GameDrive for SNK Neo Geo Pocket & Pocket Color [NGP / NGPC] game development & testing cartridge | Retro HQ

Features:

- Compatible with Neo Geo Pocket, Pocket Color and Slim models
- 15MB onboard memory chip
- Allows homebrew game testing and playing
- Play all software using a single cartridge
- Micro SD card required (not included)

Description:

This fantastic development tool is the perfect companion for any budding retro game developer, allowing you to run your latest creations on real hardware, the RetroHQ NeoPocket GameDrive cartridge contains 15MB of onboard memory available to install homebrew, and a memory card slot to acccess your library directly from the console, wherever you are.

You can also use GameDrive to load license free open source software, with the renewed interest in retro gaming hardware, there are more and more open source projects being game available by enthusiasts for you to enjoy.

To play software on the NeoGeo Pocket console, they must first be installed onto the memory of the cartridge via the memory card. Up to 15MB of software can be installed at once from the built-in management software, and once a title has been installed it can be run instantly from the on screen selection menu. Installed software can be saved back to the memory card (to save progress) and deleted to free up space for more to be installed.

Any memory card up to 32GB in size can be used with the NPGD as long as it is FAT16 or FAT32 formatted.

Hardware Compatibility:

NeoGeo Pocket (Black and White)
NeoGeo Pocket Colour
NeoGeo Pocket Colour Slim
Link Play
FAT16 or FAT32 memory cards

Software Compatibility:

Wide support - extensively tested for compatibility
Resume functionality not supported
No other compatibility issues known

Due to the way ROM images are stored on the memory chip, not all the storage space can always be used when installing larger software titles, It is advised to install larger MB files first.

Usage instructions:

Insert the NPGD cartridge into any model of NeoGeo Pocket console, then insert a memory card containing compatble ROM images (.NGC and .NGP files) into the memory card slot of the NPGD cartridge.

On turning the console on, the RetroHQ logo will be briefly displayed, followed by the navigation menu screen.

The software menu is split into two tabs; the memory storage tab and the memory card tab. The currently selected tab can be toggled by pressing the OPTION button.

When using the menu, the functon of the buttons are displayed at the bottom of the screen. 

The installed software list shows details of the titles currently installed on the on board memory. The size and whether the title has colour features(an RGB coloured or grey icon) are displayed to the left of the name.

The file name can be upto 53 characters and is taken from the file-name when the title is installed.

The directory listing shows the ROM image files contained on the memory card and allows you to navigate the directory structure and install any valid ROM images.

Supported files include .NGP and .NGC file types, no other files will be displayed.

Firmware updates:

Firmware updates can be applied to the NPGD cartridge via the recovery console. To perform a firmware update, first copy the provided UPDATE.DAT file to the root directory of a memory card and insert into the NPGD cartridge.

Turn on the console with the cartridge inserted and press the OPTION button when the RetroHQ splash screen appears. This will enter the recovery console. Press A to update the cartridge firmware using UPDATE.DAT on the memory card. Once the update has been completed, press A to reboot the console with the new cartridge firmware.

Updates to the firmware will be available from the RetroHQ website if required.

LEGAL NOTICE: Product Use Disclaimer and Limitations of Liability

USE OF THIS PRODUCT

This product is intended exclusively for homebrew development and the use of legally obtained, open-source software. It is designed to support independent developers and hobbyists who wish to create and play original content on retro gaming consoles. We do not condone, support, or encourage the use of this product for piracy or any form of copyright infringement.

COPYRIGHTED CONTENT

Downloading or playing copies of games, software or other media without the copyright holder’s permission may violate copyright laws in your country, even if you own the original version. Please ensure that any media used with this product complies fully with local copyright laws.

BACK-UP AND PERSONAL USE

In some jurisdictions, creating personal back-ups of games is permitted, while in others it may be restricted. Using ROMs of games that you did not personally back up, even if you own a physical copy, may infringe on the copyright holder’s rights, we advise all customers to familiarize themselves with local laws and restrictions before using any back-up media.

LIMITED SUPPORT

Our customer support for this product is limited to legitimate uses, such as homebrew development or playing authorized open-source games, we do not provide support for any other use of this product.

MODIFICATION & USE

Any unauthorized modification or use of this product outside its intended purpose will void all manufacturer and retailer warranties. This product should be used only as intended, any other use is unsupported and may result in damage or functionality issues.