
SNK has announced today that it will be jumping on the "Classic Edition" bandwagon with its own new system, which will come pre-loaded with beloved Neo Geo titles. For those who don't know, the Neo Geo was SNK's high-end home system from the '90s, which delivered arcade-quality gaming at eye-watering prices.
We've already seen the NES Classic Edition and SNES Classic Edition, and Sega recently announced it would be creating its own challenger in the form of the Mega Drive Mini. We've also witnessed classic home computers like the ZX Spectrum and C64 getting miniaturised.
This new hardware will no doubt contain titles from franchises such as Fatal Fury, King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown, and is being created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Japanese company. Many of these games are already available for download on the Switch eShop.
This isn't the first time that SNK has been involved with such a venture; the Neo Geo X was a handheld machine which docked in a special case and could be played on your TV. Games were pre-loaded on the system and additional packs could be purchased with more titles. The console was something of a disappointment, and SNK eventually took action against licensee Tommo to prevent any more from being made.
Let's hope this new machine does a little bit better, eh?
[source siliconera.com]
Comments 73
Sign me up!
(... it's not from AtGames, right?)
Oh, I was going to buy some ACA Neo Geo titles today, but now I hesitate.
If they released a Neo Geo Mini with lots of games (or its list could be expanded in some way), it would be more interesting to me than Switch games. Now I don't know what to do, because we'll have to wait days, weeks or months for details and launch. Details such as "will it be good or a Neo Geo X-style failure?" or "will the price be "mini" too?"
How I dreamed about owning this console back in the day!
I want
Count me in. When will the games line up be released? Really looking forward to this
I hope its not using the current system which isn't replicating the real console.
The past is now.
I am SO up for this (assuming reviews are decent). Never got to own a NeoGeo back in the day.
I still kinda want that portable one, even though everyone says its a bit rubbish.
I must add that I hope it's really mini, because I have an AES and despite being beautiful is so big...
By the way, just as I have NES Mini and SNES Mini with the original consoles already in my collection, I wouldn't mind to have a Neo Geo Mini too, and considering I only have two games (you people know they're too expensive), all the more reason.
Eh...
Not interested.
Anyway, i had never knew if SNK was already 40 years ago.
Oh, man! A Neo Geo that's a mini version of the gorgeous original console, and with the proper arcade controller too, would be awesome--as long as they do it right.
It's still one of the best looking consoles ever as far as I'm concerned. I mean, seriously, if this re-released today it would still be the slickest/sexiest looking console out there imo:
So the Neo Geo X was a handheld machine that had a special dock and could be played on the TV. What a silly idea!
Wonder how much it'll be.
Looks like a table top cab.
Hmm, stick with emulation or drop the cash, hmm, hmm, hmm.
Probably 😋
Now we just need a PC-Engine Classic Edition--and with this one they pretty much don't even have to shrink the console!
Awesome. Looks like a bartop arcade cabinet. I don't need this, whatever it is, since I own these games a million times over, but I'll most likely be buying it. Neo Geo is retro gaming gold.
While I heard a few bits of Neo Geo word-of-mouth as a kid, the system and its games (aside from a few I might have come across as an arcade version) have zero nostalgia for me, so if there are any must-have classics, I'd rather get them on Switch.
Hopefully this isn't just the emulator Final Burn Alpha put in a box like the Neo Geo X was...
@Anti-Matter maybe because they didn’t make many cute girly games
I didnt know SNK took action to stop the Neo Geo X from being produced after Tommo screwed it up. You'd think Sega would do the same with AtGames as thodr are actually far worse and are making Segas reputation worser than it is...but nope Sega extend their contract to release it in Japan...
@impurekind Look: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/12/konami_files_fresh_trademark_for_turbografx_in_the_united_states
They never did anything with it, and it's weird because they could have profited from the minis trend...
@PLATINUM7 How far we've come that we went so far into the future with gaming we are starting to develop time machines to relive the past.
@1UP_MARIO
I wasn't born on year 70's.
I was born on year 1984.
I have no idea about SNK History until read this article.
A 40th anniversary game is coming to Switch right? Unless the games are marginally different then I will buy that and skip the mini console. But the Neo Geo is the console I wish I owned as a kid so maybe this is my opportunity
Yes please!
@Anti-Matter the system was from the 90s
@RupeeClock well, what more are you expecting? Using original hardware will push the price up SIGNIFICANTLY. So, yes, expect to find this.
@GraveLordXD Indeed. they deleted the tweet confirming that, so now we wait for SEGA to clarify that...
@GraveLordXD Yep, it will be very hard to accept anything less than the level of quality both the NES and SNES mini deliver.
@Andyjm Yeah, what were they thinking, that idea will never catch on.
I owned the home console back in the day. One of my top three favorite consoles of all time (behind SNES and PS1). I've been purchasing those Hamster ports of Neo Geo games on Switch. I'm in heaven. It feels like a new version of the NGPC or something, minus the micro switches in the analog stick.
I can't wait for that 40th Anniversary collection as well, with all those pre-Neo Geo SNK games.
@WaitroseDad64
i finally got one when i was 20 something and had money.
it's glorious in size for sure.
If it doesn't have Spin Master, then it's trash!
@Pazuzu666 Emulator hardware is not necessarily a bad thing, but in the case of Neo Geo X it wasn't even in-house developed software.
Nintendo's NES and SNES classic mini systems use dedicated emulators developed by Nintendo Europe Research and Development (NERD), an outdated build of Final Burn Alpha pulled off the internet can't compare.
As long as they don't have a cheap Chinese company like Tommo and AtGames handling the product, I'll have my hands cross for this.
For this to work properly SNK must nail the replication down to the tiniest detail. This includes plastic, arcade stick control, emulation, scanline filter, etc.
Nintendo got it right with NES and SNES but all other didn't (Ataria, AT Games, etc).
Yours for only $999.99. Seriously though, I am interested if it isn't extremely expensive.
I will chuckle real hard if it’s made by AtGames.
I'm interested in this but I will have to compare with the cost of their collection they are releasing on the Switch.
Hope this is going to be good and this will be my first time owning a System from SNK which I should done back years ago.
I realy want this
NeoGeo Pocket Color would be so good.
Does anyone know when this is coming?
I will definitely get one!
@wratih9 Yeah you've got a point there but it's still a good release, not everyone has a Switch. (I've got one)
I'd be impressed if they come out with a Neo Geo Mini that can take original carts. Seriously, they should look at Hamster to see how to do it right. Lots of options available will be important. The ability to change from home version to MVS arcade version is necessary in my opinion.
While I feel like AtGames is working hard these days to improve, you all can rest easy knowing your $60 SNK plug and play won't be from AtGames.
http://atariage.com/forums/topic/277397-atgames-2018-speculation-thread/?p=4010771
I think I'll stick with the Arcade Archives line. I'm sure the emulation there will be superior, you won't possibly be stuck with cheap proprietary controllers, and you'll have access to a wider range of games. This plug and play though I bet will have a lineup akin to SNK Arcade Classics 1.
So you'll likely get a taste of the highlights like one Metal Slug game, one of each of the big fighting game franchises, etc. And no ability to expand it with roms on a SD card, since that would never fly when SNK is licensing out their properties for digital distribution.
So in short, nothing we haven't seen before. The AA line on the other hand is reaching into the less well traveled areas of the Neo Geo lineup and offers support for high quality PS4/XB1 controllers, including arcade sticks.
All this petty childishness about ATGames needs to just stop. While it was a very valid reason to hate them as Sega fans for a better part of a decade over that retched FireCore garbage emulator, the HD system from last year was a huge step in the right direction. A rep of theirs who posts daily on AtariAge the other day stated they've taken it yet a step further and have a better emulator yet, guessing from the comment a very well established solid emulator they're licensing, for the 2018 model later this year. This package should be the same as the on the Japanese are receiving in their mini console news days ago too.
Given the semi-similar nature of the core NeoGeo parts (Motorola 68000 processor) here I would imagine it may very well be them yet again on this too. That thread linked by AtariBoy a moment ago above me says as much as I just wrote here.
I used to use a PSP for Neo Geo emulation, but eventually I grew to hate how the PSP felt and handled in general, so I sold it, despite it's immaculate Neo Geo emulation. If it's at least PSP quality, I'll purchase it.
@sdelfin if you mean AVS / MVS carts, the whole project would be pointless as each cart costs a small fortune these days.
And it true Neo Geo fashion, probably will retail for a grand.
@Jawessome I know. It was just meant as a silly joke about having a Neo Geo mini that somehow can accept gigantic cartridges. It would be quite a spectacle.
@Damo Good thing you added that Neo Geo X bit. When I saw the headline, my first thought was about that and how crappy that was. If this new effort is anything even remotely like it, then people should definitely steer clear of this.
Here's hoping that it's actually going to be good this time...
(crosses fingers)
This better be 100% authentic, inflation taken into account. Games for $200 each or bust!
@impurekind "if this re-released today it would still be the slickest/sexiest looking console out there imo"
Not just in your opinion. 110% agreed. And on the PC Engine bit as well...
@Shiryu In general, I understand the caution where AtGames is concerned, but seeing as you're not the average poster and also a site contributor, I'm kinda expecting a little bit more from you as far as research and so on goes...
And like @Atariboy and @tanookisuit so correctly stated, those previous Sega systems by AtGames are ancient history by now, and their new HD system has already vastly improved the experience.
The older systems used the rather incapable FireCore emulator, which is WAY inferior to just about any other emulator out there, so why they went with that one is a bit of a mystery, but ever since the HD system that's now released, both emulation and sound quality has improved with leaps and bounds.
And as the other two have also stated (@Atariboy even multiple times in various articles, sadly enough mostly on deaf ears), they are going to improve even more by using a very well known and highly regarded Genesis/Megadrive emulator, which in my mind can only mean one of three options: Fusion, Gens or Genesis X Plus, all of which are also available and used on other systems, or can be installed on just about every single device that accepts homebrew.
@ThanosReXXX Ya nutz!? How am I suppose to investigate if there are no sources at all? There is no info besides that tweet, and even AtGames gone dark over the whole Megadrive Mini affair. They're treating us like mushrooms.
@Shiryu No, not nuts. And I meant no offense, it was simply an observation, and my personal view of you, which is actually quite positive, so this kind of stood out like something that doesn't belong with someone like you, who seems to be a person who does his research before he speaks...
And Google is your friend, as is YouTube. Just look at reviews of their latest Sega HD system, and you'll see it's already a big, positive difference compared to their previous outings.
And stuff like this is also mentioned on Reddit forums, where the comments/links are preserved and/or print-screened for all the world to see. And Atariboy also posted a link in his comment as well...
Here's the first page of that one, on the AtariAge forum:
http://atariage.com/forums/topic/277397-atgames-2018-speculation-thread/
In it, all things related to AtGames' current affairs are posted and discussed. With links and proof...
@ThanosReXXX In my country we have a saying "Só acredito quando vir." and that will be my policy here. I don't trust AtGames because they have been for years saying their improving, fixing, etc... and they indeed have improved leaps over their initial clone offerings but even their latest product sadly does not offer a viable Megadrive emulation alternative. I am always extra cautions where I spend my money and the Neo Geo-X was a big disappointment.
@Shiryu I'm quite familiar with that saying, I don't think it's something specific to your country. We all have our own variants of "I'll believe it when I see it"...
Like I said in my first comment to you, I understand the caution towards them, but for me, and several others, it is VERY clear that they are taking decisive actions to improve, possibly under orders from Sega, due to the negative responses of their older systems, who knows?
But none of that matters. No one, no person and no company should be judged exclusively by their past actions, unless there is no proof of improvement, no matter how small.
Seeing that in this case there actually IS proof of improvement, and that an official rep has spoken out, I'd say they would at the very least have earned the benefit of the doubt or not being judged before the device is actually there.
And that the original Tweet has been removed, takes nothing away from that, because more than enough people and websites have quoted/copied the exact statement, so removed or not, it's still out there, and there's absolutely no reason for it not to be true, considering what they've already implemented so far.
As for the Neo Geo X: I never bought into that crap. It seemed a bit too good to be true, and after I've seen several reviews on YouTube, I had already decided not to buy it, no matter how much I would have loved to own an actual, officially licensed Neo Geo system.
Here's hoping the one mentioned in this article here is a heck of a whole lot better...
I've been strongly considering picking up a second hand Neo Geo for a long time now, the expense of the games puts me off though.
I'm very interested in this if it turns out as good as I hope it will
I mean I might get it just for collecting, but the ACA games on Switch has really eliminated my desire for something like this, especially since I picked up the excellent Hori arcade stick for the Switch.
I want two things from this: the same controller ports of the original and that's easily hacked.
only if this system is made of solid gold
@tanookisuit You know what, I like Atgames, especially when it comes to their handhelds. I have a 2016 Portable Genesis that I play almost as much as my 2DS. Yeah, the sound is off on it. Boo hoo, the hardcore fanboys can cry me a river.
Because its awesome to sit back in a chair and play Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Mortal Kombat 1-3, Flicky, Altered Beast, Golden Axe 1-3, and other Genesis games anywhere I want.
Its like having a Nomad with good battery life and a better screen. You know what, having that is worth the sound being off somewhat.
Plus, I like their TV consoles as well. Got the 2017 model(the Classic Game System, not the HD model) off Staples a few weeks ago and I'm having a blast.
Atgames' products are not aimed at the hardcore Genesis fans. They are aimed at people like me who grew up playing Sega Genesis, and want to play those games again. If you want perfect versions of the games, then go buy the old systems and carts off Gamestop.
Shining Force is 39 bucks while Shining Force is 43 bucks used on Gamestop. Even more common games like Golden Axe are 15 bucks.
My point is, for most people these systems are a good value. They play decently enough, offer some nice perks such as hooking up old controllers and playing old carts, look good enough even on modern TVs, and the only real knocks is the poor sound emulation and the trashy "bonus" games that take up space on the systems.
Now, I know everyone is going to point out the NES and SNES Classic Systems for being superior, and I won't argue that point. Here's the problem, I would love to get both but Nintendo's asine disturbtion model means most of these units end up in the hands of scalpers on Ebay.
So, I really don't care if Nintendo's offerings are better because I can't get my hands on either system. At least I can play and enjoy these Atgames systems without having to pay hundreds of bucks to scalpers.
They may not be perfect, but they do the job when I want to kick back and play some Sonic the Hedgehog or Mortal Kombat.
Where have they said t hat they are making a mini system??? The word from Japanese sources is that this is a new multi- arcade system/cabinet. I think a mini AES would be cool but i have yet to see anything like this actually mentioned.
@Caryslan SNES classic is in stock all over the place constantly right now.
childhood dream right there, stil never met anyone who had one.
watch sales of neogeo titles on switch tank at this news... at least until they release a game list
Hmmm... that covered shaped... maybe a arcade bartop? That would be could.
@ThanosReXXX Given that SNK has no hardware division anymore I'd imagine it will be using an outside party to make these - needless to say, I doubt it will be Tommo after the Neo Geo X.
There is only ONE NeoGeo Game I would love to play on it:
KING OF THE MONSTERS!
Ever since I saw it on Nick Arcade, I loved playing it on the Genesis when it was rented. I own it on the Wii Mode Virtual Console on Wii U!
They really think general audiences love NEO GEO, huh? Well, to each his own...
I'm going to buy a MVS for my b day present from omega so I may pass on this but if they release controllers I'm all over that. Love the Neo Geo. (Thank you HAMSTER for doing a service to humanity with the ACA collection)
Am I missing something? All the games are already on the Switch so utterly pointless.....
@Moroboshi876 I sold my AES for that exact reason. It was impossible to collect for. Got a Neo Geo CD instead- I can put up with the loading times. I grew up in the era of games on cassettes.
What all can we play on it? Will it have Crystalis and some of its classic beat em ups? I'd buy it for that!!
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