Tag: Neo Geo AES+

  • DOOM Neo Geo AES progress: closer than ever

    DOOM Neo Geo AES progress: closer than ever

    Key Takeaway

    – DOOM is highly portable, but the Neo Geo AES struggles due to its 2D sprite-focused architecture, making 3D rendering difficult.
    – Simple raycasting is possible on the Neo Geo using sprite-scaling tricks, but early versions ran at only 8 FPS.
    – The DoomGeo project has expanded the port to include a full DOOM-style HUD, monsters, weapons, and gameplay elements.
    – The modding community rapidly took on the challenge after MVG’s proof-of-concept, proving “impossible” ports are often achievable.

    The Eternal Porting of DOOM

    Over the yers, classic DOOM has been ported over to a variety of devices ranging from thermal printers, calculators, smart fridges, pregnancy tests, and more. It ushered in a renaissance of the “can it run DOOM?” meme era, which continues to this day, and it does so for good reason. It’s because id Software’s 1993 FPS shooter is incredibly portable. However, one machine has resisted attempts at a DOOM port: SNK’s 1990 Neo Geo AES.

    Hardware Limitations and Possibilities

    The Neo Geo AES packed some extremely powerful hardware for the ’90s, with its 68000 CPU and advanced sprite hardware for 2D games and shooters. Theoretically, the Neo Geo AES should run DOOM with relative ease. However, in practice, its architecture makes rendering 3D environments cumbersome. This insight comes from veteran retro YouTuber Modern Vintage Gamer (MVG), who explained it clearly in a recent video: “DOOM runs on everything. Well, almost everything. The SNK Neo Geo AES console is a 2D sprite-pushing beast, but when it comes to 3D, it’s not architected to handle it. However, with some hardware tricks, it IS possible to build a simple raycaster that runs on Neo Geo hardware, but does this mean DOOM is possible?”

    A Raycaster at 8 Frames Per Second

    MVG used the Neo Geo’s sprite-scaling ability to create environments from vertically stretched sprites for walls, floors, ceilings, corridors, and nothing more, which rendered at around 8 frames per second. MVG further stated in his video, “I don’t want to say it’s impossible, because as soon as you say that something is impossible, the gauntlet has been thrown down.” The modding community took on the DOOM Neo Geo AES port challenge almost immediately.

    The Gauntlet is Picked Up

    On June 7, MVG woke up, checked X, and was shocked. He wrote on X: “Wow, my Neo Geo raycaster has been modified to push Doom-like gameplay through the hardware. Another step closer to Neo Geo DOOM!” He also posted an update video on YouTube, complimenting the team behind the project. The gauntlet has been picked up by the DoomGeo project, which has expanded what’s possible on the hardware while respecting its limitations.

    What the DoomGeo Project Achieved

    The developers have managed to add a full DOOM-style HUD with status bar, Doomguy’s mugshot, ammo counters, the BFG, monsters, and much more. This is still running on original Neo Geo AES hardware with no modifications, just clever programming to squeeze 3D through a 2D sprite-pushing beast.

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  • Neo Geo AES+ PreordersFace Delays in U.S. Due to High Demand

    Neo Geo AES+ PreordersFace Delays in U.S. Due to High Demand

    Key Takeaway

    1. Pre-orders for the Neo Geo AES+ are currently only available on Amazon in the U.S. and Canada due to delays caused by tax registration processes.
    2. The standard edition is priced at $249.99, with a special Anniversary Edition bundle at $349.99, and is expected to ship by November 12, 2026.
    3. The Neo Geo AES+ Ultimate Edition, exclusive to REPLAI, is priced at $1,000 and includes multiple accessories, but cannot be purchased via Amazon until tax processes are completed.
    4. Unanticipated high demand in the first 24 hours exceeded initial sales projections, affecting the availability timeline.

    Upcoming Reproduction of Neo Geo AES+

    Many old school gaming fans had their eyes on the new Neo Geo AES+ by Plaion Replai and SNK, but things ain’t go so smooth with preorders. The re-launch that supports original and new cartridges just not easy to buy from their main site in U.S. and Canada right now. Fans are a bit frustrated because they can’t make the pre-order they want with ease.

    Community Reactions and Updates

    Reacting fast, Plaion shared a quick update on social media platform x explaining that most people should try pre-ordering from Amazon since the direct site has some tax registration issues due to high interest. These legal hurdles are to do with different state taxes in the U.S., and company’s hoping things will be settled by the end of May.

    Pricing and Available Editions

    At the moment, Amazon seems to be the primary option for North American fans. The black standard AES+ is priced at $249.99. For those wanting a special package, the Anniversary Edition comes with a wireless arcade stick and a Metal Slug cartridge for $349.99. Delivery is expected by November 12, 2026, and all cartridges plus accessories like extra controllers and memory cards are readily available including prime shipping.

    Exclusive and Special Editions

    • The Neo Geo AES+ Ultimate Edition (UE) costs a hefty $1,000 and is a REPLAI-exclusive. It’s a limited factory-numbered package that contains wired and wireless arcade sticks, a wireless gamepad, a memory card, and a custom rack for ten re-release cartridges.
    • Because the UE isn’t on Amazon, the company advises fans waiting for this version to hold on until U.S. tax procedures are settled.

    Surprising Sales Success

    It seems like the initial orders, especially during the first 24 hours, were way more than expected. Quite a few people went ahead and pre-ordered the console, and sales even outpaced what Plaion initially forecasted for the year. The enthusiastic response is clear — retro gaming is definitely making a comeback.

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  • FPGA Developer Calls Plaion’s NeoGeo AES+ a “Bait and Switch”

    FPGA Developer Calls Plaion’s NeoGeo AES+ a “Bait and Switch”

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Neo Geo AES+ is a modern, hardware-accurate reproduction of the original 1990s console, using custom ASIC chips instead of emulation or FPGA-based solutions.
    2. Support from notable FPGA developers suggests the project aims to surpass emulation quality, but there are debates about whether ASIC-based hardware is truly superior.
    3. Concerns have been raised that the use of ASIC chips may limit updateability, leading to skepticism about the long-term flexibility and authenticity of the console.

    Neo Geo AES+ Rebirth Set for 2026

    Mark the calendar for November 13, 2026, because the Neo Geo AES+ is plan to make its comeback with a modern twist, kinda like the original 1990s home console but with updated features. You can pre-order now, with the classic black edition costing around $250, and if you like that white anniversary look, that’s priced a bit higher. Honestly, it looks just like the old one from the outside, but underneath, things are quite different, even with some hints that it might use FPGA cores instead of the typical ASIC chips.

    Specification and Hardware Details

    Most importantly, Plaion clearly said that the Neo Geo AES+ isn’t just an emulation or a simplified FPGA version. They’ve gone as far as developing special new ASIC chips that are meant to perfectly imitate the hardware and software of the original console. This isn’t a cheap clone, but a serious effort to recreate every detail from scratch, or so they say.

    Although Plaion did not originally reveal their team working on the project, well-known FPGA experts like Jotego and Furrtek have been involved, making sure things are on the right track with the custom ASICs. This is pretty significant because these names have a solid reputation in the retro gaming chip scene, giving some confidence that this recreated console might really come close to the real deal.

    Expert Opinions and Industry Insights

    Furrtek, who’s been recognized for creating tools like the Neo CD SD Loader and the Fusion Converter, expressed his excitement about the Neo Geo AES+. His post, which has now been deleted, stated, “The Neo Geo AES+ has every chance of being the best since SNK stopped making hardware. It might not be perfect, but it aims to outperform simple emulation, uphold the brand, and respect us fans.”

    What he meant by “better,” is that this new hardware could do a lot more than just run software via emulation. However, some critics remain skeptical about whether this hardware approach actually surpasses emulation, and whether it justifies the hype, especially considering the price and effort involved.

    Controversy Over FPGA vs ASIC Approaches

    An FPGA developer, Pramod Somashekar, voiced concerns about what he calls a “bait and switch.” He explained on social media that what’s happening might be a simple MiSTer core, but split across multiple ASICs instead of running on a single FPGA. His main worry is about upgradability — since ASICs are hard-wired and immutable once made, unlike FPGAs, which can be reprogrammed to fix errors or improve features later down the line. So, if this hardware has a flaw, there isn’t much you can do about it, he argued.

    Despite the controversy, the Neo Geo AES+ will be able to run both original cartridges and recent re-releases. It includes HDMI support for the latest TVs, and also supports retro displays via RGB, composite video, stereo sound, and region switches. Still, whether it can meet the high standards of the now very competitive retro gaming scene remains to be seen, especially in light of such questions from the community.

    On the bright side, Furrtek is no stranger to the scene, and Jotego has earned respect for contributions to the FPGA community, giving fans some hope that this project might deliver on its promises despite the debates around hardware design choices.

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