SNK launched Neo Geo Pocket Color in Japan on 16 March 1999 as the colour evolution of the 1998 monochrome Neo Geo Pocket. It retained the Toshiba TLCS-900H processor and the characteristic mechanically responsive digital control, but added a screen capable of displaying colour and remained compatible with much of the earlier handheld’s software. During 1999 SNK officially expanded the system to North America and Europe. Its catalogue made particular use of SNK’s fighting and action licences and also received titles developed with other companies, making it one of the main handheld alternatives to Game Boy Color during that period.