SNK and PLAION sent out the following
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PLAION REPLAI, a leading global publisher and developer of retro video games and consoles announced today the return of a legend, with the NEOGEO AES+ (Advanced Entertainment System) returning to homes on Nov. 12, 2026 for $249.99, available exclusively at Amazon US and Canada.
Pre-orders are opening today. The NEOGEO AES+ has been produced in collaboration with SNK, the producers of the original hardware. Celebrating 35 years of arcade perfection, the iconic NEOGEO AES stood as a beacon of excellence, with the 24-bit luxury super console a world apart from rival 16-bit systems, designed for gaming connoisseurs who refused to accept compromised homeports of arcade classics.
With each title representing a 1:1 direct replica of the original arcade board used on SNK’s MVS (Multi-Video System), NEOGEO cartridges would differ significantly from traditional console games typically shipped on a 4Mb or 8Mb cartridge, with the largest NEOGEO game weighing in at an incredible 708Mb, and games which exceeded 100Mb in size giving birth to the infamous ‘100Mega Shock’ moniker.
Often imitated but never equalled, the NEOGEO AES represented the definition of high-end, desirable gaming tech, lusted after by all those who played, but proving beyond the reach of casual gamers thanks to the premium cost of hardware and game cartridges, many of which still command huge prices today on the collector market.
Honoring the prestigious hardware in the manner it deserves, the return of the NEOGEO AES represents a milestone in retro hardware re-releases. In keeping with the original ethos of “Zero Compromise” gaming, the NEOGEO AES+ is no mere micro console, offering unrivalled authenticity designed to appeal to the true gamer and discerning collector. Forgoing the traditional route of emulation, the NEOGEO AES+ utilizes ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), presenting a wholly authentic experience for both hardware and software, looking, feeling and playing just as you remember, truly “arcade perfect” in each and every way. The new hardware is so authentic, in fact, that the NEOGEO AES+ offers full compatibility with original NEOGEO AES cartridges, ideal for those with a pre-existing collection of games, wishing to play on modern displays.
Speaking of modern displays, the NEOGEO AES+ comes armed with quality of life upgrades designed to appeal to a modern gaming audience without altering or compromising the console features so inherent to the original appeal. In addition to the regular AV out, built for CRT enthusiasts to enjoy, the new hardware comes complete with low-latency HDMI™ output finally allowing the games to be enjoyed in crystal clear HD, with resolutions of up to 1080p. On-screen BIOS and DIP Switches located on the bottom of the console allow for instant switching of territory language selection, overclocking the hardware or choosing different display modes, and the console now offers low power usage as well as permanently saving players’ High Score saves for each game.
Such momentous hardware deserves more than a mere console release however, and PLAION REPLAI plan to support the console launch with a full ecosystem of games and accessories, offering fans old and new alike a chance to build their ultimate collection of arcade classics with all of the authenticity, but none of the prohibitive costs associated with the system and software, finally priced at a level that puts perfection within the reach of the masses.
Launching alongside the console, is a collection of ten classic NEOGEO games, with more releases expected to follow. On day one, gamers can purchase the following software:
- Metal Slug
- The King of Fighters 2002
- Garou: Mark of the Wolves
- Big Tournament Golf
- Shock Troopers
- Samurai Shodown V Special
- Pulstar
- Twinkle Star Sprites
- Magician Lord
- Over Top
As part of the 35th anniversary celebration, players will also be able to purchase the exclusive Anniversary Edition bundle, stunningly presented in an ice white design which has been applied to the authentic wireless Arcade Stick, Metal Slug game cartridge and Memory Card, which come included as part of the bundle. The white Metal Slug game cartridge will not be available to buy anywhere else.
All versions of the NEOGEO AES+ come complete with power supply, HDMI cable and Arcade Stick, and in addition, the following NEOGEO AES+ accessories will also be available to purchase upon launch:
- NEOGEO AES+ Arcade Stick: A 1:1 replica of the original classic controller, now updated to offer both wired and wireless capability
- NEOGEO AES+ Memory Card: A 1:1 replica of the original, performing in the exact same fashion as the original, but now updated to no longer require a cell battery
- NEOGEO AES+ Gamepad: A 1:1 replica of the original
Please see the Announce Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRgpIFxtZaU
Commenting on the launch of the new NEOGEO AES+ console, software and accessories, Ben Jones, Commercial Director of PLAION REPLAI said, “NEOGEO remains peerless in the eyes of arcade enthusiasts who were never inclined to accept anything less than the authentic arcade experience. For 35 years, SNK’s hardware has continued to astonish gamers with the system’s game collection which includes a wealth of great titles, somehow only improving with age, and remaining timeless classics to this day. We are beyond excited to reintroduce this legendary system to modern gamers, in a way that refuses to compromise on the integrity of the original hardware and collecting experience, now priced at a level which every gamer can finally afford. We look forward to unveiling more news throughout the year and cannot wait for gamers to get reacquainted with the 100Mega Shock that only NEOGEO can provide.”
Both the Standard Edition and the 35th Anniversary Edition NEOGEO AES+ hardware will release on Nov. 12, and are available to pre-order today at, available exclusively at Amazon US and Canada for an MSRP of $249.99 and $349.99 respectively.
Each game cartridge in the NEOGEO AES+ collection is expected to retail for an SRP of: $89.99.
For more information on the NEOGEO AES+ system, software and accessories, please visit: www.plaionreplai.us/neogeo
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