Side Pocket Genesis box art

Sega Genesis / Mega Drive · Sports

Side Pocket

Deep cut

SystemSega Genesis / Mega Drive
Released1992 (originally 1986)
GenreSports
DeveloperData East
PublisherData East
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 4

Side Pocket is a sports game released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, developed by Data East. This Genesis release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986.

It landed about 3 years into the Genesis's life. Other notable Genesis releases from 1992 include Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Lemmings and Streets of Rage 2.

Data East also made Joe & Mac, Captain America and The Avengers and Crude Buster for the Genesis.

Side Pocket supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to race and compete
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you've played the Genesis hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you need current teams and rosters

What playing Side Pocket is like

Sports games bring football, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, wrestling and more to the console, from simulation-style management to over-the-top arcade action.

Tip for newcomers: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.

Side Pocket gameplay screenshot on Genesis
In-game screenshot (Genesis)

Side Pocket cheats & codes

29 codes on file (Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Action Replay codes to start with:

Always In "Zone" ModeFFC53C:0008
Infinite Shots P1FFC094:0008

See all Side Pocket cheats

Side Pocket walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Side Pocket.

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Playing Genesis games today

Genesis games are fast and immediate, and many are made for two players. Official collections and Nintendo Switch Online carry a big slice of the library, and Rec0m88 can run your own Genesis backups with online netplay.

Side Pocket FAQ

When did Side Pocket come out on the Genesis?

Side Pocket was released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1992; the original game dates back to 1986.

Who made Side Pocket?

It was developed by Data East.

Is Side Pocket multiplayer?

Yes. Side Pocket supports up to 2 players.

How long does Side Pocket take to play?

As a sports game, Side Pocket typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Side Pocket on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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