KNOWLEDGE BASE

Beyond the hardware news from Tokyo Game Show, Plaion made an announcement that hit me right in the childhood: the next wave of AES+ cartridges is here, and every single one is a Data East classic - Fighter's History Dynamite, a Magical Drop II & III double pack, Street Hoop, and Spinmaster. Even better: all of them will run on original AES hardware too.

Data East: A Name That Meant Fun

If you grew up in the 90s, Data East was a legend - the beloved developer behind franchises like Joe & Mac and Tumblepop, and on the Neo Geo, games like Street Hoop. For those of us who lived it, Data East was a synonym of fun and quality games. Funny thing: I keep several of these titles in my own 4-slot MVS to this day. This announcement isn't nostalgia bait for me - it's my actual rotation.

Street Hoop - My Pick of the Bunch

My favorite has always been Street Hoop (Dunk Dream in Japan). Here's the thing: I own an NBA Jam cabinet - the supposed king of arcade basketball - and I still grew up playing Street Hoop on the Neo Geo. The gameplay is fast and generous, and that soundtrack - I love it to this day. If you've never heard Street Hoop's music, you're in for a treat.

I've been out of stock on Street Hoop carts for a while - I may get some cleaned up and published soon, so keep an eye on the store.

Magical Drop II & III - The Stress Killer, Now a Double Pack

This one is personal: Magical Drop III is the game I play to relax and release stress. I'm pretty good at it too - I can finish it on one credit, no continues, in both normal and hard modes. It's fast, colorful, and endlessly replayable, and puzzle fans know III is one of the best in the genre on any platform.

The interesting detail: Plaion is releasing II and III together as a 2-in-1 cartridge - the platform's first multi-game cart. Two games, one slot, one price. I hope this format sets a precedent.

Spinmaster - A Family Favorite, Finally Back

Spinmaster (Miracle Adventure) has a special place in my house. Last summer my son and I played it over and over until we beat the game together - he got so good at it, and he loves player 2, the cowboy. It's not a long game, but it's pure cartoon fun, and it's one of those titles that turns a kid into a Neo Geo fan.

Here's why this reprint matters more than most: Spinmaster is one of the most bootlegged carts out there. I've been out of stock on it for a long time precisely because finding clean, authentic boards is hard. A brand-new official cartridge means people can finally get this game without worrying about what's inside the shell - and I'm genuinely glad for that.

Fighter's History Dynamite - The Game With a Story

Fighter's History Dynamite (Karnov's Revenge) is a solid 90s fighter with a famous backstory: the feud between Capcom and Data East over its similarities to Street Fighter II - one of the most fascinating chapters in fighting-game history, and one Data East came out of just fine. Rather than retell it here, I'll point you to an excellent video that covers the whole story: This Capcom Case REWRITES Fighting Game History →

For the history buffs, the original 1994 character-comparison video was recently unearthed too: watch it here.

Want to play it on original hardware today? I have Karnov's Revenge in stock right now - cleaned, tested, and authentic.

What This Announcement Really Means

Read between the lines: Plaion isn't just reprinting SNK's catalog - they're securing beloved third-party libraries too. Data East first; and from what's being talked about in the community, more surprises may be coming. The momentum around this platform is real.

For players, it means games like Spinmaster and Magical Drop III - titles that got expensive or bootleg-riddled - become accessible again at $90. For collectors, your originals remain the originals. Everybody wins.

Can't wait for the reprints? The real thing is here: browse our tested & authentic MVS games - and join the newsletter below to catch the Street Hoop restock.

Two weeks after the delay announcement, the Neo Geo AES+ had something to prove at Tokyo Game Show 2026. I've spent days going through every video, booth report, and interview I could find - and I'm happy to report: the hardware showed up, it worked, and people got their hands all over it. Here's everything that matters, plus my honest take as someone with two pre-orders riding on this thing.

The 10 Launch Games Were There - and Playable

This wasn't a glass-case display. Plaion ran multiple consoles at once, each station with a different game plugged in, and by RetroRGB's account they let attendees "run basically any test they'd like." All ten launch titles were confirmed on the floor, and gamers lined up to actually play them - Metal Slug, Garou, KOF 2002, the whole lineup.

Everything Was on the Table: Consoles, Controllers, Carts

Creators were allowed to see, record, and handle everything. One of the best videos is an on-camera unboxing of the near-final Ultimate Edition: both the black and white console variants, wired and wireless controllers, the memory card, and the reproduction game boxes for Metal Slug, Zero Wing, Big Tournament Golf, and Mark of the Wolves. The units shown were described as about 95% final, with manuals still to come.

Two details I loved: the controller button layout was changed to the standard A-B-C-D configuration after community feedback - proof they're listening - and the creator joked the hardware even has that nostalgic "90s smell." Collectors will understand.

A New Port Announced on Day One

Right on day one of the show, Plaion confirmed Zero Wing is coming to the AES+ as a physical cartridge - based on h0ffman's excellent homebrew port. I covered the full story in my delay post, and at TGS there was a station running it live. From homebrew project to show floor in a week - that's the kind of energy this platform needs.

My Take on What I Saw

Honestly? I was impressed with the progress and the quality of the items. This looks like a real product now, not a promise. The build, the packaging, the accessories - everything moved forward visibly since the announcement.

Communication is still not Plaion's strong suit - I said as much in my delay post. But the picture is clearer now: the delay is driven by the components needed for the cartridges. They had to redesign the cartridge PCBs to use a different component type, and that ripples through the whole production schedule. That's a much more concrete explanation than "supply constraints," and it's the kind of detail I wish they'd led with.

DIP Switches and In-Game Options

This might be my favorite feature set of the whole console. The AES+ exposes DIP switches and system options covering aspect ratio, region, language, resolution, and screen settings - the quality-of-life stuff we've been modding into original hardware for decades, now built in.

The standout for me: AES mode and MVS mode. One console that can behave as the home system or the arcade board. If you know the differences between those two experiences - and I wrote a whole guide about it - you know how big that is.

The Overclocking Test

Ronnie de Marco brought his own Metal Slug 2 cartridge to the Plaion booth and tested the overclock feature at 24 MHz - and the result was exactly what we all hoped: the infamous Metal Slug 2 slowdown sections (the helicopter fights especially) ran noticeably smoother with the overclock active. Original-hardware slowdown, addressed by a DIP switch. Beautiful.

Another success worth noting: testing on CRTs and PVMs went well. The analog output side of this console is being taken seriously, which matters enormously to those of us who still play on glass.

The Issues People Noticed - and My Honest Read

Let's talk about the audio glitches, because they're real - you can see them in multiple videos, including during the overclock test. Plaion's team acknowledged them on camera and said they need adjustment before final production.

Here's my take, as someone with production experience: these units are pre-production, and issues like this are completely normal at this stage. Some of the alarmed reactions - with respect to the creators - are a little overblown; glitches like these could happen on any real console during development. I'm confident they won't send this to production before fixing it, and there's a specific reason for my confidence: the audio work is in the hands of the legend behind the FPGA Neo Geo cores. That's the best of the best working on exactly the right problem.

On compatibility: in every interview, the Plaion team said original-cartridge compatibility is there and they're pushing for 100%. My realistic estimate is they'll land close - call it 95%. One important note for readers: compatibility assumes real cartridges built to spec - proper 5V designs. Cheap Chinese repro carts built around 3.3V components are exactly the kind of thing that won't behave, on this or on original hardware. (One more reason to buy authentic.)

They're also incorporating community feedback on the shell materials and finishes, and the staff interviews about ASIC production made clear they know rigorous testing is the whole ballgame.

The New Cartridge PCBs: Original Print vs. Reprint

The cartridge internals got people talking. I expected the quality and the look - what I didn't expect was MX ROMs. In hindsight it's obvious: of course they consolidated components and simplified the circuits. Nobody is manufacturing 1995-style mask ROM boards in 2026.

A lot of the community reaction to this hasn't been great, and I understand the feeling - but people need to understand that the times and the materials are not the same as the 90s. The way I see it: it's an original comic book print versus a reprint. The reprint reads exactly the same, and it lets far more people enjoy the story. But the original print is a different artifact, and it always will be. Both can exist; know which one you're buying. Your 1995 SNK boards aren't going anywhere - if anything, this distinction protects their value.

And There's More: Four New Games Announced

TGS also brought four more cartridge announcements: Fighter's History Dynamite, a Magical Drop 2 + 3 double pack, Street Hoop, and Spinmaster. Those deserve their own article - coming soon.

Final Thoughts: Keep or Cancel?

My confidence after TGS: strong and steady. The hardware is nearly final, the features are real, the team is listening, and the problems on display are the normal kind that get fixed before launch.

My advice: support this amazing project - keep your pre-order. I'm keeping both of mine, and I can't wait for next year to try it out.

The only thing that would change my mind? Another delay announced close to the delivery date next year. If that happens... I will rage quit. You have my word.

Can't wait until September 2027 to play Neo Geo? The original hardware is right here: tested MVS games and systems, ready to ship.

Metal Slug and Garou get the headlines - and the $500 price tags. But the Neo Geo library is 150+ games deep, and some of the best afternoons you'll have on original hardware come from carts that cost less than a night out. This is our tour of the forgotten shelf: MVS games under $150 that deserve another look - every one of them tested on our own hardware before it goes in the shop.

Let me start with the three closest to my heart, then walk the rest of the shelf.

Art of Fighting 1 & 2 - the game that started it all for me

From $70

I love this game, and I'll tell you why: the first time I ever played a Neo Geo at the arcades, the cab had Art of Fighting in it. Another player performed the special power and it was awesome - I couldn't stop playing since then. This is a game close to my heart and a must-have in my own collection.

Honest review, though: the gameplay can be unfair. The AI and bosses are not balanced - for a newbie it's genuinely hard, and a little frustrating at the beginning when you don't know anything. But once you find the patterns you can actually play, and then it almost gets dumb - like cycling the same two moves over and over against Mr. Big. That arc from frustration to mastery is very 1992 arcade, and I kind of love it for that.

And the lore: the Art of Fighting and Fatal Fury universes are connected - they happen in the same city. In Art of Fighting 2, the real ending happens at a special stage where you face the president himself: a young Geese Howard, years before the events of Fatal Fury. Two franchises connected, for under $80.

Fatal Fury 2 - where the legend actually starts

From $79

Everyone knows Fatal Fury Special and Real Bout, so the game they were built on gets skipped. Fatal Fury 2 came to fill the gaps from the first game, and it's a great game at an amazing value: the roster went from 3 playable characters to 8, and it's where Terry Bogard became Terry Bogard. Personal note: this was the first time my sister was able to play with Mai Shiranui - her debut game. Me? I always use Terry.

World Heroes 2 Jet - the starter cart

From $40 (the World Heroes series starts at $40)

ADK's answer to Street Fighter II asked a simple question: what if history's legends fought each other? Ninjas, warlords, and barely-disguised versions of real historical figures - plus the series' signature Deathmatch mode, where the arenas themselves try to hurt you.

My pick from the saga is World Heroes 2 Jet. I'll be honest - I prefer World Heroes Perfect - but 2 Jet is a good game at great value and it's easy to find. A good starter for any collection, and if it clicks, the rest of the series won't expand the price much.

Samurai Shodown - the one that started the series

From $60

Samurai Shodown II gets the glory, so the game that started the series sits at a fraction of the price - and it's amazing quality and easy to play. Weapon clashes, the rage gauge, fights decided by one perfectly timed slash: the vision was already complete on the first try. If you've only played II, you owe yourself the original.

Super Sidekicks 2 (and the soccer shelf)

From $45

This summer, with the World Cup tournament going on, our guests played Super Sidekicks 2 on my big red Neo Geo cabinet - that's not a hypothetical, that's what actually happened in my game room. It's SNK's arcade-perfect take on the real sport, and my pick of the soccer shelf.

If you want variety: Soccer Brawl is cyber-soccer with armored players and no fouls, and Tecmo World Soccer '96 is the fast, loose pick-up game. Sports carts are the cheapest way to fill a multi-slot MVS board - and the ones guests actually reach for.

Sengoku - feudal ghosts in the modern city

From $129

SNK's 1991 beat 'em up starts with samurai spirits invading a present-day city and gets stranger from there - you swap between warrior forms mid-fight while the game shifts between the modern world and a ghostly feudal Japan. It's atmospheric in a way few early Neo Geo games even attempted, and it still flies under the radar.

Savage Reign - basic, decent, get it cheap

From $119

Straight talk on this one. Savage Reign is a fighter with two battle planes you can leap between mid-fight - a mode it took from the Fatal Fury series, not something it invented. It took a while to come out, and by 1995 it wasn't impressive. What it is: a basic, decent pick-up-and-play fighter with a good button layout, similar to Real Bout Fatal Fury Special. Its sequel, Kizuna Encounter, is the superior game.

So why is it on the list? Because at the right price it's exactly what a forgotten shelf is for: get it if you find it cheap, don't expect anything special, and enjoy it for what it is.

3 Count Bout - the wrestling cart nobody talks about

From $125

One of the few wrestling games on the MVS - SNK made exactly one, and most collectors have never played it. Big sprites, over-the-top personalities, matches that play out like an arcade highlight reel. Fair warning: not for everyone. But single-genre carts like this are how a collection stops looking like everyone else's.

The under-$150 buying rules

Cheap carts get the least careful listings, so the basics matter twice as much down here:

• Tested, with proof. Even a $40 cart should boot clean - we burn-in test every cart on original MVS hardware.
• Authentic boards. Bootlegs cluster at the budget end. Open-cart photos should show boards you can compare against reference scans - see our authentication guide.
• Label condition disclosed. Original, relabel, or wear - stated up front, priced accordingly.

In the shop

Everything in this post is (or regularly is) in stock, tested, and ships from the USA - no import fees, no overseas wait:

Browse all Neo Geo MVS games in the shop →

And one hidden gem earned its own article: Kabuki Klash, the Neo Geo's most overlooked fighter.

The forgotten shelf rotates - join the newsletter below to see what lands next.

Ask most collectors to name Neo Geo fighting games and you'll hear the same three answers: King of Fighters, Samurai Shodown, Fatal Fury. Fair enough - SNK built the system's reputation on them. But tucked into the 1995 lineup is a fighter that wasn't made by SNK at all, and it's one of the most visually distinctive games on the entire platform: Kabuki Klash.

The Summer of '98

I remember exactly how I found this game, because it wasn't the game I was looking for. Summer of 1998, my cousin and I went to play King of Fighters '98 - and the cab had Kabuki Klash in it instead. We shrugged, dropped our quarters in anyway, and ended up having a great time with a fighter we'd never heard of.

The first thing that grabs you is the intro: pure anime style, incredibly colorful - it reminded me of the Dragon Quest anime. Then the fight starts and the animation keeps that same energy. The incredible sprite work is what makes this game stand out and separates it from the KOF series and Samurai Shodown. Nothing else in a Neo Geo cab looks like it.

The RPG Franchise That Became a Fighting Game

Kabuki Klash (known in Japan as part of the Tengai Makyō / "Far East of Eden" series) came from Hudson Soft - yes, the Bomberman company. In Japan, Tengai Makyō was a blockbuster RPG franchise, but it barely left the country. Kabuki Klash was the series' one appearance on the Neo Geo: a weapons-based fighter that took the RPG's cast and dropped them into arcade combat - kabuki theater heroes, demons, and folklore rendered in a storybook version of feudal Japan.

How It Plays - Not What You Expect

Here's the thing: you see the weapons and the feudal Japan setting and you expect gameplay similar to Samurai Shodown. It's way different. Objects drop mid-match and actually affect the fight, and the use of magic changes how you approach every round. The best way I can describe it: it's like Hudson Soft mixed Waku Waku 7 with Samurai Shodown, and the result was this.

Every character has genuinely different moves and is unique in their own way - so it takes some real time to learn each one. That's part of the charm: this isn't a fighter you solve in an afternoon.

I'll be straight with you: this game is not for everyone. If you want KOF's technical depth, this isn't that. But if you're a Neo Geo collector, it's a must-have - distinctive, genuinely fun, and unlike anything else in the library.

Why Collectors Sleep On It - and Why That's the Opportunity

Because it wasn't an SNK franchise and the RPG series never got famous outside Japan, Kabuki Klash never developed the name recognition of its shelf-mates. The result: an MVS cart with standout art, unique gameplay, and real scarcity that still sells for a fraction of the marquee fighters.

The difference in price with the home AES release is clear - the AES version is expensive, a serious collector's item. That's what makes the MVS cartridge the opportunity: the affordable way to own the game and play it on original hardware.

What to Look For When Buying

The usual MVS rules apply - and they're the rules we test against on every cart we sell:

• Authentic boards. Open-cart photos should show boards you can compare against reference scans - see our authentication guide.
• Tested, not "untested - sold as is." A cart should boot to the attract screen with clean sound and graphics. We burn-in test every cart on original MVS hardware.
• Label condition disclosed. Original label, relabel, or wear - stated up front, because it changes the price.

In the Shop

Here's a fun bit of shop history: I had these cartridges stored away for years and just rediscovered them - pulled them out of the boxes, cleaned every one, and tested them on original hardware. They're live now as a multi-quantity listing:

Kabuki Klash - Neo Geo MVS Cartridge - Tested & Authentic - US Seller - $199 →

Every cart ships from the USA - no import fees, no overseas wait - cleaned, tested on original hardware, with the actual item photographed.

Want first pick when hidden gems like this land in the shop? Join the newsletter below.

Well, it's official: the Neo Geo AES+ has been delayed a full year. The new worldwide launch date is September 16, 2027, pushed back from the original November 12, 2026. As someone with two pre-orders on the line - the Ultimate Edition and the 35th Anniversary Edition (the one I called the Collector's Edition back in my announcement post) - I won't pretend I'm not a little disappointed. But it is what it is.

Neo Geo's slogan has always been "The Future Is Now." I guess for the AES+ it's more like: the future is in one year. Maybe?

The Rumors Were True After All

Here's the part that stings a little more than the delay itself. Weeks before the announcement, rumors of a delay started circulating out of Japan. Plaion responded that they weren't true - that the delays being reported were related to another console. Then the official announcement came, and the rumors turned out to be right all along.

I'll be honest but fair here: I would have preferred a straight answer from day one. At the same time, I understand how this works - companies control the flow of information until they're ready to present the full picture, compensation plan included. I don't love it, but I get it. Just know that the community notices these things.

The Official Story

Plaion says the response to the AES+ has been bigger than expected, and global component supply constraints mean they can't build enough units for a proper worldwide launch this November. To their credit, the practical details are handled right:

• Pre-orders stay valid and keep their position in the production queue - no action needed
• Prices are unchanged
• Every console from the initial production run gets a "Founding Supporter Bonus" as compensation for the wait

The Founding Supporter Bonus: Who Gets What

• Standard Edition ($249.99): a free additional AES+ gamepad
• 35th Anniversary Edition ($349.99): a free additional AES+ gamepad
• Ultimate Edition ($999.99): a 30% discount voucher toward a future game purchase

Let's Do the Math on That Ultimate "Compensation"

New AES+ cartridges run $89.99, so a 30% voucher is worth about $27, one time. A physical gamepad is real hardware - call it $40 of value, conservatively. Now look at what each buyer gets back relative to what they spent:

• Standard buyers: ~$40 back on $249.99 - roughly 16% of their order
• Anniversary buyers: ~$40 back on $349.99 - roughly 11%
• Ultimate buyers: $27 back on $999.99 - roughly 2.7%

The customers who trusted Plaion with the most money - a thousand dollars, sight unseen - get proportionally the least back. I don't think anyone at Plaion set out to slight their biggest supporters, but that's how the numbers land, and it feels off.

The Fix Was Staring Them in the Face: Zero Wing

At Tokyo Game Show, Plaion announced that Toaplan's classic shoot-em-up Zero Wing is coming to the AES+ as a future cartridge release. And the backstory makes it even better: the official release is based on the Neo Geo port built by homebrew developer h0ffman - the same person behind the excellent Shinobi and Golden Axe Neo Geo ports. A fan port so good the platform holder picked it up and put it on a real cartridge. Pretty cool if you ask me - the homebrew scene has kept this hardware alive for decades, and now it's shaping the official lineup.

Read: Zero Wing Comes to Neo Geo via h0ffman's Port →

Which is exactly why the Ultimate compensation is so frustrating: the right move was sitting right there. Put a Zero Wing cartridge in every Ultimate box. That's an $89.99 item, a brand-new game for the collection the Ultimate Edition already includes, and a genuine thank-you to the people who went all-in. Instead, they went with a discount on a future purchase. A missed opportunity.

My Advice

If you placed a pre-order and you can keep it - keep it. You hold your spot in the production queue, prices aren't going up, and the bonus is yours either way.

If you haven't ordered yet - wait a little. Tokyo Game Show 2026 is happening right now, and it's worth seeing how things develop before jumping in. There's no rush; launch is a year out.

As for me: I'm keeping both of my pre-orders. September 2027 is a long way off, but I said it in my announcement post and I'll say it again - Neo Geo is the Cadillac of consoles, and I'd rather they take the extra year and deliver on every claim than rush out something that doesn't live up to the name. My hands-on review just moved to next September.

The future is in one year. Maybe. See you there.

Here's a number that surprises people: in our experience, about 75% of MVS carts with sound or graphic glitches work perfectly again after nothing more than a proper cleanup. No repairs, no chip work - just the right process, done patiently. After handling hundreds of cartridges at Pixel Legends, this is exactly how we do it, and how you can care for your own collection.

Step One: Inspect Before You Touch Anything

Every cartridge that comes through our shop starts the same way: a full inspection to determine its condition and what actually needs to be done. Not every cart needs the same treatment - some just need a light pin cleaning, others need the full deep-clean process. Diving in blind is how carts get damaged, so look first, then decide.

The Real Enemy: Corrosion Meets Flux

Oxidation on its own is manageable. The real harm happens when corrosion combines with flux or factory soldering residues left on the board from day one. That combination keeps eating away at contacts and joints over the years, and it's the root cause behind a lot of "dead" carts.

Our approach: neutralize it with vinegar before the deep cleanup. A gentle vinegar treatment stops the corrosion chemistry in its tracks - then you clean thoroughly afterward so no residue of any kind stays behind.

Cleaning the Edge Connectors

• Isopropyl alcohol and a white eraser are our recommended combination - the eraser used gently along the contacts, followed by alcohol passes until swabs come away clean.
• DeoxIT D100L can do miracles on stubborn contacts - apply it in small quantities with a Q-tip, just a few drops each time.
• Never use abrasives or sanding. Ever. Sandpaper, metal polish, fiberglass pens - all of it degrades and permanently damages the connectors. Once the plating is gone, that cart will corrode for the rest of its life.

The Shell: The Easy Part

• Mild dish soap and a damp (not wet) cloth handle most grime.
• Melamine sponges ("magic erasers") work on scuffs, but keep them away from labels - they'll strip the printing.
• For sticker residue, a little isopropyl on a cloth works. Goo Gone is fine on plastic but keep it off labels too.

Handle Labels Like Glass

This deserves its own section, because label damage is permanent and it happens to experienced collectors too. Some labels are extremely sensitive - Metal Slug 5 and The King of Fighters 2002 are notorious examples. The material is thin and tears easily; even with years of experience you can rip or damage one in a second of carelessness. Inspect the label condition before any cleaning, keep every chemical away from it, and when in doubt, don't touch it at all.

Inside the Cart

If a cart rattles, shows corrosion at the connector, or still glitches after an external cleaning, it's worth opening. MVS shells are simple screw-together affairs. Inside:

• Use compressed air, gently, to get dust out without touching the boards - the safest way to avoid causing damage while you clean
• Check for corrosion or discoloration around chip legs
• The board-to-board connectors between the two PCBs - clean them with alcohol like edge connectors

Bonus: while you're in there, compare the boards against MVS-Scans.com to verify authenticity - see our full authentication guide.

Storage: Dry Is Everything

The single most important rule: make sure the cart is 100% dry before it goes into storage. Sealing any moisture inside a bag is worse than no bag at all. Our storage process:

• Anti-static bags with silica gel for every cart
• Climate control at all times - no garages, no attics, no basements. Temperature swings and humidity are what kill carts.
• Keep labels out of sunlight. UV fades red ink first, which is why so many carts have pink labels today.

And before any cartridge ships to a customer, it gets a final pin cleanup and a fresh test - even if it was already cleaned when it entered our inventory. It leaves here working, period.

Why We Bother

Because we love Neo Geo games. These cartridges are 25-35 years old and irreplaceable - every one we clean, restore, and preserve is one more that survives for the next generation of collectors. That's the whole point of Pixel Legends.

Browse Cleaned & Tested MVS Games →

You bought your first arcade PCB - now what? Unlike a console, an arcade board doesn't come with a power brick and an HDMI port. But getting one running at home is far easier than most people think, thanks to a standard from 1985 that still holds the hobby together: JAMMA.

What Is JAMMA?

JAMMA (Japan Amusement Machine and Marketing Association) standardized the wiring between an arcade cabinet and the game board: one 56-pin edge connector carrying power, video, audio, and controls. Before JAMMA, every game had its own wiring. After it, operators could swap games in minutes - and that same standard means you can run hundreds of different boards, from Neo Geo MVS to CPS2, with a single setup.

Cabinet or Supergun? My Honest Take

I own 7 arcade cabinets, and I love them. Nothing recreates the arcade experience like standing at a real cab. But here's the truth: I use my superguns far more than my cabinets.

I run three supergun setups at the shop. It's just convenient and practical - I can sit down at the workbench with everything handy, swap boards in seconds, and test comfortably. Honestly, I end up playing a few times a week right there while testing. Cabinets are great, but they're more work and more expense: space, weight, monitor maintenance, and every board swap means working inside the cab.

My recommendation for beginners: start with a supergun. You'll actually play more. Get the cabinet later, when you know you're in this hobby for the long haul - because you will be.

At Pixel Legends, the superguns are the first line for bench testing every board. But advanced testing happens in the cabinets: we run a game for hours straight to make sure it performs correctly under real conditions before it goes anywhere near a listing.

Power: Where Beginners Get Into Trouble

• Arcade boards want a proper arcade switching power supply with +5V, +12V, and -5V rails.
• Never use cheap power supplies with a supergun. This is the one place people cheap out, and it's the one place you shouldn't - a bad PSU puts your irreplaceable boards at risk. Get a decent, good-quality unit; the price difference is nothing compared to the boards it protects.
• Set your voltage with a multimeter. Many boards want exactly 5.0-5.15V measured at the board. Too low causes glitches; too high cooks chips.
• Some older pre-JAMMA and early boards need the -5V rail - if your PSU doesn't provide it, some games won't boot or will have no sound.

The Mistakes That Actually Kill Games

Forcing an MVS cartridge in backwards. This is the #1 beginner mistake I see, and it genuinely damages games. MVS carts have a triangle alignment marker showing the correct orientation - many carts even have a yellow warning label about it - and people still force them in the wrong way. If a cart doesn't slide in with normal pressure, stop. Check the triangle. Never force it.

Hot-plugging boards. Never plug or unplug a board with power on. Ever. This is the fastest way to kill a $500 PCB.

Video Output

JAMMA boards output analog RGB - which is fantastic, because it's the highest quality signal these games can produce. My setups run both worlds:

• CRT: RGB monitors and PVMs display the signal natively - I use a Sony Trinitron PVM, and arcade-perfect is the only way to describe it. Consumer sets need SCART-to-component conversion or RGB mods.
• Modern displays: you'll want a scaler between the supergun and your screen. I run GBS-Control on some of my setups - it's a fantastic budget option. A RetroTINK or OSSC costs more but is plug-and-play. All three get you crisp pixels with minimal lag.

Controls

Most superguns accept Neo Geo-pinout DB15 arcade sticks - the same sticks that work on an AES console. Quality sticks with real arcade parts (Sanwa, Seimitsu, or classic American Happ parts) make a huge difference in games like King of Fighters or Street Fighter.

Starter Shopping List

1. A supergun (assembled units run $100-300)
2. A good-quality arcade switching PSU - not the cheapest one you can find
3. A DB15 arcade stick or two
4. A scaler for modern TVs (GBS-Control on a budget, RetroTINK/OSSC for plug-and-play), or a SCART cable for CRT setups
5. Your first board - a 1-slot Neo Geo MVS is the classic starting point: affordable, reliable, and it opens up the entire MVS library

Ready for your first board? Every MVS system and PCB we sell is bench-tested on the superguns and burn-in tested in the cabinets - and we're happy to answer setup questions before you buy.

Browse Arcade PCBs →

Browse MVS Systems →

If you're shopping for CPS2 games - Street Fighter Alpha, Marvel vs. Capcom, Vampire Savior - there's one phrase you need to understand before spending a dime: the suicide battery. It sounds dramatic because it is. I've revived boards that fell victim to it, and I've held boards it destroyed for good. Here's what's going on inside those colorful Capcom cases, and how to buy with confidence.

What Is a Suicide Battery?

Capcom was serious about piracy protection in the 90s. CPS2 games store their graphics and program data encrypted, and the decryption keys live in battery-backed RAM on the game board. A lithium battery keeps that memory alive 24/7 - whether the board is being played or sitting in a closet.

When the battery dies or gets disconnected, the keys vanish. The board "commits suicide": on power-up you get a black screen or garbage, and the game is gone. The hardware is physically fine, but it can no longer decrypt itself.

The Real Killer Isn't the Dead Battery - It's the Leaking One

Here's what the guides don't emphasize enough: a dead battery is recoverable. A leaking battery often isn't. I've seen boards where the battery acid ate through everything around it - corrosion spreading across the PCB, ROMs destroyed, the board gone for good. Those are the sad ones, because no amount of community cleverness brings back a board the acid has consumed.

The lesson: if you own CPS2 games and don't know how old the batteries are, deal with it now. Every year you wait, that 25+ year old battery is sitting on top of irreplaceable silicon.

How I Handle It: Keep Everything Stock

There are several fixes, and I've used most of them - open-source revival methods with a Raspberry Pi, and InfiniKey installs as well. But my preference is simple: keep the board original.

• My standard service: clean the board, install a fresh battery, and test. The board stays exactly as Capcom built it, keys intact, good for many more years.
• Key reprogramming. The CPS2 encryption is fully reverse-engineered, so a suicided board can be revived by rewriting the correct keys - I've done this with open-source tools and a Raspberry Pi.
• InfiniKey. A drop-in mod that stores the keys permanently, no battery at all. I've installed these too - it's a solid solution, especially for players who never want to think about it again.
• "Phoenix" boards. Boards revived years ago with decrypted ROMs instead of restored keys. They play fine, but they're modified from original. When Phoenix boards come through my shop, I actually try to revert them to original - restore the proper encrypted ROMs and revive the real keys when I can. Call it stubbornness, but original is original.

The Ones That Came Back

The revival success stories are why I love this platform. I've brought back boards like Pocket Fighter, and my favorite: Alien vs. Predator - one of the most sought-after CPS2 games ever, and a board you don't give up on. Reviving that AvP board was an absolute blast, and it's now running in one of my own arcade cabinets. The CRT, buttons, and internals are all working; the cab still needs body work, paint, and artwork restoration, but that's the fun part of the hobby - there's always a next project.

Questions to Ask Before Buying Any CPS2 Game

1. When was the battery last replaced? "Never" on a 25+ year old board means it's living on borrowed time - and possibly leaking right now.
2. Has it been converted or is it original? Phoenix conversions and region conversions should be disclosed and priced accordingly.
3. Is it battery-free (InfiniKey or similar)? For players, this is a feature, not a defect.
4. Does the seller show the board powered on? A photo of the actual game running tells you the keys are intact.

How We Handle CPS2 at Pixel Legends

Every CPS2 board we sell is opened, inspected, cleaned, and tested before listing - and our standard practice is a fresh battery on an original, stock board. Battery condition and any modifications are always disclosed in the listing with photos. No surprises.

Browse CPS2 & Arcade PCBs →

Bottom line: don't let the suicide battery scare you away from CPS2 - it's one of the best-documented, best-supported arcade platforms ever made. Just buy from sellers who test their boards and tell you what's inside, and service that battery before it services your board.

Update (September 2026): The AES+ has since been delayed to September 16, 2027 - read my full thoughts on the delay and the pre-order compensation.

I couldn't believe it when the announcement dropped. After 35 years, SNK and Plaion are bringing back the Neo Geo AES - the king of 90's - with the new Neo Geo AES+. As someone who owns two original AES consoles (an American unit and a Japanese complete-in-box), this news hit different. Pre-orders are open now with a release date of November 12, 2026.

View the Official AES+ Page →

What Makes This Special

The AES+ isn't another mini console or emulation box. Plaion is using re-engineered ASIC chips based on the proven MiSTer FPGA core for Neo Geo. This is the best approach they could have taken - the MiSTer core has been battle-tested by the community for accuracy. From there, they're creating dedicated silicon. I'm okay with this approach, though only time will tell if the execution lives up to the promises.

Key features include:

• HDMI output up to 1080p (plus original AV out for CRT enthusiasts)
• Backward compatible with original AES cartridges
• New game cartridges being produced at $90 each
• DIP switches for language selection, overclocking, and display modes
• 15-pin connector compatible with original controllers (and new sticks work on old AES)
• Memory card support for saving high scores
• Included arcade stick - 1:1 replica of MVS cabinet controls

Why This Matters: The Reality of Original Hardware

Anyone who's dealt with original AES consoles knows the headaches. Power supply issues are extremely common - there were different console revisions, and using the wrong PSU can cause real damage. Bad capacitors are another frequent problem on aging units. And if you want the best video quality on a modern TV? You're looking at video mods (which require a professional), special cables, and scalers. It adds up in cost and effort.

Having modern, reliable hardware with proper HDMI output right out of the box? As a gamer, that's a dream come true. No more hunting for the right power supply. No more capacitor replacements. No more expensive RGB bypass mods just to get a clean picture.

The Price Point

The base console comes in at $249.99 - remarkably accessible for Neo Geo hardware. The $90 game cartridges are fair pricing for AES standards. Keep in mind, original AES games regularly sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That said, I expect Plaion will only release popular titles since they need volume to justify production. Don't expect obscure games to get the reprint treatment.

Launch Lineup

The 10 launch titles are solid picks:

• Metal Slug
• The King of Fighters 2002
• Garou: Mark of the Wolves
• Big Tournament Golf (Neo Turf Masters)
• Shock Troopers
• Samurai Shodown V Special
• Pulstar
• Twinkle Star Sprites
• Magician Lord
• Over Top

Funny enough, a lot of these overlap with my Top 10 Must-Have Neo Geo Games article. Plaion clearly did their homework on what the community wants.

Impact on the Collector Market

Will this crash the value of original AES games? I don't think so - at least not significantly. We've seen this play out before with comic book reprints and other collectibles. A reproduction or restored car is worth less than an original, and the same logic applies here.

Some buyers just want to play the games and don't care about collecting - they'll be happy with reprints, and that might soften prices on "player grade" copies. But true collectors who want original SNK cartridges from the 90s? Those pieces will hold their value. The markets can coexist.

My Take: Excited but Cautious

I put my money where my mouth is - I pre-ordered both the Ultimate Edition and the Collector's Edition. As a gamer, I'm genuinely excited. But I want to be clear: I can't recommend something I haven't tried yet.

Neo Geo is synonymous with quality. It's the Cadillac of consoles. My expectations are high: quality plastic build, audio and video fidelity, accurate behavior, and the compatibility they're promising with original games and controllers. Plaion is making incredible claims, and the Neo Geo community will be watching closely. We will be pretty judgmental about every claim they've made.

I own a lot of original AES titles, so when my unit arrives in November, I'll be testing backward compatibility firsthand. Only after I've put it through its paces will I be willing to give a full recommendation.

For now? The potential is incredible. A reliable, modern Neo Geo with HDMI, compatible with our existing game collections, at an accessible price point. If Plaion delivers on their promises, this could be the best thing to happen to the Neo Geo community in decades.

Stay tuned for my hands-on review when the AES+ releases in November 2026.

Recommended Viewing

For a deeper dive into the AES+ announcement, I recommend checking out 19kfox on YouTube. He does excellent coverage of Neo Geo news and retro gaming content.

Watch: Neo Geo AES+ Coverage by 19kfox →

If you're into Neo Geo and retro gaming, definitely subscribe to his channel for quality content.

One of the biggest challenges facing Neo Geo MVS collectors today is authentication. With the rise of bootlegs, reproductions, and converted boards, knowing how to spot an authentic game is essential. Whether you're a beginner or experienced collector, this guide will help you verify your purchases.

Why Authentication Matters

The Neo Geo MVS market has seen a significant increase in counterfeit cartridges and boards. These range from obvious fakes to sophisticated reproductions that can fool even experienced collectors. Authentic games command premium prices, so knowing what to look for protects your investment.

Essential Resources: MVS-Scans.com

One of the most valuable tools for any MVS collector is MVS-Scans.com. This website provides high-resolution scans and detailed photographs of authentic MVS cartridges, PCBs, and components.

Visit MVS-Scans.com →

What makes MVS-Scans.com invaluable:

• Comprehensive database: High-quality photos of authentic PCBs for comparison
• Detail shots: Close-ups of labels, chips, and board components
• Version tracking: Documents different board revisions and variants
• Reference tool: Compare your cartridge side-by-side with known authentic examples
• Community resource: Built by collectors, for collectors

Key Authentication Points

1. PCB Inspection

• Check the board color and texture (should match reference photos on MVS-Scans)
• Verify PCB markings and serial numbers
• Look for proper SNK branding and copyright information
• Inspect solder joints - authentic boards have consistent, professional soldering

2. EPROM Chips

• Authentic games use specific EPROM types for each title
• Check chip labels against known authentic examples
• Look for signs of replacement chips or aftermarket labels
• UV EPROM windows should show consistent aging

3. Label Examination

• Compare label printing quality and colors to MVS-Scans photos
• Check for proper label placement and alignment
• Look for correct fonts and text spacing
• Verify all text is sharp and properly printed

4. Board Components

• NEO-MVH chips should have proper SNK markings
• PRO chips vary by game - cross-reference with MVS-Scans
• Check capacitor types and placement
• Look for period-correct component manufacturing dates

How to Use MVS-Scans Effectively

Step-by-step authentication process:

1. Find your game title on MVS-Scans.com
2. Open the PCB scan for your specific version
3. Compare board layout with your cartridge
4. Check chip types and positions against the reference photos
5. Verify label design and placement matches authentic examples
6. Look for any inconsistencies or red flags

Red Flags to Watch For

• Different PCB color: Bootlegs often use wrong shade of green or blue
• Incorrect chips: Wrong EPROM types or modern replacements
• Poor soldering: Messy or inconsistent solder joints
• Label quality: Blurry printing, wrong colors, or poor alignment
• Missing markings: Lack of proper SNK/copyright information
• Price too good: If it seems too cheap, there's usually a reason

Additional Authentication Resources

• Neo Geo Forums: Share photos and get expert opinions
• Facebook Groups: Active communities can help verify purchases
• Trusted Sellers: Buy from established sellers with authentication guarantees
• Multiple References: Cross-check with multiple sources, not just one

Our Commitment to Authenticity

At Pixel Legends, every MVS cartridge we sell is thoroughly inspected and authenticated. We cross-reference with MVS-Scans.com and other trusted resources to ensure you're getting genuine SNK hardware. Each listing includes detailed photos of the PCB, chips, and labels so you can verify authenticity yourself.

Browse Authenticated MVS Games →

Bottom Line: Take your time, do your research, and use resources like MVS-Scans.com before making purchases. A few minutes of verification can save you hundreds of dollars and ensure your collection contains only authentic Neo Geo hardware.

Understanding the difference between Neo Geo MVS and AES is fundamental for any collector entering the Neo Geo world. Both systems play the same games but were designed for very different markets.

MVS (Multi Video System)

The MVS was designed for arcades and represents SNK's arcade hardware. Key characteristics include:

• Format: Arcade PCB boards, typically without plastic casing
• Cartridges: Larger, more industrial design meant for frequent swapping in arcades
• Rarity: Generally more common since arcades ordered many units
• Price: Usually more affordable than AES equivalents
• Usage: Designed for heavy use in commercial settings

AES (Advanced Entertainment System)

The AES was the home console version, marketed as a premium gaming system. Key characteristics include:

• Format: Home console with sleek design
• Cartridges: Retail packaging with manuals and artwork
• Rarity: Much rarer due to limited production and high retail price ($649 at launch)
• Price: Significantly more expensive than MVS equivalents
• Collectibility: Higher value due to complete packaging and lower production numbers

Which Should You Collect?

Choose MVS if: You want to play the games affordably, don't mind the arcade aesthetic, and prefer functionality over collectibility.

Choose AES if: You're a serious collector who values original packaging, complete sets, and the prestige of the home console system.

Pro Tip: Many collectors start with MVS to build their game library affordably, then selectively acquire AES versions of their favorite titles for display purposes.

Welcome to the exciting world of Neo Geo collecting! Whether you're drawn to the MVS arcade nostalgia or the premium AES home console experience, here's everything you need to know to start your collection right.

Step 1: Choose Your Platform

Before buying anything, decide whether you want MVS (arcade) or AES (home console). Consider your budget, space, and collecting goals. MVS offers better value, while AES provides the complete retail experience.

Step 2: Essential Equipment

For MVS:

• JAMMA-compatible arcade cabinet or Supergun
• Power supply (can be built or purchased)
• Appropriate cables (RGB, Component, or HDMI with upscaler)

For AES:

• Neo Geo AES console
• Controllers (joystick recommended)
• RGB SCART cable or upscaler for modern TVs

Step 3: Your First Games

Start with these accessible and beloved titles:

• Metal Slug: Run-and-gun perfection
• King of Fighters '98: Peak fighting game excellence
• Sengoku 3: Beautiful beat-em-up
• Puzzle Bobble/Bust-A-Move: Addictive puzzle fun

Step 4: Authentication

Learn to spot authentic games:

• Check PCB numbers and markings
• Look for proper SNK branding
• Verify game EPROMs match known authentic boards
• Buy from reputable sellers who guarantee authenticity

Step 5: Storage and Care

Protect your investment:

• Store in climate-controlled environment
• Use anti-static bags for boards
• Keep cartridges in protective cases
• Clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol when needed

Budget Tips: Start with a 1-slot MVS system and 3-5 games. This gives you a solid foundation without breaking the bank. You can always expand later!

After years of collecting and playing Neo Geo games, these are the titles I consider essential for any collection. Each represents the best of its genre on the platform.

1. Metal Slug X

The pinnacle of run-and-gun gameplay. Metal Slug X refined everything that made the original great, with better pacing, additional weapons, and more secrets. The hand-drawn animation remains stunning today.

2. The King of Fighters '98

Often called "Dream Match Never Ends," KOF '98 is considered the series peak. With a roster of 38 characters, refined gameplay, and perfect balance, it's the fighting game every Neo Geo collection needs.

3. Garou: Mark of the Wolves

SNK's final fighting game for Neo Geo pushed the hardware to its limits. The Just Defend system, T.O.P. mechanic, and gorgeous sprite work make this a masterpiece.

4. Blazing Star

The best shoot-em-up on Neo Geo. Yumekobo's beautiful pre-rendered graphics, excellent weapon variety, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play.

5. Pulstar

A love letter to R-Type, Pulstar delivers punishing difficulty and spectacular visuals. The detailed sprite work and epic boss battles are unforgettable.

6. Samurai Shodown II

The weapon-based fighter that defined the series. Tight gameplay, memorable characters, and brutal combat make this essential.

7. Windjammers

The most addictive sports game on Neo Geo. This disc-throwing competition is easy to learn but incredibly deep. Perfect for two-player sessions.

8. The Last Blade 2

SNK's most beautiful fighting game. The sword-based combat, multiple gameplay modes, and stunning visuals create an unmatched experience.

9. Shock Troopers

Top-down run-and-gun excellence. The team-based gameplay, branching paths, and intense action make this a standout.

10. Sengoku 3

A late-generation beat-em-up that rivals the best on any platform. The combo system, branching paths, and gorgeous art make it special.

Honorable Mentions: Puzzle Bobble, Neo Turf Masters, Metal Slug 3, Real Bout Fatal Fury Special