Released in 1990 by the Shin Nihon Kikaku Corp. (SNK), The Neo Geo AES was basically a home version of the popular MVS arcade board. This allowed arcade perfect games as the cartridge contained both the arcade and home version of a game, an EPROM on the motherboard selecting which version to use. Only a slightly different cartridge slot prevented MVS cartridges from working in the AES and vice versa.
The Neo Geo's arcade origins were evident in its controllers. Arcade style joysticks and buttons set in a rather large (11.5" x 8") base meant they were best suited for table top use rather than with your feet up on the sofa.
Originally only released for rental in the United States, SNK made the console available for sale when it became apparent that people were willing to spend money on a home arcade machine. Despite its high price tag, the machine sold over a million units, with well over one hundred games released, costing from $200 each.
With support for the machine officially ended in 2004, the Neo Geo has one of longest lifespans in console history, second only to the Atari 2600. Independent games were still being released in 2006, proving the consoles long term appeal with fans.
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Contributors: Ste (text & info)
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correction : the first pack in game wa sindeed magician lord how ever it was a late alteration so late it became a sticker on the packaging over the dvertised two pack in games
Sunday 1st April 2007
bluekatt (netherlands)
Even if SNK \Playmore did stop support for the neo geo that doesnt stop third party developers from stil releasing games for the platform. The neo geo has always been more of an investment console. An elite console. Not just because of its high price tag. But also because of its game lineup. Which were beat em ups for over 90 %. A beat em up fans dream. If you could afford it. The machine retailed for $ 650 USD (Now complain about the ps3's price tag.) With games regulalry going for 200 USD or over. These days rare or wanted neo geo carts can fetch 1000 USD or more on ebay. The neo geo is also home to one of the most rare and expensive video games ever. The localised eEuropen home cart version of Kizuna encounter is rumored to have no more then 10 copies in excistence. Recently a copy of said game sold for 12.000 usd
The orginal pack in game for the neo geo was either Nam-1975 ( 001 ) or Basebal star professiona.l ( 002) Magician lord is 005.
