GoKawiilIf you told me last week that we were getting a 1:1 hardware reincarnation of the ultimate '90s nerd status symbol, I would have laughed. We've seen the "mini" consoles. We've seen the arcade sticks with built-in ROMs. What SNK and Plaion just dropped is an absolute bombshell in comparison: the Neo Geo AES+ is real, it's coming this November, and it is going to completely empty our wallets.
If you're not familiar with the Neo Geo, potentially because you were born after it left the market, it was a bold idea from SNK circa 1990: what if we launch a modular arcade system with swappable games like a home console... and then sell the same hardware in a home console? Arcade operators liked it because it was cost-effective, and every single gamer in the world wanted one; the idea of "arcade games at home" was nuts in the early 1990s. Unfortunately, the $649 (in 1991!) starting price of the machine, as well as the $200-$300 required per game, priced the machine well above the budgets of the majority of gamers.
The Neo Geo has no 3D capabilities whatsoever, but it's amazing for 2D games. Pictured clockwise from top right: Twinkle Star Sprites, Shock Troopers, Pulstar, Samurai Shodown V Special, Over Top. (Image credit: SNK/Plaion)
So it goes that we now have the Neo Geo AES+, an all-new machine that fully replicates the original system. Indeed, let's get straight to the biggest talking point of this entire announcement: no emulation. Instead of relying on software emulation or even an FPGA chip (like the brilliant Analog machines or MiSTer setups), Plaion and SNK have apparently custom-fabricated new ASICs to replicate the original 16-bit chips. The decision to go with actual silicon this time around communicates a massive amount of sincerity; SNK and Plaion are clearly intent on honoring the legacy of the most powerful 16-bit machine ever made.
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That being said, it's worth noting that the hardware inside the AES+, whatever it actually is, isn't identical to the original 1990 motherboards. SNK has added a built-in overclocking function (accessible via system DIP switches) to iron out some of the infamous slowdowns in heavy-hitting games, as well as a low-latency HDMI out for modern displays. The machine still supports A/V out if you're keen to use it on a CRT, though it's a bit of a shame there's no S-Video or RGB out.
Unfortunately the buttons aren't labeled in the correct order on the gamepad, but that's a relatively minor issue that can probably be resolved before launch. (Image credit: SNK/Plaion)
The new AES+ controllers, both the classic clicky Arcade Stick and the Neo Geo CD-style Gamepad, are a modern retro enthusiast's dream. They can be used completely wired via the classic 15-pin connector, or wirelessly using a special dongle. They feature a rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C, and yes, they are fully backward compatible with your original 1990s AES hardware.
SNK is dropping a launch lineup of 10 physical cartridges for $70 a pop. Because this is an authentic hardware recreation, the system features a full-sized cartridge slot that supports original AES cart from the 1990s. The ten games launching with the Neo Geo AES+ are:
Metal Slug (action)
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