Neo Geo
This article is about the video game brand. For the original systems that used the name, see Neo Geo (system). For other uses, see Neo Geo (disambiguation).
Neo Geo Neo Geo logo.svg
Product type     Arcade system board
Video game console
Handheld game console
Owner     SNK
Country     Japan
Introduced     1990
Discontinued     2004
Markets     Japan (Worldwide)
Registered as a trademark in     Japan (1989–2001)

Neo Geo is a family of video game hardware developed by SNK. On the market from 1990 to 2004, the brand originated with the release of an arcade system, the Neo Geo MVS and its home console counterpart, the Neo Geo AES. Both the arcade system and console were powerful for the time and the AES allows for perfect compatibility of games released for the MVS. However, the high price point for both the AES console and its games prevented it from directly competing with its contemporaries, the Sega Genesis, Super NES, and Turbo-Grafx 16. However, the MVS arcade became very successful in stores in Japan and North America.

Years later, SNK released the Neo Geo CD, a more cost effective console with games released on compact discs. The console was met with limited success, due in part to its slow CD-ROM drive. In an attempt to compete with increasingly popular 3D games, SNK released the Hyper Neo Geo 64 arcade system in 1997 as the successor to its aging MVS. The system did not fare well and only a few games were released for it. A planned home console based on the hardware was never released. SNK later extended the brand by releasing two handheld consoles, the Neo Geo Pocket, and later Neo Geo Pocket Color, which briefly competed with Nintendo's Game Boy. Soon after their release, SNK encountered various legal and financial issues - however the original Neo Geo MVS and AES continued getting new games under new ownership until officially being discontinued in 2004, ending the brand.

Regardless of the failure of later Neo Geo hardware, games for the original MVS and AES have been well received. The system spawned several long-running and critically acclaimed series, mostly 2D fighters, including Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, Samurai Shodown and The King of Fighters, as well as popular games in other genres such as the Metal Slug and Baseball Stars series. In December 2012, SNK Playmore released a handheld console based on the original AES, the Neo Geo X. As of March 1997, the Neo Geo had sold 980,000 units worldwide. The Neo Geo Pocket Color also has been given praise for multiple innovations, and a very substantial library, despite its short life.

Neo Geo MVS and AES
Main article: Neo Geo (system)
The original Neo Geo logo
Neo Geo MVS

SNK's first two products using the Neo Geo name are an arcade system called the Neo Geo Multi Video System (MVS) and a companion console called the Advanced Entertainment System (AES), both released in 1990. The MVS offers arcade operators the ability to put up to six different arcade games into a single cabinet, a key economic consideration for operators with limited floorspace. It comes in many different cabinets but basically consists of an add on board that can be linked to a standard JAMMA system.
Neo Geo AES

The Advanced Entertainment System (AES), originally known just as the Neo Geo, is the first video game console in the family. The hardware features comparatively colorful 2D graphics. The hardware was in part designed by Alpha Denshi (later ADK).

Initially, the home system was only available for rent to commercial establishments, such as hotel chains, bars and restaurants, and other venues. When customer response indicated that some gamers were willing to buy a US$650 console, SNK expanded sales and marketing into the home console market. The Neo Geo console was officially launched on 31 January 1990 in Osaka, Japan. The AES is identical to its arcade counterpart, the MVS, so arcade games released for the home market are nearly identical conversions.
Neo Geo CD
Neo Geo CD toploader model
Main article: Neo Geo CD

The Neo Geo CD, released in 1994, was initially an upgrade from the original AES. This console uses CDs instead of ROM cartridges like the AES. The unit's (approximately) 1X CD-ROM drive was slow, making loading times very long with the system loading up to 56 Mbits of data between loads. Neo Geo CD game prices were low at US$50, in contrast to Neo Geo AES game cartridges which cost as much as US$300. The system could also play Audio CDs. All three versions of the system have no region-lock.

The Neo Geo CD was bundled with a control pad instead of a joystick like the AES. However, the original AES joystick can be used with all 3 Neo Geo CD models (top loader, front loader and CDZ, an upgraded version of the CD console, that was only released in Japan), instead of the included control pads.
Hyper Neo Geo 64
Hyper Neo Geo 64 arcade board
Main article: Hyper Neo Geo 64

The Hyper Neo Geo 64 is SNK's second and final arcade system board in the Neo Geo family, released in 1997. The Hyper Neo Geo 64 was conceived as SNK's 3D debut into the fifth generation video game consoles. It provided the hardware basis for a home system that would replace their aging Neo Geo AES—one that SNK hoped would be capable of competing with fifth generation video game consoles. In 1999, the Hyper Neo Geo 64 was discontinued, with only seven games released for it in two years.
Handheld consoles
Main articles: Neo Geo Pocket, Neo Geo Pocket Color, and Neo Geo X
Neo Geo Pocket

The Neo Geo Pocket was SNK's first handheld in the Neo Geo family. Featuring a monochrome display, it was originally released in late 1998 exclusively within the Japan and Hong Kong market. Lower than expected sales resulted in its discontinuation in 1999, whereupon it was immediately succeeded by the Neo Geo Pocket Color, which had a color screen.

The Pocket Color is the final console release of the Neo Geo family. This time it was also released in the North American and European markets. About two million units were sold worldwide. The system was discontinued in 2000 in Europe and North America but continued to sell in Japan until 2001.

In December 2012, Tommo released a new Neo Geo handheld in North America and Europe, licensed by SNK Playmore. It is an open-source-based handheld like the Dingoo, but closed to emulate Neo Geo games, with 20 built-in games, called the Neo Geo X. Effectively October 2, 2013, in order to protect its intellectual property such as 'NEOGEO' and 'SNK', SNK Playmore decided to terminate the license given to Tommo and ordered to immediately cease sales of the Neo Geo X Arcade Stick. SNK added that "decisive measures will be taken against all unapproved NEOGEO X products not subject to the License Agreement."

Complete Game List Below:

2020 Super Baseball SNK SNK 1991-10-25

3 Count Bout (Fire Suplex) SNK SNK 1993-04-23

Aero Fighters 2 (Sonic Wings 2) Video System Video System 1994-08-26

Aero Fighters 3 (Sonic Wings 3) Video System Video System 1995-11-17

Aggressors of Dark Kombat (Tsūkai Gangan Kōshinkyoku) ADK ADK 1994-08-26 (ON CD UNIT)

Alpha Mission II (ASO II: Last Guardian) SNK SNK 1991

Andro Dunos Tetsuo Akiyama Visco 1992-07-17

Art of Fighting (Ryūko no Ken) SNK SNK 1992-12-11

Art of Fighting 2 (Ryūko no Ken 2) SNK SNK 1994-03-11

Art of Fighting 3 – The Path of the Warrior (Art of Fighting: Ryūko no Ken – Gaiden) SNK SNK 1996-04-26

Bakatono-sama Mahjong Man’yuki Monolith Corp. ???? 1991-12-20

Bang Bead Visco ???? 2000

Baseball Stars Professional SNK SNK 1991

Baseball Stars 2 SNK SNK 1992-04-28

Battle Flip Shot Visco ???? 1998

Blazing Star Yumekobo SNK 1998-02-19

Blue’s Journey (Raguy) ADK SNK 1991

Breakers Visco SNK 1996-03-21

Breakers Revenge Visco SNK 1998

Burning Fight SNK SNK 1991-08-09

Puzzle Bobble / Puzzle Bobble (Puzzle Bobble) Taito SNK 1994

Puzzle Bobble 2 / Puzzle Bobble 2 (Puzzle Bobble 2) Taito SNK 1999

Captain Tomaday Visco SNK 1999

Chibi Maruko-chan Deluxe Quiz Takara ???? 1995

Crossed Swords ADK SNK 1991-10-01

Cyber-Lip SNK SNK 1990

Double Dragon Technos SNK 1995-03-31

Digger Man Kyle Hodgetts (unlicensed) 2000

Eight Man SNK SNK 1991-11-10

Far East of Eden: Kabuki Klash (Tengai Makyō: Shinden) Hudson Soft SNK 1995-07-02

Fast Striker NG:Dev Team (unlicensed) 2010

Fatal Fury: King of Fighters (Garou Densetsu: Shukumei no Tatakai) SNK SNK 1991-12-20

Fatal Fury 2 (Garou Densetsu 2: Arata-naru Tatakai) SNK SNK 1992-12-12

Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory (Garou Densetsu 3: Haruka-naru Tatakai) SNK SNK 1995-04-21

Fatal Fury Special (Garou Densetsu Special) SNK

Fight Fever Viccom SNK 1994-06-28

Football Frenzy SNK SNK 1992-02-21

Galaxy Fight: Universal Warriors Sunsoft SNK 1995-02-25

Ganryu (Musashi Ganryuki) Visco SNK 1999

Garou: Mark of the Wolves SNK SNK 1999-11-11

Ghost Pilots SNK SNK 1991-07-01

Ghostlop Data East ???? 1996 (prototype)

Goal! Goal! Goal! Visco ???? 1995

Gururin Face ???? 1994

The Irritating Maze (Ultra Denryu Iraira Bou) Saurus SNK 1997

Jockey Grand Prix Brezzasoft (unlicensed) 2001

Janshin Densetsu: Quest of Jongmaster Aicom ???? 1994

Karnov’s Revenge (Fighter’s History Dynamite) Data East ???? 1994-04-28

The King of Fighters ’94 SNK SNK 1994-10-01

The King of Fighters ’95 SNK SNK 1995-09-01 (ON CD SYSTEM)

The King of Fighters ’96 SNK SNK 1996-09-27

The King of Fighters ’97 SNK SNK 1997-09-25

The King of Fighters ’98: The Slugfest (The King of Fighters ’98: Dream Match Never Ends) SNK SNK 1998-09-23

The King of Fighters ’99: Millennium Battle SNK SNK 1999-09-23

The King of Fighters 2000 SNK SNK 2000-12-21

The King of Fighters 2001 Eolith SNK 2001-11-15

The King of Fighters 2002 Eolith Playmore 2002-12-18

The King of Fighters 2003 SNK Playmore SNK Playmore 2003-12-12

King of the Monsters SNK SNK 1991

King of the Monsters 2

Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle (Fu’un Super Tag Battle) SNK SNK 1996-11-08

The Last Blade (Bakumatsu Rōman: Gekka no Kenshi) SNK SNK 1997

The Last Blade 2 (Bakumatsu Rōman: Dai Ni Maku Gekka no Kenshi) SNK SNK 1998

Last Hope NG:Dev Team (unlicensed) 2006-07-06

Last Resort SNK SNK 1992-04-24

League Bowling SNK SNK 1991-07-01

Legend of Success Joe (Ashita no Joe Densetsu) Wave ???? 1991-08-30

Magical Drop II Data East ???? 1996-04-19

Magical Drop III Data East ???? 1997-04-25

Magician Lord ADK ???? 1990-04-26

Mahjong Kyōretsuden SNK SNK 1990

Power Instinct Matrimelee (Shin Gōketsuji Ichizoku: Tōkon Matrimelee) Noise Factory Playmore 2003-05-29

Metal Slug Nazca SNK 1996-05-24

Metal Slug 2 SNK SNK 1998-04-02

Metal Slug 3 SNK SNK 2000-06-01

Metal Slug 4 Mega Playmore 2002-06-12

Metal Slug 5 SNK Playmore SNK Playmore 2003

Metal Slug X SNK SNK 1999-05-27

Minnasan no Okagesama Desu Monolith ???? 1990

Money Idol Exchanger Face ???? 1997

Mutation Nation SNK SNK 1992-04-17

NAM-1975 SNK SNK 1990

Neo Bomberman Hudson Soft ???? 1997

Neo Drift Out: New Technology Visco ???? 1996-07-26

Neo Geo Cup ’98: The Road to the Victory SNK SNK 1998-07-30

Neo Mr. Do! Visco ???? 1996

Neo Pong ???? (unlicensed) 2002

Neo Turf Masters (Big Tournament Golf) Nazca ???? 1996-03-01

Nightmare in the Dark AM Factory Eleven / Gavaking 2000

Ninja Combat ADK ???? 1991

Ninja Commando ADK ???? 1992-05-29

Ninja Master’s (Ninja Master’s: Haō Ninpō Jō) ADK / SNK ???? 1996-06-28

Over Top ADK ???? 1996-05-24

Panic Bomber Hudson Soft ???? 1994

Pleasure Goal: 5 on 5 Mini Soccer (Futsal) Saurus ???? 1996

Pochi & Nyaa Aiky / Taito ???? 2003

Pop ‘n Bounce (Gapporin) Video System ???? 1997

Power Spikes II Video System ???? 1995

Prehistoric Isle 2 (Genshi-tō) Yumekobo ???? 1999

Pulstar Aicom ???? 1995-09-25

Puzzle de Pon! Visco ???? 1995

Puzzle de Pon! R Visco ???? 1996

Puzzled (Joy Joy Kid) SNK SNK 1990

Quiz Daisōsa Sen: The Last Count Down SNK SNK 1991-08-30

Quiz King of Fighters Saurus ???? 1995-03-10

Quiz Meitantei Neo & Geo: Quiz Daisousasen Part 2 SNK SNK 1992-04-24

Rage of the Dragons Evoga Playmore 2002-09-20

Ragnagard (Shinōken) Saurus / System Vision ???? 1996-07-26

Real Bout Fatal Fury (Real Bout Garou Densetsu) SNK SNK 1995-12-21

Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers (Real Bout Garou Densetsu 2: The Newcomers) SNK SNK 1998-04-29

Real Bout Fatal Fury Special (Real Bout Garou Densetsu Special) SNK SNK 1996

Riding Hero SNK SNK 1990

Robo Army SNK SNK 1991-12-20

Samurai Shodown (Samurai Spirits) SNK SNK 1993-08-11

Samurai Shodown II (Shin Samurai Spirits: Haohmaru Jigokuhen) SNK SNK 1994-12-02

Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood (Samurai Spirits: Zankurō Musōken) SNK SNK 1995-12-01

Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa’s Revenge (Samurai Spirits: Amakusa Kōrin) SNK SNK 1996-11-29

Samurai Shodown V (Samurai Spirits Zero) Yuki Enterprise SNK Playmore 2003-12-11

Samurai Shodown V Special (Samurai Spirits Zero Special) Yuki Enterprise SNK Playmore 2004-07-09

Samurai Shodown V Perfect (Samurai Spirits Zero Perfect) Yuki Enterprise SNK Playmore 2004

Savage Reign (Fu’un Mokushiroku: Kakutō Sōsei) SNK SNK 1995-05-26

Sengoku (Sengoku Denshō) SNK SNK 1991

Sengoku 2 (Sengoku Denshō 2) SNK SNK 1993-04-09

Sengoku 3 (Sengoku Legends 2001) Noise Factory ???? 2001-10-25

Shock Troopers Saurus ???? 1997

Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad Saurus ???? 1998

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos SNK Playmore SNK Playmore 2003-11-14

Soccer Brawl SNK SNK 1992-03-13

Spinmaster (Miracle Adventure) Data East ???? 1993

Stakes Winner (Stakes Winner: GI Kinzen Seihae no Michi) Saurus ???? 1995-10-27

Stakes Winner 2 Saurus ???? 1996-12-13

Street Hoop / Street Slam (Dunk Dream) Data East ???? 1994-12-09

Strikers 1945 Plus Psikyo ???? 1999

Super Dodge Ball (Kunio no Nekketsu Tōkyū Densetsu) Technos ???? 1996

Super Sidekicks (Tokuten-ō) SNK SNK 1992

Super Sidekicks 2: The World Championship (Tokuten-ō 2: Real Fight Football) SNK SNK 1994-05-27

Super Sidekicks 3: The Next Glory (Tokuten-ō 3: Eikō-e no Michi) SNK SNK 1995-04-07

The Super Spy SNK SNK 1990

Shōgi No Tatsujin – Master of Syougi ADK ???? 1995-10-13

Tecmo World Soccer ’96 Tecmo ???? 1996

Thrash Rally ADK ???? 1991-12-20

Top Hunter: Roddy & Cathy SNK SNK 1994-06-24

Top Player’s Golf SNK SNK 1990

Twinkle Star Sprites ADK ???? 1996

The Ultimate 11: SNK Football Championship (SNK Football Championship Tokuten-ō: Honō no Libero) SNK SNK 1996-12-20

V-Liner Brezzasoft (unlicensed) 2001

Viewpoint Sammy ???? 1992-12-11

Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer (Chōjin Gakuen Gowcaizer) Technos ???? 1995-10-20

Waku Waku 7 Sunsoft ???? 1996-12-27

Windjammers (Flying Power Disc) Data East ???? 1994-04-08

World Heroes ADK ???? 1992-09-11

World Heroes 2 ADK ???? 1993-06-04

World Heroes 2 Jet ADK ???? 1994-06-10

World Heroes Perfect ADK ???? 1995-06-30

Zed Blade (Operation Ragnarok) NMK ???? 1994

Zupapa! Face / SNK SNK 2001