For many enthusiasts, nothing beats the nostalgic thrill of an SNK arcade cabinet—complete with those massive cartridges and the remarkable feel of a dedicated joystick. SNK was known for bold moves in the gaming realm, including their own line of home arcade systems and the underdog Neo Geo Pocket Color. While that little console never truly toppled Nintendo’s Game Boy empire, it left a lasting impression on fans. Now, decades later, one inventive modder known as YCL is rekindling that old arcade magic, shoehorning a Raspberry Pi into a Neo Geo Pocket Color and giving it a modern facelift.
The Spark of an Idea
It’s easy to forget how advanced SNK was back then. They created arcades, they released cutting-edge home consoles, and they tried (sometimes aggressively) to challenge Nintendo in the handheld market. Although those ventures didn’t always dethrone industry giants, SNK’s dedication to joystick design was top-notch. People still rave about the superb feel of Neo Geo controllers—the perfect partner for action and fighting titles.
But hardware that blew minds in the 1990s can feel a bit sluggish these days. That’s where YCL’s cleverness comes in. After tinkering with Raspberry Pi computers for other projects, they wondered: could you squeeze a full-blown arcade experience inside the Neo Geo Pocket Color shell? One that could smoothly run not just classic Neo Geo titles, but other platforms, too?
Building the New Brain
The concept might sound daunting, but the Raspberry Pi is famously flexible—and smaller than you might expect. YCL took what they call an “intelligent design” approach with a custom VS redesign PCB (printed circuit board) that’s open source. The new board fits inside the Neo Geo Pocket Color’s cramped housing, replacing the older internals while maintaining the same general button layout.
But that’s only half the trick. A mere swap of circuit boards wouldn’t be enough to transform the entire handheld. So, YCL also:
• Upgraded the Screen: Out went the original display, in came a wide-angle LCD for bright, crisp visuals. The difference between an aging handheld screen and a modern LCD can be staggering, especially for vibrant arcade titles.
• 3D-Printed Components: From a mini arcade-style joystick to a custom dust cover, certain parts had to be designed from scratch. That includes a new button arrangement, ensuring there are extra inputs for the broader game library the Raspberry Pi can handle.
• Retained the Cartridge Slot: Pure nostalgia, right there. Even if it’s mostly decorative, this detail is a nod to the original design and keeps that retro flair.
• Kept the Battery Compartment: No weird external battery packs or endless wires. The mod still looks and feels tidy, like a commercial product you might’ve picked up off the shelf in 1999.
The Arcade Feel in Your Hands
One of the highlights of SNK’s legacy is the way their joysticks and buttons feel—clicky, sturdy, and ready for combos. YCL knew it was essential to capture that same tactile experience. While it’s challenging to replicate a full arcade stick on a handheld, the modder managed to craft something that comes close, providing a far snappier input mechanism than typical rubber-contact D-pads.
The addition of extra buttons also means you can play games from multiple consoles that often demand shoulder triggers or more face buttons. So whether it’s a classic Neo Geo fighting game, a Genesis platformer, or even older arcade titles, this modded unit is equipped to handle them.
Performance Beyond the Original
This new rig doesn’t merely run a few SNK titles. Thanks to the Raspberry Pi’s capabilities, YCL’s pocket console supports emulators for numerous platforms. Think everything from NES and Mega Drive to older arcade boards that might’ve been beyond the wildest dreams of an actual Neo Geo Pocket.
The modder also incorporated a dedicated audio solution to bring that arcade roar to life. Being able to hear those signature fighting game sound effects—punches, kicks, KOs—on a crisp speaker is a major upgrade compared to the original system’s modest audio output.
Nostalgic Looks, Modern Fun
A big part of the Neo Geo Pocket Color’s charm was its chunky build and distinct shape. Plenty of fans appreciate how comfortable it felt in the hand. YCL’s project remains faithful to the console’s overall look, but peeking inside reveals a powerhouse. It’s a bit like discovering a sports car engine inside an old family sedan: it may look familiar on the outside, but it’s got serious muscle hidden under the hood.
There’s even a nod to physical accessories: you can still connect an official arcade joystick or another controller if you’re hankering for the full arcade experience at home. Talk about bridging eras—a modern emulator hub that still welcomes real arcade sticks.
A Farewell to the Old Hardware
The original Neo Geo Pocket Color, while beloved, had fairly limited hardware. Over time, official support faded. But this modification breathes fresh life into a handheld many considered doomed to be a historical footnote. With today’s technology, you can carry around a mini arcade in your pocket—something that might’ve seemed unthinkable to 90s kids used to big cartridges and thick instruction manuals.
YCL’s mod is a testament to how the retro gaming scene isn’t just about collecting old hardware; it’s also about finding new ways to enjoy and preserve classics. By harnessing the Raspberry Pi and an open-source mindset, enthusiasts continue to prove that the best parts of gaming’s past can shine even brighter when paired with a sprinkle of modern tech.
Want More Retro Gaming Goodness?
If you’d like to read more stories about inventive consoles, rare titles, and the general mischief of retro gaming, visit our free weekly Retro Gaming Substack. There, you’ll find a host of articles that delve into everything from obscure Japanese exclusives to hardware hacks just like this one.
And if you’ve got a precious retro game collection of your own, why not protect them with the world’s finest retro game protectors? Head to RetroShell and give your beloved cartridges the royal treatment. After all, preserving our gaming heritage is half the fun!
