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The Neo-Geo is a video game system made by a Japanese company named SNK, first released in Japan in 1990.

Tremendous memory capacity

Neo-Geo can hold more frames of animation and more sound for immediate access at a single time than any other games system. CD-based systems like the Dreamcast can only hold a limited amount of data in their RAM at a given time, whilst the Neo-Geo has a direct ROM access system within its huge cartridges that allow for virtually limitless amounts of memory to be used at any time. The Neo-Geo CD system also has a large amount of RAM capacity to draw upon.

The Neo-Geo has almost no 3-D capabilities. How is it able to stay alive in the 3-D world of today then? The large amount of  RAM within the system allows plenty of 2-D and pre-rendered 3-D animation. Also, the Neo-Geo has a very loyal following of fans. Many have fallen in love with SNK's older style of 2-D sprite-based games. Because the system has a very loyal, but mostly small following, some people refer to it as a "cult system".

Sound

In 1990 when the system was released, it was noted for its impressive sound capabilities. The system has 15 sound channels, 7 of which are devoted to speech. These days when better sound processors are available, such as that found in the Sega Saturn, the Neo-Geo's music is somewhat an acquired taste. 

Why is the system so expensive?

A more appropriate question would be, "Why WAS the system so expensive?". It did originally cost up to and including $650 US! This is because the Neo-Geo was by far the premium system. It had a huge memory capacity which increased the price substantially.

"Parallel Processing"

Parallel processing is a technology that allows one system to utilize two separate CPUs (Central Processing Units) to create one amazing experience. Neo-Geo has one 16-bit 68000 CPU and an 8-bit Z8OA CPU. So how many "bits" is Neo-Geo?

The most correct statement you could make about the Neo-Geo is, "The Neo-Geo has two CPUs. One is 8-bit and the other is 16-bit." There you have it, parallel processing, one of the major technologies that makes the Neo-Geo such a high-power and high-priced unit.

Neo-Geo system specifications

CPU: Z8OA, 68000
Work RAM: Z80(2K), 68000(64K)
Colors Displayed: 65,536 color palette; 4,096 colors displayed at one time.
Character Capacity: 64 M
Sprite Size: 16X512-1X2
Number of Sprites: 380
Sound Function: 15 sound channels, 7 devoted to real speech
Direct Rom Access Capability: 330

A multitude of formats

The Neo-Geo system is available in several different formats. There are lots of different ways to play Neo-Geo games. 

Neo Geo Cartridge

Here is the most basic version of the Neo-Geo system. This Neo-Geo system connects to your TV. It plays very large cartridges. The cartridges can cost as much as USD300, or as little as USD20 brand new. It all depends on how old the game is and also how rare it is. The system comes with large, sturdy joysticks. It also has an optional memory card that you can use to save your games.

Neo Geo CD

A few years after the home system was released, this less expensive alternative was made available. Since the games are on CDs instead of cartridges, the games are much less expensive to manufacture, and this means a much lower price for the consumers. Not only are the games less expensive because they're on CDs, but many titles also have great remixed soundtracks. However, three big problems exist with the Neo-Geo CD system:

1.) Loading time! The CD games can take more than 30 seconds to load at a time!
2.) Some Neo-Geo titles are never released in CD format.
3.) The games simply aren't exactly the same as their arcade counterparts. (Unlike the cartridge games, which are identical to the arcade versions.) Sometimes a few sound effects and frames of animation are removed.

The systems come with some nifty little thumb pads. The thumb pads are superior to those found on most other systems, but most Neo-Geo players prefer the original joysticks (which also work on the CD system).

Neo Geo CDZ

The Neo-Geo CDZ is exactly the same as the original CD system, except for the fact that it loads quite a bit faster. This is achieved through the addition of extra buffer RAM that allows for less wasted access time from the CD.

MVS (Multi-Video System)

MVS stands for Multi-Video System. This machine is intended for commercial use in arcades. You may have played one before in an arcade, then you've played Neo-Geo. The arcade versions are identical to their Neo-Geo home versions.

The MVS systems come in many different styles. They can hold anywhere between 1-6 different games for the player to select from at one time. (Shown above is the 2-slot version.) 2-slot systems or above have headphone jacks on them and a place to insert your memory card (It uses the same memory card used on the home system). Some of the machines are equipped with large stereo speakers, and the size of the screen can vary.

The MVS system uses different cartridges than the home cartridge system. Usually MVS cartridges are substantially less expensive, but harder to find.

Hyper Neo-Geo 64 Cartridge for arcade machines

The Hyper Neo-Geo 64 is only available as an arcade machine right now. Unlike the original Neo-Geo, the HNG64 is built to support 3-D software. It's much newer (first released in 1997). Very few games have been released for it so far. Among them are Samurai Shodown 64, Road's Edge, Beast Busters, and Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition. So far the system has only been doing well among a small crowd of Neo-Geo fans. The response to such games like Samurai Shodown 64 was much smaller than what SNK was expecting.

Neo Geo Pocket

The portable Neo-Geo. The original version has an 8-tone black & white LCD screen and a newer color version of the system is also available. It is able to exchange game data with Sega's Dreamcast and allows for a totally new interactive experience when you connect your Neo-Geo Pocket with your Dreamcast!

Like the Hyper Neo-Geo 64, the Neo-Geo Pocket does not play the same games as the original Neo-Geo systems. It plays its own pocket-sized cartridges.

Quick Answers

"Whats the difference between a Neo Geo home system and a Neo Geo Gold?"

Neo-Geo Gold is the term used for the home system in the past that comes with 2 huge joysticks, most of the system you'll come across come with just one joystick, called Neo-Geo silver.

"Whats the difference between a Neo CD and a CDZ?"

CDZ is the faster version of the Neo-Geo CD but it's not very reliable and cost much more, going single speed is recommended if you have to get NGCD. Given the fact that the system is already dead and new games simply can't fit into the system due to memory constraint, try to avoid NGCD in the first place.

[ History of SNK ][ Official Farewell Message ]

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