Best Neo Geo Pocket Emulators for Android

The Neo Geo Pocket and its upgraded version, the Neo Geo Pocket Color, were SNK’s handheld entries in the late 1990s. While they didn’t outsell Nintendo’s Game Boy, they built a loyal following thanks to their strong library of arcade-quality games. Titles like SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium, King of Fighters R-2, Metal Slug: 1st Mission, and Samurai Shodown! 2 remain cult classics today.

With original hardware now rare and cartridges expensive, Neo Geo Pocket emulators for Android provide the best way to experience this underrated handheld. These apps bring back its unique games with modern enhancements like save states, Bluetooth controller support, and customizable touch layouts.

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Why Neo Geo Pocket Emulation Matters

SNK designed the Neo Geo Pocket to deliver arcade-quality experiences on a handheld. While it never achieved the global success of the Game Boy, its library is still loved by fighting game fans and collectors. Some of its titles, especially SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium, remain exclusive to the system.

Emulating the Neo Geo Pocket on Android ensures these overlooked gems remain accessible to a global audience.

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What to Expect from Neo Geo Pocket Emulators

Because the Neo Geo Pocket hardware was less demanding than later handhelds, emulation is easy on modern Android devices. The best emulators provide:

• Support for both Neo Geo Pocket and Pocket Color games

• Save states to pause and resume instantly

• Customizable touch controls for handheld play

• Bluetooth/USB controller support for fighting games

• Filters and upscaling for sharper visuals

• Cheat support for convenience and fun

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RetroArch with Beetle NeoPop Core

👉 RetroArch on Google Play
👉 RetroArch Official Site

The most reliable way to emulate the Neo Geo Pocket on Android is through RetroArch, using the Beetle NeoPop core. This core is based on the NeoPop emulator and provides excellent compatibility for both black-and-white Neo Geo Pocket and Neo Geo Pocket Color titles.

RetroArch adds advanced features like shaders, achievements, rewinding, and controller mapping. While setup requires a little more work, it’s the most accurate and flexible way to play Neo Geo Pocket games on Android.

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NGP.emu – Standalone Neo Geo Pocket Emulator

👉 NGP.emu on Google Play

NGP.emu, developed by Robert Broglia, is a standalone emulator dedicated to Neo Geo Pocket and Pocket Color games. Built on the NeoPop core, it offers smooth performance, excellent compatibility, and a polished interface.

It supports save states, cheat codes, customizable controls, and full Bluetooth/USB controller input—making it perfect for fighting games like King of Fighters R-2. While it’s a paid app, it is one of the most reliable and user-friendly Neo Geo Pocket emulators available on Android.

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Why the Neo Geo Pocket Library Still Shines

Though it had a short lifespan, the Neo Geo Pocket library is filled with gems. Highlights include:

• SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium – One of the best crossover fighters ever made.

• Metal Slug: 1st Mission – A portable take on SNK’s legendary run-and-gun series.

• Samurai Shodown! 2 – A well-regarded portable entry in SNK’s iconic fighting franchise.

• King of Fighters R-2 – A fun, streamlined version of SNK’s flagship fighter.

These games remain fun and playable today, and emulation ensures they’re not forgotten.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Neo Geo Pocket Emulators for Android

For Android users, two main options stand out:

• RetroArch with Beetle NeoPop core – The most accurate and feature-rich option.

• NGP.emu – A polished, standalone emulator perfect for casual and dedicated SNK fans alike.

Both solutions preserve the unique handheld spirit of the Neo Geo Pocket and Pocket Color, making its games portable and enhanced for modern audiences. That’s why they remain the best Neo Geo Pocket emulators for Android in 2025.

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