Richard Kain
CAGiversary!
Neo Geo X - handheld to be released this year for $200
The Neo Geo is getting a bit of retro love this year in the form of a handheld re-release of the original system. The company behind this production, Blaze, is known for re-releasing classic retro hardware in different forms. In the past, they have released officially licensed Sega Genesis controllers pre-loaded with classic Sega titles, and other similar products. This time, they are partnering with SNK-Playmore to release a handheld version of the venerable Neo Geo hardware.
With an initial $200 price point, it is hard to see this handheld competing seriously with modern handhelds consoles. It will likely have inferior hardware power to the 3DS or Vita, while having a price point that makes it seem a bit excessive. This is at least consistent with the original Neo Geo AES home system, which was also very expensive when it came out. For the general consumer, I can't really see this handheld catching on.
For the Neo Geo enthusiast, this could be a much better deal. The initial release package is going to come with a charging dock for the handheld that is shaped to resemble the original home system hardware. It will also come with a controller that looks to be a fairly accurate replica of the original home system's default controller. The handheld will also be able to connect to modern TVs using a built-in HDMI port, allowing for seamless Neo Geo play on HD screens. Moreover, the handheld will come pre-loaded with close to twenty Neo Geo games.
It is very hard to find legitimate means of playing classic Neo Geo games in a cost-effective fashion. AES systems are quite pricey, and even MVS arcade boards tend to go for $100 - $200 each. And don't even get me started on Neo Geo cartridges. Then there's also the problems in getting Neo Geos to work with modern televisions. Most modified systems go for close to $500+. For someone who just wants to play some classic Neo Geo on modern displays, this $200 handheld is a pretty good deal.
The Neo Geo is getting a bit of retro love this year in the form of a handheld re-release of the original system. The company behind this production, Blaze, is known for re-releasing classic retro hardware in different forms. In the past, they have released officially licensed Sega Genesis controllers pre-loaded with classic Sega titles, and other similar products. This time, they are partnering with SNK-Playmore to release a handheld version of the venerable Neo Geo hardware.
With an initial $200 price point, it is hard to see this handheld competing seriously with modern handhelds consoles. It will likely have inferior hardware power to the 3DS or Vita, while having a price point that makes it seem a bit excessive. This is at least consistent with the original Neo Geo AES home system, which was also very expensive when it came out. For the general consumer, I can't really see this handheld catching on.
For the Neo Geo enthusiast, this could be a much better deal. The initial release package is going to come with a charging dock for the handheld that is shaped to resemble the original home system hardware. It will also come with a controller that looks to be a fairly accurate replica of the original home system's default controller. The handheld will also be able to connect to modern TVs using a built-in HDMI port, allowing for seamless Neo Geo play on HD screens. Moreover, the handheld will come pre-loaded with close to twenty Neo Geo games.
It is very hard to find legitimate means of playing classic Neo Geo games in a cost-effective fashion. AES systems are quite pricey, and even MVS arcade boards tend to go for $100 - $200 each. And don't even get me started on Neo Geo cartridges. Then there's also the problems in getting Neo Geos to work with modern televisions. Most modified systems go for close to $500+. For someone who just wants to play some classic Neo Geo on modern displays, this $200 handheld is a pretty good deal.