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| (Image Source: PLAION REPLAI) |
The Legendary Console Classic Is Back With No Emulation, No Compromise, No Comparison. Be Part Of The Real Arcade Revolution With Pre-Orders Now Available
PLAION REPLAI, a leading global publisher and developer of retro video games and consoles announced last April 16, 2026 the return of a legend with the NEOGEO AES+ (Advanced Entertainment System) returning to homes ready for worldwide release on September 16, 2027, 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 4 MB or 8 MB cartridge, with the largest NEOGEO game weighing in at an incredible 708 MB, and games which exceeded 100 MB in size giving birth to the infamous ‘100 Mega 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. Honouring 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 discrete 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 gamers’ 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 comprising of 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. As part of the 35th anniversary celebration, gamers 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
Commenting on the launch of the new NEOGEO AES+ console, software and accessories, PLAION REPLAI Commercial Director Ben Jones 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 100 Mega Shock that only NEOGEO can provide.” Initially slated to be released on November 12, 2026, the extraordinary demand from fans, collectors and retail partners has prompted PLAION REPLAI not only to expand manufacturing, increase investment in the platform, and broaden its long-term software roadmap, but also to move the worldwide release date of the NEOGEO AES+ as well. PLAION REPLAI recognizes that this is a significant delay and sincerely apologizes to everyone who has been looking forward to receiving their NEOGEO AES+. The company is enormously grateful for the patience and support shown by the community and does not take that support for granted. The team shares the disappointment of fans and remains completely focused on delivering the NEOGEO AES+ experience they expect and deserve.
Since the announcement of the NEOGEO AES+, PLAION REPLAI has been working with manufacturing partners to increase production capacity. However, unprecedented worldwide demand for memory chips, driven by investment in AI infrastructure, has created well documented industry-wide supply constraints. Rather than proceed with the previously planned November launch with severely constrained worldwide availability, PLAION REPLAI has chosen to take additional time to secure the component supply that is now needed to meet the demand of pre-order customers and a substantially larger worldwide release. The additional time will allow PLAION REPLAI to secure the component supply and manufacturing capacity required not just for launch but to support NEOGEO AES+ over the long term. The revised launch schedule also supports a broader long-term vision for the platform. Alongside the ten launch titles already announced, PLAION REPLAI is in discussion with other licensors to bring more games to the platform, reinforcing its commitment to the NEOGEO AES+. The extra time will also be used to give players around the world more opportunities to get hands-on with the system ahead of launch. PLAION REPLAI hope that this additional access, together with a more comprehensive communications campaign, will enhance the overall customer experience. Jones said, “This isn't the announcement we hoped to make, but the response from the gaming community has been incredible. The level of enthusiasm for NEOGEO AES+ has given us the confidence to think much bigger about the future of the platform. With that comes a responsibility to deliver the launch properly. We explored every option to maintain our original timetable. In the end, we concluded that launching with severely constrained availability would not be fair to our community. Taking additional time allows us to secure more memory chips while expanding our manufacturing. Most importantly, everyone who has already pre-ordered keeps their priority place in the production queue. Had we launched in November, we would not have been able to deliver NEOGEO AES+ to customers at anything close to the scale we believe the community deserves. The truth is that demand far exceeded even our most optimistic expectations. The retro gaming community truly is fantastic.”
The Standard Edition and the 35th Anniversary Edition NEOGEO AES+ hardware are now available to pre-order at https://www.plaionreplai.com/neogeo and participating retailers worldwide and are priced at £179.99 (€199.99) for the Standard Edition and £269.99 (€299.99) for the Anniversary Edition while each game cartridge in the NEOGEO AES+ collection is expected to retail for an SRP of: £69.99 (€79.99). Take note that the pricing of NEOGEO AES+ accessories will vary depending on territory. On the other hand, the NEOGEO AES+ Ultimate Edition will remain a limited-production collector's edition. Existing pre-orders remain secure with the remaining production allocation continuing to be available for pre-order while stocks last. To thank the community for its continued support, every console from the launch production run will include a Founding Supporter Bonus. The bonus will be included with all launch stock while supplies last and will not be included in future manufacturing runs. Customers who purchase a Standard or Anniversary Edition from the launch production run will receive a free NEOGEO AES+ Gamepad. Ultimate Edition customers will receive a 30% discount voucher, redeemable against any NEOGEO AES+ game on the PLAION REPLAI website. As the Ultimate Edition already includes the complete launch game line-up, the voucher can be saved and used towards a future NEOGEO AES+ game release or used to purchase an additional copy of any available title. The Founding Supporter Bonus is PLAION REPLAI’s way of recognizing the people who backed NEOGEO AES+ from the beginning and thanking them for their continued patience and support.
PLAION REPLAI is confident in the revised September 16, 2027 worldwide release date and remains committed to launching at the announced prices with no planned price increases despite continued pressure on global component supply. Existing pre-orders of the NEOGEO AES+ range, independently developed and published by PLAION REPLAI under license from SNK, retain their priority position in the production queue with future production allocated sequentially as manufacturing capacity continues to expand. For more information on the NEOGEO AES+ system, software and accessories, visit https://www.plaionreplai.com/neogeo.
