J.Cup Soccer on the Game Boy is one of those old-school sports games that somehow nails the chaotic fun of soccer despite the tiny screen. You pick your team—no fancy licenses here, just generic but charming pixel players—and jump straight into matches that feel faster than they should be. The controls are simple: pass, shoot, sprint (until your stamina drains, anyway).

At first, the gameplay feels a little stiff, but after a few matches, you start pulling off slick through balls and last-minute goals that actually feel satisfying. The AI isn’t a pushover either—expect some brutal counterattacks if you get too reckless. And yeah, the graphics are basic, but there’s something weirdly charming about those chunky sprites celebrating after a goal.

It’s not the deepest soccer sim out there, but for quick handheld matches, it holds up better than you’d think. Just don’t expect FIFA.