lynx uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for more complex and visually impressive games to be developed.
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Neo Geo Pocket uses a 16-bit architecture, providing a decent level of performance for its time. This allowed for smooth gameplay and graphics on the handheld console.
CPU : 65C02
The Atari Lynx uses a 65C02 CPU, which is a modified version of the MOS Technology 6502 processor. It is a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles due to its efficiency.
CPU : Toshiba TLCS900H core
The Neo Geo Pocket uses a Toshiba TLCS900H core for its CPU, providing efficient processing power for gaming experiences on this handheld console.
Memory : 64 Kb
The Atari Lynx has 64 Kb of memory, which was considered impressive for a handheld console in the late 1980s. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its competitors.
Memory : 16 Kb
The Neo Geo Pocket has 16 Kb of memory, which was sufficient for storing game data and save files for the handheld console's library of games.
Video output : Composite
The Atari Lynx has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the use of a composite to HDMI converter.
Video output : Composite
The Neo Geo Pocket only has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital connections.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Atari Lynx features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its time. This allowed for smoother gameplay and more detailed visuals compared to other handheld consoles of its era.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket has a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its games. This feature contributes to the overall gaming experience on this handheld console.
โšช Internet connected : Unknown.
The Atari Lynx does not have built-in internet connectivity capabilities, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online features were not a part of its design during its release in the early 1990s.
๐Ÿ”ด Internet connected : No.
The Neo Geo Pocket is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as Ethernet or WiFi for online connectivity.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Atari Lynx is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a convenient and portable gaming experience.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Neo Geo Pocket is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play their favorite games on the go.


Gaming

Atari Lynx
Neo Geo Pocket
Controllers : Up to 8 controllers / players
The Atari Lynx supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using the ComLynx cable, allowing for exciting multiplayer experiences on a single console.
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Neo Geo Pocket allows for two players to connect and play simultaneously using two controllers. This enables multiplayer gaming experiences and competitive gameplay on the console.
โšช Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari Lynx did not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. Some games may have supported local multiplayer using a Comlynx cable, but online multiplayer as we know it today was not possible.
๐Ÿ”ด Online multiplayer : No.
The Neo Geo Pocket does not have online multiplayer capabilities due to its age and lack of internet connectivity features. Multiplayer gaming is limited to local connections between consoles.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari Lynx were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's age, but overall, there are options for players to enjoy.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Neo Geo Pocket were released consistently during its time on the market, but due to its limited popularity, finding games today can be a bit challenging. However, dedicated collectors can still find a decent selection available for purchase.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Atari Lynx has notable exclusive games such as 'Blue Lightning' and 'Ninja Gaiden'. These games helped define the console's library and are still remembered by fans today.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket has several exclusive and iconic games such as 'King of Fighters R-1', 'Metal Slug: 1st Mission', and 'SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium'.


When choosing between the Atari Lynx and Neo Geo Pocket, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you value vibrant graphics and a larger screen, the Lynx may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize arcade-quality games and ergonomic design, the Neo Geo Pocket could be the ideal option for your portable gaming needs.