Side Pocket NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Sports

Side Pocket

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1987 (originally 1986)
GenreSports
DeveloperData East
PublisherData East
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 4

Developed by Data East, Side Pocket arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987 as a sports game. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986.

It landed about 2 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1987 include Final Fantasy, Metal Gear and Mega Man.

Data East also made Werewolf: The Last Warrior, Cobra Command and Bad Dudes Vs. DragonNinja for the NES.

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Tip for newcomers: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.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

Side Pocket cheats & codes

2 codes on file (Other codes). Here are a few Other codes codes to start with:

Infinite Turns [One Player]SXKXNLSA
Infinite Turns (One Player)008B:06

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 NES games today

NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

Side Pocket FAQ

When did Side Pocket come out on the NES?

Side Pocket was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987; 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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