Power Pro Kun Pocket 5 is one of those GBA baseball games that just feels right—it’s got that perfect mix of arcade-style fun and just enough depth to keep you tweaking your lineup. The chunky little player sprites have way more personality than they should, and there’s something weirdly satisfying about nailing a home run with that tiny "POW!" effect.

First thing you’ll notice: the controls are stupidly simple (d-pad and two buttons), but pitching actually takes some thought—gotta watch that stamina meter. My first game, I blew all my starter’s energy by the 4th inning and got wrecked by AI bunts. Lesson learned.

Also, the career mode’s way deeper than you’d expect for a handheld game. You’ll be agonizing over whether to train your shortstop’s batting or fielding stats while your pitcher recovers from a minor injury. It’s the kind of game you play "one quick match" with at lunch, then suddenly it’s 2AM and you’re in the playoffs.

Still holds up if you dig retro sports games—just don’t blame me when you start muttering about sacrifice flies in public.