SNK is launching the NeoGeo AES+ - a modern version of its 90s console starting at $250

The retro maestros at Plaion Replai are working their magic again to bring yet another faithful recreation to life, this time with the NeoGeo AES+. Pre-orders for the console are now open ahead of its November 12th release, and the best part is that players won't have to pay an arm and a leg to get their hands on it.

The NeoGeo AES was SNK's home console version of its arcade hardware, bringing its arcade library into living rooms. The hardware was far closer to the arcade experience than what most consoles offered at the time. But the console was expensive and niche, and the price made the Neo Geo more of a premium enthusiast console than a mainstream one. Now that a modern version of the hit 90s console is on the way, the company is clearly not looking to repeat that mistake.

The NeoGeo AES+ keeps the original design while adding modern features, including low-latency HDMI output, 1080p output, on-system DIP switches for language selection, overclocking support, display mode selection, and permanent high-score saves via a separate memory card. AV input ports are also included for those who want to pair it with a CRT TV and chase that 90s vibe.

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What makes the NeoGeo AES+ particularly interesting is its emulation approach. Instead of the typical FPGA route, which digitally mimics each part of the original hardware, Plaion uses legacy ASIC chips that have been newly re-engineered. This approach allows the NeoGeo AES+ to authentically replicate the original console's hardware and software.

The NeoGeo AES+ supports both new and original NeoGeo AES cartridges. An initial set of 10 titles will be available at launch, including Metal Slug, The King of Fighters 2002, Samurai Shodown V Special, Pulstar, and Over Top, with more releases expected down the line. The console also comes with a 1:1 replica of the original Arcade Stick that connects via the classic 15-pin connector, making it fully compatible with the original NeoGeo AES console.

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Pricing for the standard NeoGeo AES+ in the US is $249.99, with individual game cartridges priced at $89.99 each. To put that in perspective, the original NeoGeo launched at $649.99 in April 1990, which, adjusted for inflation, works out to around $1,665 today. Games at the time ran between $200 and $300, equivalent to roughly $512 to $768 in 2026. Suddenly $249.99 sounds like a bargain.

Two premium editions are also available for pre-order. The Anniversary Edition is priced at $349.99 and includes a white Metal Slug cartridge, a white Wireless Arcade Stick with a matching 15-pin dongle, and a white memory card. The Ultimate Edition comes in at $999, includes everything in black, 10 NeoGeo game cartridges, and a game rack, and will be available in very limited quantities.