Pocket Fighter is a single-player and multiplayer 2D fighting game. It features characters from Capcom’s major series, such as Street Fighter and Darkstalkers, reimagined in super-deformed chibi style. There is no overarching story tying the roster together, but each fighter has short humorous cutscenes and rival interactions that parody their parent franchises. Players step into the role of one of these pint-sized brawlers and fight through a series of matches filled with slapstick comedy and exaggerated transformations.

Combat uses simplified controls compared to traditional fighting games. Instead of complex inputs, most attacks are mapped to straightforward button presses, making the game accessible to casual players. Standard punches and kicks can be chained into combo strings, which often trigger comedic costume changes or visual gags. These transformations briefly dress characters in outfits drawn from other Capcom games before delivering their next strike, emphasizing the parody style.

A central mechanic is the collection of colored gems. When a character is struck, gems spill out onto the stage, which can then be picked up by either player. Each color corresponds to a different attack type - red for punches, blue for kicks, and yellow for special moves. Gathering gems upgrades those categories, increasing both the power and variety of available techniques. The gem system introduces a layer of strategy, as managing offense and defense directly impacts a character’s move set during the match.

Super moves and special abilities play a large role. Each character retains signature attacks from their original series, though presented in exaggerated fashion. For example, Ryu still throws Hadokens, but with over-the-top animations, while Morrigan’s attacks are delivered with comedic flourishes. Characters also have unique “Flash Combo” sequences, which are extended chains that automatically launch when the player performs a specific input, often accompanied by elaborate costume gags.

The game includes multiple modes. The single-player arcade mode pits a character against a ladder of opponents, ending with a short comical ending sequence. Versus mode allows competitive matches between two players. Additional features such as training options and survival challenges appear in certain ports.