The Neo Geo Pocket Color launched in Japan in March 1999, followed by releases in North America in August and parts of Europe in October. It received generally positive reviews for its microswitched joystick and a library of games featuring SNK franchises such as The King of Fighters, Samurai Shodown, and SNK vs. Capcom. A smaller and lighter revision, the New Neo Geo Pocket Color, was released exclusively in Japan in October 1999, offering improved ergonomics and minor technical refinements.