History of the NGPC

Myself and a friend are working to write up a history of the NGPC. I'd like some opinions on why this system was/wasn't successful. Credit will be given for any opinion I use for when I launch my new website (which I haven't decided if it will be related to any non-snk systems or not just yet). Thanks.

Also, any stories about the experience of acquiring the system and games are welcome.

One reason why it wasnt sucessful was Pokemon. Pokemon just put competing with the GBC out of reach.

I bought the original ngp the first day I could. It was my savior during hp training <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
The gameboy color was just out in Japan at that time and was already already starting to edge out ahead. Of course the neogeo pocket never had any movie/promotional tie-ins either. <IMG SRC="smilies/mad2.gif" border="0">

You might want to add in the fact that the original ngp lived such a short life. It couldn't have been 6 months before it was replaced with the negoeo pocket color. This would have had to have an impact on sales.

[ May 24, 2001: Message edited by: mvsholic ]

A couple of reasons the NGPC went down:

- Little to no marketing: Only some advertisements in the early launch days of the system. After that SNK had to cut down costs or something.
- Unappealing games: with 3 fighting games, some puzzlegames and only one platformer, the launch lineup wasn't very spectacular for the casual handheld gamer (read: 8-12 year old kids who like pokémon).
- Little to no 3rd party support. Only Sega and sanctsomething (faselei), plus a capcom license for a set number of games.
- SNK is NOT a well known and trusted company in Europe and the US. Only "hardcore" gamers remember the company, and there just aren't alot of those around.

I'll see if I can think of more reasons. I hope this helped...