SNK and Plaion Replai have announced the NeoGeo AES+, a recreation of SNK's iconic Neo Geo AES home console launching November 12. Rather than relying on software emulation or FPGA technology like most modern retro consoles, the AES+ uses ASIC chips identical to the original hardware, making it a true recreation of the classic system.

The console will be compatible with both original AES cartridges and newly manufactured ones, preserving backward compatibility with decades-old games. Every AES+ unit includes a recreation of the original arcade stick, and the system supports 1080p video via HDCP-enabled HDMI with low-latency output, alongside legacy RCA connections. A new memory card slot eliminates the battery requirement that plagued the original design.

Three editions are available at launch. The standard black NeoGeo AES+ costs $249.99, while the Anniversary Edition ($349.99) adds a memory card, wireless arcade stick dongle, and a Metal Slug cartridge in white. The Ultimate Edition ($999.99) bundles all 10 launch titles and wireless dongles for both arcade stick and gamepad.

The launch library includes 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, and Over Top—all available as separate cartridge purchases.

The Neo Geo was revolutionary when it debuted in April 1990, offering something competitors couldn't: arcade-perfect home versions. SNK achieved this by using nearly identical hardware for both its MVS arcade cabinets and AES home console. This meant fighting games and shooters on AES maintained the same framerate, graphics, and feel as their arcade counterparts, eliminating the compromises typical of console ports during that era. The AES memory card even let players transfer high scores between home and arcade cabinets.

This new AES+ represents a different approach to retro gaming preservation—one that prioritizes hardware authenticity over emulation convenience, appealing to purists who value original architecture and genuine cartridge compatibility.