Side Pocket (1986)
Game Boy · 1986
About this game
The main objective is to sink balls in each level and reach the predetermined scores to go ahead.
But remember: you'll have only several "lives" and every error can be lethal.
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After each stage completed (and some luck), a bonus stage will appear, as well as the chance to earn extra balls.
You will only need a good target in the parquet block! Basic version differences: The original Arcade version is a pool game where the player competes against the timer trying to get all balls in pockets and earn points.
The later NES release introduces modes for 2 players with two variants: 2P Pocket Game (the traditional mode) and 2P 9-Ball Game, where the premise is to sink 9 balls before the other player makes them first, training mode and single-player Pocket game.
In 1P Pocket game the player needs to clear four levels with alternating ball layouts (i.e. reaching a predetermined number of points by sinking consecutive shots and sinking balls in numerical order), starting from City class and all the way to the World Class.
Starting from State class, the player needs to perform a special trick after beating a level, and if they fail, the level restarts with a different ball layout.
Game Boy version is a completely redrawn game featuring 1 or 2 players actions with two game modes: 9-ball and Pocket.
The Pocket mode is generally similar to NES version.
Genesis and SNES versions feature improved graphics and sound.
Pocket game mode is reworked to include more stages and trick shot layouts.
Also in this mode the player travels to different cities in the U.S.A. and claims championship there.
New modes are Trick game and Jukebox.
Game Gear version of Side Pocket is basically a toned-down Genesis version.
Side Pocket for Wonder Swan features one and two-player play on a single device.
In the single-player mode the player chooses an avatar from a menu and needs to beat the remaining opponents.
The player and CPU then take turns in hitting the ball.
About Game Boy
The original Game Boy (1989) proved that handheld gaming didn't need cutting-edge graphics to succeed — its monochrome screen and legendary battery life, combined with Tetris as a pack-in, made it a cultural phenomenon. Game Boy cartridges are famously durable, so this remains one of the more accessible retro platforms to collect, though translucent color variants and complete-in-box copies with the original brick-sized manual add real value for condition-focused collectors.
Gamevaro tracks Side Pocket (1986) for Game Boy with separate market values for loose, complete-in-box (CIB) and factory-sealed copies, sourced from real eBay sales. Prices also vary by region — PAL, NTSC-U and NTSC-J releases of the same game often sell for different amounts due to print run sizes and regional collector demand.
Adding Side Pocket (1986) to a Gamevaro collection takes seconds — search by title or scan the box barcode, and the app fills in cover art, release details and current pricing automatically. This GB release dates back to 1986.
Market values by condition
PAL
Recent sales
| Date | Type | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-13 | Loose / Item only | NTSC-U | €9.55 |
| 2026-07-13 | Boxed (CIB) | NTSC-U | €31.92 |
| 2026-07-13 | Sealed / New | NTSC-U | €57.54 |
| 2026-07-09 | Loose / Item only | PAL | €11.72 |
| 2026-07-09 | Loose / Item only | NTSC-U | €9.20 |
| 2026-07-09 | Boxed (CIB) | NTSC-U | €31.99 |
| 2026-07-09 | Sealed / New | NTSC-U | €57.67 |
| 2026-07-08 | Sealed / New | NTSC-U | €284.71 |
| 2026-07-08 | Sealed / New | NTSC-J | €284.71 |
| 2026-07-08 | Loose / Item only | NTSC-U | €13.57 |
| 2026-07-08 | Loose / Item only | NTSC-J | €13.57 |
Market insights
Rarity & condition
Only a handful of market sales have been tracked for Side Pocket (1986), suggesting it doesn't trade hands very often — a sign of relative scarcity compared to more common Game Boy titles.
Complete-in-box (CIB) copies typically command a premium over loose cartridges/discs because the original box and manual are more fragile and get discarded or damaged over time — fewer complete sets survive.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Side Pocket (1986) worth?
Side Pocket (1986) for Game Boy is currently worth €11.72 loose. Prices are based on real sales and update regularly on Gamevaro.
Is Side Pocket (1986) rare?
Side Pocket (1986) has only a handful of tracked market sales, suggesting relative scarcity compared to more common Game Boy titles.
What's the difference between loose, CIB and sealed for Side Pocket (1986)?
Loose means cartridge or disc only, CIB (complete in box) includes the original box and manual, and sealed means factory-sealed and never opened. These are tracked as separate market values because the price gap between them can be significant, especially for older releases.
Is Side Pocket (1986) worth more in PAL or NTSC?
The PAL version of Side Pocket (1986) is currently worth €11.72 loose, versus €9.55 for NTSC-U. Regional price differences usually come down to print run size and regional collector demand.
Ratings & Reviews
Also on other platforms
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