ColecoVision vs Neo Geo Pocket Color

The ColecoVision and Neo Geo Pocket Color are two iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The ColecoVision, released in the early 1980s, was known for its advanced graphics and diverse game library. On the other hand, the Neo Geo Pocket Color, released in the late 1990s, offered portable gaming with impressive graphics and a focus on arcade-style gameplay.

General information

ColecoVision
Neo Geo Pocket Color
Introduction :
The ColecoVision was released in 1982 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers in North America. It featured a wide range of games with impressive graphics for its time, making it a classic console that is highly sought after by collectors today. The ColecoVision is known for its innovative controllers and library of games that included popular titles like Donkey Kong and Zaxxon.
Introduction :
The Neo Geo Pocket Color was released in 1999 by SNK Corporation as a handheld gaming console. Although it was not as popular as other handhelds of its time, it gained a cult following for its impressive library of games and high-quality graphics. The console was primarily marketed in Japan and North America. Today, the Neo Geo Pocket Color is considered a classic and collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Advantages :
  • Extensive library of classic games
  • Retro gaming experience
  • Durable hardware
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Affordable price point
Advantages :
  • Portable and compact design, perfect for gaming on-the-go
  • Bright and vibrant color screen for an immersive gaming experience
  • Impressive library of games, including popular titles and exclusives
  • Long battery life for extended gaming sessions
  • Durable build quality for longevity and reliability
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.
  • Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
  • Difficulty finding working consoles and games.
  • Limited availability of accessories and peripherals.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
  • Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming.
  • Small screen size may strain eyes during long gaming sessions.
  • Short battery life compared to modern handheld consoles.
  • Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
Year launched : 1982
The ColecoVision was launched in 1982, offering advanced graphics and gameplay compared to other consoles of its time. It quickly became popular for its library of games and add-on peripherals.
Year launched : 1999
The Neo Geo Pocket Color was launched in 1999, offering gamers a portable gaming experience with a color screen and a strong lineup of games, competing with other handheld consoles of the time.
Manufacturer : Coleco Industries
ColecoVision was manufactured by Coleco Industries, a company known for producing various gaming consoles and toys during the 1980s. The ColecoVision was a popular console during its time.
Manufacturer : SNK Corporation
SNK Corporation, a Japanese video game hardware and software company, manufactured the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Known for their arcade games, SNK brought their expertise to this handheld console, offering a unique gaming experience.
๐ŸŸก Popularity : Average.
The ColecoVision had a moderate level of popularity during its release in the early 1980s, with a decent number of units sold. It had a niche market share compared to other consoles of its time.
๐Ÿ”ด Popularity : Low.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color had limited sales compared to other consoles of its time, with a niche market of dedicated fans. Its popularity was overshadowed by competitors like the Game Boy Color.
Form factor : Home console.
The ColecoVision console is designed as a home gaming system, meant to be set up in a living room or entertainment area for a traditional gaming experience.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is a portable console designed for gaming on the go, featuring a compact form factor that can easily be carried and played anywhere.


Market and availability

ColecoVision
Neo Geo Pocket Color
Console markets :
The ColecoVision was available in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia during its release in the early 1980s. It was not widely available in other regions outside of these markets.
Console markets :
The Neo Geo Pocket Color was primarily available in Japan and North America. It had limited availability in Europe and other regions, making it more popular in the Japanese and North American markets.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The ColecoVision is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique library of games and historical significance make it a sought-after item for collectors and fans of classic gaming.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is now considered retro and collectible, with a dedicated fan base driving up demand. Its unique library of games and nostalgic appeal make it a sought-after item for collectors.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The ColecoVision console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but also some scarcity. Collectors may find it more challenging to locate specific models or accessories.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as mainstream consoles, it can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores.
๐ŸŸข Console cost : Low.
The ColecoVision console is considered low in cost due to its age and limited availability. It can often be found at affordable prices in the second-hand market.
๐ŸŸก Console cost : Average.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is considered to have an average relative cost due to its availability on the second-hand market. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included games.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the ColecoVision can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. Some titles are considered collectible, which can impact pricing and availability for certain games.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the Neo Geo Pocket Color can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by due to the console's limited popularity, but a decent selection is still available.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for ColecoVision is average. While some titles may be more expensive due to rarity, many games are still affordable and accessible for collectors and gamers.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
Games for the Neo Geo Pocket Color are relatively affordable on the second-hand market, making them an average cost option for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.


Technology

ColecoVision
Neo Geo Pocket Color
Architecture : 8-bit.
The ColecoVision uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to later consoles.
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color uses a 16-bit architecture, providing a good balance of performance and graphics capabilities for its time. This allowed for a wide variety of colorful and engaging games.
CPU : Zilog Z80
The ColecoVision uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles. Known for its reliability and efficiency, the Z80 helped power a wide range of classic games.
CPU : Toshiba TLCS900H core
The Neo Geo Pocket Color uses a Toshiba TLCS900H core for its CPU, providing efficient processing power for its games and applications.
Memory : 32 Kb
The ColecoVision games console has 32 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This allowed for a variety of games to be played.
Memory : 16 Kb
The Neo Geo Pocket Color 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 : RF and Composite
The ColecoVision has RF and Composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
Video output : Composite
The Neo Geo Pocket Color has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital connections.
โšช Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The ColecoVision's hardware specifications are not well-documented, making it unclear whether it had a dedicated GPU. Further research is needed to determine the presence and details of a GPU.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color does have a dedicated GPU, which contributes to its impressive graphics performance for a handheld console of its time, allowing for smooth gameplay and vibrant visuals.
๐Ÿ”ด Internet connected : No.
The ColecoVision is not internet connected. It does not have any notable internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
๐Ÿ”ด Internet connected : No.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi for online connectivity.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the ColecoVision is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a diverse gaming library for users.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Neo Geo Pocket Color is cartridge-based, with games being inserted into the console for gameplay. This format was common for handheld consoles of that era.


Gaming

ColecoVision
Neo Geo Pocket Color
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The ColecoVision typically supports 2 controllers, allowing for 2 players to enjoy multiplayer games. This classic console offers a shared gaming experience for friends and family to enjoy together.
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Neo Geo Pocket Color supports 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay on this handheld console.
โšช Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The ColecoVision does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities, but there may be third-party adapters or modifications available to enable online multiplayer functionality.
๐Ÿ”ด Online multiplayer : No.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color does not have online multiplayer capabilities as it was released before online gaming became mainstream. Multiplayer functionality is limited to local play with link cables.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for ColecoVision were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find now due to the console's age, but they are still collectible among retro gaming enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Neo Geo Pocket Color were released in a decent quantity, but due to the console's limited popularity, finding some titles may be a bit challenging in the secondhand market.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The ColecoVision has several exclusive and iconic games such as Donkey Kong, Zaxxon, and Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color has several exclusive and iconic games such as SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium, Metal Slug: 1st Mission, and Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure.


When choosing between the ColecoVision and Neo Geo Pocket Color, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and gaming needs. Retro gaming enthusiasts may appreciate the classic feel of the ColecoVision, while gamers on the go may prefer the portability and modern features of the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Both consoles have their own unique charm and offer a nostalgic gaming experience.