TOKYO - SNK announced a color version of its Neo-Geo Pocket - the NeoGeo Pocket Color - to be released on March 19 for 8,900 yen (about US$78). Neo-Geo Pocket Color is little bit thicker and bigger than the first black and white Neo-Geo Pocket. It uses two AA batteries that will last for 40 hours of consecutive play (two times longer than Game Boy Color).

　　Games currently available for Neo-Geo Pocket can be played on Neo-Geo Pocket Color in color, but it is not known whether color-compatible games can be played on the black and white Neo-Geo Pocket. This new handheld can be played with up to 64 people via a Wireless Communication Unit, according to SNK.

　　SNK also announced several new companies that will develop games for the NGPC. The companies include Capcom (Rockman Pocket), Taito (Puzzle Bobble/Bust A Move), Uep System (Cool Boarders), and Data East (Magical Drop Pocket).

　　These shots are of NGPC games, including King of Fighters R-2, Baseball Stars Color Ver., Neo Cherry Master Color Ver., and Pocket Tennis 2. Games like KOF R-2 and Cool Boarders can be played with the Dreamcast via an adapter. But not much is known about how exactly that matchup will work.

　　Screenshots courtesy Weekly Famitsu.