With the NeoGeo AES+, a reissue of one of the most exclusive game consoles of the nineties will be released this year. As Plaion, together with manufacturer SNK, announces, the updated system will use ASICs (“Application-Specific Integrated Circuits”) to precisely replicate the behavior of the original hardware rather than relying on software emulation. The goal is to provide the most authentic arcade experience possible in the living room.
Reissue with modern technology and accessories
Ten titles are planned for the launch, including “Metal Slug,” “The King of Fighters 2002,” and “Samurai Showdown V Special,” all of which will be delivered as cartridges in faithfully reproduced packaging. In addition to the classic AV output for older screens, the new hardware offers HDMI with up to 1080p. It also features savable high scores, BIOS menu options, and additional switches for faster settings.
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The scope of delivery includes an arcade stick with a cable connection, a power adapter, and an HDMI cable. An replica of the AES gamepad, a revised memory card, and a wireless arcade stick in black or white are also available as optional accessories. Particularly relevant for collectors: The system is fully compatible with original cartridges.
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According to Plaion, pre-orders are possible immediately. The delivery of consoles, games, and accessories is scheduled to start on November 12, 2026. The price for the Neogeo AES+ is just under 200 euros for the standard version and just under 300 euros for a white anniversary edition. The latter also includes the game “Metal Slug” as a white cartridge. Games are expected to cost around 80 euros each.
Premium console for a niche audience
The original NeoGeo AES was launched in Japan in 1990 and in the USA a year later, pursuing an unusual concept: it used the same technology as SNK's MVS arcade system. As a result, games ran identically at home as they did in the arcade, while other consoles often offered only cut-down versions.
However, this technical advantage came at a price. The console cost around 650 US dollars, which, adjusted for inflation, is about 1500 dollars today. Individual cartridges cost 200 to 300 dollars. This put the system far above the prices of competing devices such as Super Nintendo or Sega Mega Drive, which have also received successful reissues.
SNK deliberately positioned the device as a premium product for enthusiasts. However, this led to low distribution: less than one million units were sold worldwide, even though the platform was extremely durable and continued to be supplied with new games until 2004. Today, the luxurious retro console is a coveted collector's item. Original devices often cost well over 1000 dollars, and rare games reach several thousand to five-figure amounts.
(joe)