Power Link
Score: 80% Developer: Nyko Device Type: Accessory
Function: Quite a few titles in the Neo Geo Pocket Color collection (especially those delicious fighting games and puzzlers) have two-player modes and other linkable features. Of course, since the folks at SNK weren?t considerate enough to include the required link cable with the NGPC package, you?ve got to go out and buy your own. Fortunately, the innovative minds at Nyko have an affordable solution to your problems: the Nyko Power Link, which allows you to connect two Neo Geo Pocket Color units and play with your friends simultaneously.
Performance: Just plug in the two ends of the cable into the NGPCs and turn the systems on. Select the link mode at your game?s menu screen, and you?re ready to go. Having tested the Power Link for two days straight now, it looks like the product can take a lot of wear and tear, but not as much as the official SNK brand cable. Upon removing one end of the cable from my NGPC for the third time, the head of the link partially came out of its translucent casing, but was easily pushed back in. Just be gentle with your cable and everything should be fine.
Features: 6? 4.5? long, more than an inch longer than the SNK brand Shiny translucent blue cable Only $9.99 (U.S.), compared to the SNK link cable at $14.99
Drawbacks & Problems:: As previously stated, the link heads may become a little loose, but it?s nothing too serious. Also, the official press release says the cable is supposed to be eight feet long, but the unit reviewed is 6? 4.5?. Still, it?s longer than the SNK brand cable, and since SNK just recalled all of their U.S. products this week after unexpectedly shutting down their U.S. and European offices, Nyko?s Power Link may be the only one you can find in American stores from now on. So, head on out to your local electronics store, pick this one up, and challenge your friends today!
-Ben Monkey, GameVortex Communications AKA Ben Lewis
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