The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was one of the most iconic gaming consoles of all time, but few people know about its lesser-known cousin, the SNES Side Pocket. Released in Japan in 1994, the SNES Side Pocket is a unique handheld version of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), designed to allow gamers to play their favorite SNES games on the go.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of the SNES Side Pocket, exploring its features, availability, and age ratings. We'll also discuss some popular games that can be played on this handheld console and why it's worth considering for retro gaming enthusiasts.

What is the SNES Side Pocket?

The SNES Side Pocket was released in Japan in 1994, shortly after the release of the original SNES. It was designed to be a portable version of the console, allowing gamers to play their favorite SNES games on the go. The device featured a clamshell design, with two screens that could be opened and closed like a book.

The SNES Side Pocket was powered by a rechargeable battery pack, which allowed it to provide several hours of gameplay. It also included a pair of controllers that were designed specifically for handheld gaming.

Features and Technical Specifications

The SNES Side Pocket featured many of the same technical specifications as the original SNES, including:

• Processor: 16-bit Ricoh 5A22 CPU
• Memory: 128 KB RAM + 32 KB VRAM
• Display: 4.77 inches SVGA (640x480 pixels)
• Storage: 8 MB SD card slot (expandable via memory cards)
• Audio: Stereo speakers

The device also included a built-in battery pack, which provided several hours of gameplay.

Games Available for the SNES Side Pocket

The SNES Side Pocket was preloaded with a selection of popular SNES games, including:

• Super Mario World
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
• Contra III: The Alien Wars
• Castlevania IV
• F-Zero

These games were selected because of their portability and length, making them ideal for handheld gaming.

Availability

The SNES Side Pocket was only released in Japan, where it was marketed towards children and teenagers. It was not released outside of Japan until 2015, when it was made available through a limited import run by specialty retailers.

Today, the SNES Side Pocket can be found on online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay, but at a premium price due to its rarity.

Age Rating

The SNES Side Pocket is rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means that it contains some violence, cartoon-style gore, and mild language. However, it's worth noting that the console itself does not contain any mature content or explicit themes.

Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of the SNES Side Pocket:

Pros:

• Unique design that allows for portable gaming
• Compatible with a wide range of SNES games
• Rechargeable battery pack provides several hours of gameplay

Cons:

• Limited availability outside of Japan
• Expensive due to rarity
• Not as powerful as the original SNES

Conclusion

The SNES Side Pocket is a fascinating piece of retro gaming history, offering gamers a unique and portable way to play their favorite SNES games on the go. While it may not be as powerful as the original SNES, its compact design and rechargeable battery pack make it an ideal choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

If you're looking to get your hands on the SNES Side Pocket, be prepared to pay a premium price due to its rarity. However, if you're willing to invest in this unique piece of gaming history, it's sure to provide hours of entertainment and nostalgia.

FAQs

Q: Is the SNES Side Pocket compatible with all SNES games? A: No, the console is only preloaded with a selection of popular SNES games. You can use memory cards to play other SNES titles, but compatibility may vary.

Q: Can I play SNES games on the original SNES using the Side Pocket? A: Yes, the console's battery pack is designed to be used in conjunction with the original SNES.

Q: How do I charge my SNES Side Pocket? A: The device comes with a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged via USB or AC adapter.

Q: Is the SNES Side Pocket still available for purchase? A: Yes, but it may require an import from Japan and is likely to be expensive due to rarity.