Plaion Pushes NeoGeo AES+ Reissue to September 2027 Citing RAM Shortage
Plaion has delayed its hardware-accurate remake of SNK's NeoGeo AES console by roughly 10 months, now targeting a September 16, 2027 launch. The company cites an AI-fueled memory chip shortage alongside stronger-than-anticipated consumer demand as the reasons for the pushback. The AES+ is built to replicate the original system at the hardware level using dedicated ASIC chips rather than emulation, with MiSTER developer Jotego on the team.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This delay illustrates how the broader semiconductor squeeze, driven by AI infrastructure buying up memory supply, is now reaching niche retro-hardware projects far removed from data centers. It also shows the difficulty of building faithful hardware clones versus cheaper software-emulated retro consoles, since sourcing period-accurate or compatible chips is far more exposed to supply shocks.
- NeoGeo AES+ release pushed back nearly a year to September 16, 2027.
- Global RAM shortage tied to AI demand is blamed alongside surprisingly strong pre-launch interest.
- The console uses real ASIC hardware, not emulation, to guarantee full compatibility with original cartridges.
SNK Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro — While the hardware-accurate AES+ slips to 2027, the Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro scratches the same itch right now: a chunky SNK-branded arcade stick loaded with classic Neo Geo fighters that plays great on a TV. It's also a proper stick for when your AES+ finally arrives, since Neo Geo games were built around that big joystick-and-four-button layout.
See SNK Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: tomshardware.com — Bruno Ferreira, 2026-09-11
Published there as: “Hardware-accurate NeoGeo AES+ delayed to late 2027 due to memory shortage — decision driven by surging demand and AI-driven RAM crunch”
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