Side Pocket vs Side Pocket 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Side Pocket is a pocket billiards arcade game originally released by Data East in 1986. It brings realistic pool physics and simple controls to arcade cabinets and home consoles. The game offers both single-player challenges and multiplayer matches, preserving the nostalgic feel of 80s arcade sports titles while remaining accessible to modern players.
Side Pocket 3 brings realistic pocket billiards to the PlayStation and Sega Saturn with fully 3D polygonal rooms while retaining a classic top‑down view. Featuring the likeness of JPBA professional Kyoko Sone, the game offers a variety of pool disciplines and multiple play modes. Players can dive into story, training, trick, and versus modes, choosing from eight‑ball, nine‑ball, rotation, 14.1 continuous, bowlliards, cutthroat, three‑ball, poker, pocket game, mitsudama, and yotsudama variations. Its Japan‑only release in 1997 makes it a collector’s gem for billiards enthusiasts.
- Easy to pick up and play
- Authentic arcade feel
- Multiplayer support
- Low system requirements
- Authentic professional pool player cameo
- Wide variety of game modes and variants
- 3D graphics with classic top‑down view
- Multiplayer support on the same console
- Limited visual fidelity by modern standards
- No online matchmaking
- Few game modes beyond core pool
- Japan‑only release limits availability
- No online multiplayer functionality
- Outdated graphics by modern standards
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Side Pocket
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Alternatives to Side Pocket 3
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Compete in realistic 8‑ball and 9‑ball tournaments from regional to world champion.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSide Pocket offers a classic, low‑cost arcade pool experience with simple multiplayer, while Side Pocket 3 adds 3D graphics, many game variants, and a story mode but is Japan‑only and pricier.
Key differences
- •Side Pocket is a 1986 retro pixel‑art arcade game; Side Pocket 3 uses 3D polygonal graphics with a top‑down view
- •Side Pocket 3 includes eleven pool variants and a story/training mode; Side Pocket has only core pool modes
- •Side Pocket 3 is Japan‑exclusive, limiting availability; Side Pocket is widely available
- •Side Pocket is priced at $19.99 (one‑time); Side Pocket 3 price not specified
- •Side Pocket lacks online matchmaking and both lack online play, but Side Pocket 3 adds more single‑player content
Gameplay & fun factor
Side Pocket 3 adds story, training, trick puzzles and 11 variants, increasing depth beyond core pool
Platform availability
Side Pocket is a generic release; Side Pocket 3 is Japan‑only, restricting where it can be purchased
Price & value
Side Pocket lists a clear $19.99 price; Side Pocket 3 has no listed price, making value unclear
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both support local head‑to‑head multiplayer only; neither offers online matchmaking
Content & replayability
Side Pocket 3’s story, training, trick mode, and many variants provide more replay content
Difficulty & accessibility
Side Pocket uses simple button controls suitable for beginners; Side Pocket 3’s varied modes may be harder to learn
Graphics & performance
Side Pocket 3 uses 3D polygonal graphics (though dated); Side Pocket uses low‑fidelity pixel art
Choose Side Pocket if…
Buy Side Pocket if you want an inexpensive, easy‑to‑play arcade pool game that’s readily available.
Choose Side Pocket 3 if…
Buy Side Pocket 3 if you value more game modes, a story/training experience, and don’t mind Japan‑only availability.
Common questions
What is the price of each game?
Side Pocket is $19.99 one‑time; Side Pocket 3 price is not specified in the provided facts.
Can I play online with friends?
No; both titles only support local multiplayer, with no online matchmaking.
Which game has more pool variants?
Side Pocket 3 offers eleven different pool game variants, while Side Pocket includes only the core pool mode.