If you grew up in the early ’90s drooling over the NEOGEO AES but couldn’t justify the $649.99 price tag, PLAION REPLAI and SNK are giving you a second chance. The NEOGEO AES+ launches on November 12 for $249.99, and preorders are open now. There’s also a 35th Anniversary Edition for $349.99 that comes in an ice white design with a wireless Arcade Stick, Memory Card, and an exclusive white Metal Slug cartridge.
What makes this more than just another retro micro console is the approach to hardware. The NEOGEO AES+ doesn’t use emulation or FPGA. Instead, it runs on re-engineered ASIC chips based on the original hardware, which means it’s designed to deliver the same arcade experience the original NEOGEO was known for. It’s even fully compatible with original cartridges if you happen to have a collection. On the modern side, the console adds HDMI output up to 1080p, on-screen BIOS settings, and permanent high score saves, while still including AV out for CRT enthusiasts.
Ten game cartridges will be available at launch for $89.99 each (ouch), including Metal Slug, The King of Fighters 2002, Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Samurai Shodown V Special, Shock Troopers, Pulstar, Twinkle Star Sprites, Magician Lord, Big Tournament Golf, and Over Top. All versions of the console come with a power supply, HDMI cable, and Arcade Stick, with additional accessories like a wireless Arcade Stick, Memory Card, and Gamepad available separately.
