Neo Geo Buying/Collecting Advise

[Whippet777]

Not sure if this is the right place for something like this (sorry if it isn’t) but seems to be a lot of Neo Geo love here.

I’ve always enjoyed Neo Geo games over the years and usually end up with the ports of the games but have always wanted the original hardware and software for a purist experience (owning one was a pure 90’s pipe dream as a kid). So looking for advise on what to go for as theres lots of different options/versions and varying levels of quality and cost.

AES looks amazing love the look of it but heard theres issues with connecting to things like retrotink 5x (id be using that and at other times a Sony PVM). The cost of some games are just not feasible though.

I’ve seen some MVS systems consolised in the style of the AES which I’m tempted by and the cost of MVS games are much more my budget. Seen some on ebay and AliX.

Read lots of bad things about the NeoGeoX Gold machine and the arcade stick feels cheap and light. Assuming the original stick is best way to play and still stands up well today.

One day when I have the space a MVS cab would also be the dream.

Sorry for longwinded question but what set up do you guys have/recommend/what to avoid etc?

*Huge Metal Slug fan and also fighting games and shoot em ups.

 

[mysticmonk]

I'd say the easiest entry is a consolised mvs 1 slot, or get a supergun that you can then connect to a 1 slot.

Mvs and aes are identical as far as I know, may as well go for the cheaper option.

 

[Lastspaceship]

Supergun + plus 1 slot (Mv1F etc) + CRT + MVS games is one way, and a path to getting a cab later. You can get little cases for the 1 slots (I think it's Lions3 who did the one I have). Add the kidney bean controllers. It's a bit of investment (you got a PVM already) but probably one of the cheapest ways to get into running OG hardware on a desk and super cool once you get it running. The consoled ones basically do this but but neater, the advantage of a supergun is you aren't limited to NeoGeo games. One watch out is the one slots often do get issues like z80 errors (at least for me) so can be a bit flakey.

 

[CMYKhazi-Dan]

Not sure if this is the right place for something like this (sorry if it isn’t) but seems to be a lot of Neo Geo love here.

I’ve always enjoyed Neo Geo games over the years and usually end up with the ports of the games but have always wanted the original hardware and software for a purist experience (owning one was a pure 90’s pipe dream as a kid). So looking for advise on what to go for as theres lots of different options/versions and varying levels of quality and cost.

AES looks amazing love the look of it but heard theres issues with connecting to things like retrotink 5x (id be using that and at other times a Sony PVM). The cost of some games are just not feasible though.

I’ve seen some MVS systems consolised in the style of the AES which I’m tempted by and the cost of MVS games are much more my budget. Seen some on ebay and AliX.

Read lots of bad things about the NeoGeoX Gold machine and the arcade stick feels cheap and light. Assuming the original stick is best way to play and still stands up well today.

One day when I have the space a MVS cab would also be the dream.

Sorry for longwinded question but what set up do you guys have/recommend/what to avoid etc?

*Huge Metal Slug fan and also fighting games and shoot em ups.

Hello! I’m in BH21 and have MVS setup and various stuff to try out if you want to 👍

I tried to not make it sound weird but not sure I succeeded! 🤣

 

[Max...]

Unless you are very wealthy or are willing just to use 120-1/161-1 or conversion carts then stick to MVS.

Personally I much prefer it anyway, I love the idea of using actual arcade hardware but in a 'cartridge' semi-console format. Plus with MVS (and a Unibios) you get so many options to play how you want - AES or arcade (MVS) mode.

MVS carts are still reasonable but gone up a lot in past years - like many I'm very lucky to have put together a collection about 15 - 20 years ago in the Jamma+ days when they were mostly around £10 to £30 each. They were so cheap back then.

As for which board - I like the four slots but mine has gone bad and they are pricey now. I think the 2 slot is the sweet spot - and super practical as you get the DB15s, memory card reader, headphone out - all on the board.

The MV1C especially is tiny, super cute and simple and as above ideal for consolizing. Very easy with the AliX connectors - all the soldering you really need is just the stereo mod. I'm making a base/top for mine now in bamboo (Ikea!) but the 1 slots do have issues too - especially the blooming back up battery drain which is a PITA to get to the bottom of.....

As mentioned in another NG topic this week I would consider a Jamma loom/supergun type approach as it's very universal but it is nice to have a consolized 2 slot - mine below 15 years old now, I kept the bare steel cover rather than paint it as I just like the whole industrial look.

 

[K1ngarth3r]

If you have the budget, go for the AES and collect the original games. They hold their value well if you ever want to witch to MVS down the line.

 

[chubsta]

If you have the budget, go for the AES and collect the original games. They hold their value well if you ever want to witch to MVS down the line.

I agree, it’s not really spending money if the value remains the same or increases, effectively it’s no different to having money in the bank. Of course if prices crash you are stuck but even then I can’t see them ever dropping too far.

 

[Lastspaceship]

I agree, it’s not really spending money if the value remains the same or increases, effectively it’s no different to having money in the bank. Of course if prices crash you are stuck but even then I can’t see them ever dropping too far.

I think you need to be on speed dial for everyone having the 'wtf is that chat' 😆

 

[2DForever]

Personally I’d say go for an MVS as they’re more affordable, basically the same as the AES and I get a kick out of actual arcade hardware. You can get consolised ones that look like the AES if you want as well. And then one day maybe stick it in a cab!

AES consoles are lovely, of course. But the price of the games are 2, 3, 4x more than MVS carts. You can however run MVS carts on an AES with a converter cart in between them.

The NeoGeo X and MVSX is a waste of time, they’re just a naff emulation machines which I feel defeats the purpose.

 

[battlechasers]

i have a boxed UK AES console and have Aliexpress connector to convert the tv signal. My games are a mix of AES and MVS carts, which I use a Furrtek adapter for. Im looking for a 1slot consolised MVS board with a UK plug ( most i have seen come with an EU 2 pin) to save wear on the AES console as the UK ones are very hard to come buy boxed.

 

[CMYKhazi-Dan]

I once saw a boxed UK Neo Geo AES in a charity shop window in Poole in 2009 on a Sunday but it was closed.

Looking back, I should’ve taken the Monday off 😭

 

[neoretro]

I don’t think the Neo Geo X Golds are anywhere near as bad as people make out.

I have one and I’d probably notice these days. But seeing as you don’t have any frame of reference, you’d probably not notice most of the things people complain about. The units look really nice, the hand held element is great and is has a shed load of the best games on there if you buy the expansion pack. (Although not Neo Turf Masters)

MVS is cheaper than AES but still 30/40 notes to play footy games.

The big hitters are much cheaper. But Fatal Fury, AOF and whatever can all be had for £45 on the AES. If you want Metal Slug X onwards you’re still paying 3 figures a game.

Give the X a try and see how you get on. If you do go down the AES or MVS route. Let me know and I’ll see what I have doubles of (not sure it’s much these days if any)

 

[neoretro]

I agree, it’s not really spending money if the value remains the same or increases, effectively it’s no different to having money in the bank. Of course if prices crash you are stuck but even then I can’t see them ever dropping too far.

Not sure I’d subscribe to this. At the top end, yea the games are holding or going up. But if the OP has financial considerations it’s unlikely they’ll be buying games over £250.

Theres so many of them under that on eBay listed im not sure how quickly they’d sell at bought price.

 

[Whippet777]

Appreciate all the advise guys, it’s actually really helpful. I think MVS is the way forward although hadn’t thought of getting an AES console with a MVS adapter that could be a good option so can have the best of both

 

[battlechasers]

i bought the Furrtek adapter directly from the person who makrs rhem. He makes them in batches of 30 at a time and they seem highly sought after as they quickly sell out. They come without a case, so its just 2 bare boards screwed together, but he gave me the stl files to 3d print the case myself. I believe they are now on his website to download.

 

[2DForever]

Appreciate all the advise guys, it’s actually really helpful. I think MVS is the way forward although hadn’t thought of getting an AES console with a MVS adapter that could be a good option so can have the best of both

Sounds like a good plan to me
Before you start buying, can I offer some advice: Check the carts before buying! There are a lot of bootlegs and it can be difficult to tell, but if you do a bit of research first it becomes easier to spot a fake. You might already know this, but a few links in case you or anyone else finds it useful:

• MVS Scans: An extremely useful place to check the boards against. I always do a quick check to see if the board matches any of the scans before purchases.
• Fighting Bootlegs: A great guide on how to spot a bootleg
• MVS board types: A list of available MVS boards and what different versions offer.

Hopefully they're of some use to you or others. Happy shopping!

 

[Whippet777]

Sounds like a good plan to me
Before you start buying, can I offer some advice: Check the carts before buying! There are a lot of bootlegs and it can be difficult to tell, but if you do a bit of research first it becomes easier to spot a fake. You might already know this, but a few links in case you or anyone else finds it useful:

• MVS Scans: An extremely useful place to check the boards against. I always do a quick check to see if the board matches any of the scans before purchases.
• Fighting Bootlegs: A great guide on how to spot a bootleg
• MVS board types: A list of available MVS boards and what different versions offer.

Hopefully they're of some use to you or others. Happy shopping!

This is so useful! Thanks so much