Power Pro Kun Pocket 7 on the GBA is one of those baseball games that just gets it. You start off picking your team—I always go for the underdogs because where’s the fun in steamrolling everyone?—and then you’re thrown right into a game. The pitching mechanics feel surprisingly deep for a handheld title; you actually have to time your curveballs just right or they’ll hang over the plate like a slow-motion disaster.

The chibi-style players are weirdly expressive, especially when they botch a catch or whiff on a swing. And the AI? Sneaky. They’ll bunt when you least expect it or steal bases if you zone out for half a second. It’s not just arcadey home run derby stuff—there’s real strategy here, especially in the season mode where you’re juggling lineups and stamina.

If you’ve played other Power Pro games, you’ll recognize the goofy charm right away. If not, it’s a great place to start before diving into the deeper RPG modes of later entries. Just don’t blame me when you lose track of time trying to perfect your slider.