Plaion is releasing a reproduction of the NEOGEO AES this November

Plaion has announced the NEOGEO AES+, a reproduction of SNK’s legendary arcade console. Rather than being a mini console, it’s compatible with the original games, and doesn’t seem to include any built in. They’ll also be reproducing a selection of AES cartridges for those that don’t already have a collection.

The NEOGEO AES launched in 1990 as the home equivalent to their NEOGEO MVS arcade hardware. The MVS was a long-lived arcade format, featuring a board that operators merely needed to slot new cartridges into to add new games. Outside of Japan, it was featured in striking red cabinets, and sometimes would allow you to choose from two, four, or six different installed games. Among other landmark titles, the MVS was home to Metal Slug and King of Fighters.

The AES was hardware-identical; essentially just an MVS in a console format. As such, it was available at a shockingly high price compared to other home consoles, but was much more powerful. For people around at the time, it was recognized as a “rich kid” console, if it was recognized at all. I had never heard of it until adulthood. The privilege of my rich kid friends were measured by their Game Gears or if they had both an SNES and Genesis.

NO MERE MICRO CONSOLE

Despite being known for miniaturized versions of old microcomputers, Plaion says the NEOGEO AES+ is “no mere micro console.” Rather than emulation, the AES+ replicates the original hardware. They state that it “utilizes ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), presenting a wholly authentic experience for both hardware and software.” Adding to this, they confirm that the hardware works with all existing AES cartridges.

However, it also comes with modern conveniences. It has both digital (HDMI, 1080p) and analog output, can be overclocked, and saves high scores. Every system comes packed in with an arcade stick.

As mentioned, there doesn’t seem to be any built-in games, so you’ll need to buy cartridges to play anything, similar to the Atari 2600+. While original AES cartridges work, here are the ones that are being released alongside the system:

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
Over Top

Metal Slug Marco versus Helicopter — This level is permanently etched in my memory along with the taste of arcade queso

WHAT A WORLD

As cool as it is, SNK isn’t viewed favourably these days. It’s now owned by the Misk Foundation, which in turn is owned by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, a country known for its poor track record when it comes to human rights (to say the least). More directly, he’s alleged to have ordered the assassination of American journalist, Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

It really sucks to have to write that, when I’d rather talk about ‘90s arcade games, but that seems to be the state of the world right now.

In any case, if you’re able to reconcile that with your morals, then the NEOGEO AES+ is an interesting proposition. The console itself will retail for $249.99 American Greenbacks on November 12, 2026. The games are priced at $89.99 Greenbacks (no word on Loonies). That may sound really expensive, but compared to the original hardware, it’s a steal. I think it’s reasonably priced. Much more than I can afford, but the rich kids will be happy.

There will also be a white 35th Anniversary Edition, which includes a white copy of Metal Slug for $349.99 Greenbacks.