SNK and PLAION REPLAI have officially unveiled the NEOGEO AES+, a modern revival of one of gaming’s most legendary home consoles. With pre-orders now live and a release date set for November 12, 2026, the system marks a major moment for retro enthusiasts, arriving just in time for the holiday season.

Unlike many retro re-releases, the NEOGEO AES+ is not built around emulation. Instead, it uses dedicated ASIC hardware designed to replicate the original system at a fundamental level. The goal is simple: deliver a true arcade-perfect experience that looks, feels, and plays exactly like the original. This approach also ensures full compatibility with original NEOGEO AES cartridges, making it an attractive option for collectors who still own classic games.

The original NEOGEO AES earned its reputation in the early ’90s as a premium console that brought uncompromised arcade experiences into the home. Its cartridges were significantly larger than those of competing systems at the time, with some titles surpassing 100MB—giving rise to the iconic “100 Mega Shock” branding. That same spirit of high-end, no-compromise gaming is at the core of the AES+.

While authenticity is the priority, the new hardware introduces a few modern upgrades. Players can connect via HDMI with low latency and enjoy output up to 1080p, while traditional AV output remains for CRT enthusiasts. The console also features built-in BIOS and DIP switch controls for adjusting region settings, performance tweaks, and display modes. Additional improvements include reduced power consumption and persistent high score saving.

At launch, the NEOGEO AES+ will be supported by a lineup of ten classic titles, including Metal Slug, The King of Fighters 2002, Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Samurai Shodown V Special, and Shock Troopers. More releases are expected to follow, forming a growing ecosystem of officially supported cartridges and accessories.

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of NEOGEO, an exclusive Anniversary Edition will also be available. This version features a striking white design and includes a wireless arcade stick, a memory card, and a special white edition of Metal Slug that won’t be sold separately.

In addition to the console itself, PLAION plans to release a full range of accessories, including updated versions of the classic arcade stick, memory card, and gamepad—all designed to closely match the original hardware while adding modern functionality.

With the NEOGEO AES+ already open for pre-orders, SNK and PLAION are aiming to bring back a piece of gaming history in a way that respects its legacy while making it more accessible to a new generation.

Souce: Press Release