We mentioned leaks a few days ago, but today it's official: SNK has just announced the Neo Geo AES+, a revival of the original Advanced Entertainment System scheduled for November 12, 2026. And this doesn’t look like a gimmicky mini-console: a true return to the roots?

The promise

The Neo Geo AES+ is a high-fidelity revival of the original AES, featuring modern quality-of-life improvements such as HDMI output and DIP switches, starting at €199.99 for the “base” version (console + stick), with a release set for November 12, 2026. Pre-orders are already open on PLAION’s website.

What makes this machine authentic: no emulation

This is the point that’s going to get people talking — in a good way. The Neo Geo AES+ does not rely on emulation. The console is powered by its original ASIC chips, “re-engineered” to modern standards to faithfully reproduce the original hardware. The system runs both new and original game cartridges natively — no emulation, no FPGA approximation, but a true reincarnation of the console, according to SNK.

Technical specifications

The machine is a 1:1 replica of the original 90s console, with faithful build quality, HDMI output, an original AV output for CRT enthusiasts (and that… that’s awesome!), DIP switches for language selection, overclocking and display mode, as well as permanent high score saving via memory card. It supports new Neo Geo AES+ cartridges and is backward compatible with original AES cartridges. The console comes with a wired arcade stick (15-pin connector), also a 1:1 replica of the original.

Launch titles

Ten games are announced at launch: 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 and Over Top — all available on cartridge, complete with boxes and manuals.

A lineup that covers the essentials of the Neo Geo pantheon: the ultimate run and gun with Metal Slug, the benchmark fighting game with KOF 2002, and one of the finest fighting games ever made on the system with Garou: Mark of the Wolves.

Available editions

SNK is also offering an Anniversary Edition in white for €299.99, including a wireless controller, a wireless arcade stick, a memory card and the 10 retro games with boxes and manuals. The Anniversary Edition also includes a white arcade stick and a limited white edition cartridge of Metal Slug. For hardcore fans, the Ultimate Edition bundle includes the console, all accessories and the 10 cartridges in a limited-edition package, priced at €899.

A quick historical reminder: why the Neo Geo holds a special place

Launched in 1990 by SNK, the Neo Geo came in two formats: the MVS (Multi Video System) for arcade machines, and the AES (Advanced Entertainment System) for home use. Its promise was unique: a strictly identical experience between arcade and home. The Neo Geo was marketed as the first 24-bit system — in reality, it used a 16/32-bit 68000 CPU paired with an 8-bit Z80 coprocessor, with a 24-bit graphics data bus. It technically outclassed everything on the home market at the time.

This power came at a prohibitive price. The AES sold for around $650 at launch — over $1,500 today — making it one of the most sought-after collector’s items in retrogaming, with some rare cartridges selling for thousands of euros. Several legendary franchises were born on this system: Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, Samurai Shodown, The King of Fighters, Twinkle Star Sprites and Metal Slug. Game production continued until 2004, making the Neo Geo the longest-supported arcade system of all time.

The Neo Geo AES+ is therefore more than just another console. It’s a promise to put back into everyone’s hands something that was once reserved for the wealthiest collectors.

See you on November 12, 2026!

Source: Plaion