Neo Geo AES+: SNK and PLAION resurrect the legendary console, without emulation, with real chips
She's back. Thirty-five years after its launch in 1990, the Neo Geo AES is making its great comeback, and not in the form of a low-cost mini console with emulation. SNK and PLAION REPLAI announced on April 16, 2026 the Neo Geo AES+, an authentic hardware renaissance that refuses all compromises mis.
🕹️ No emulation, real chips
This is the point that radically distinguishes AES+ from everything we've seen in recent years. The machine uses neither software emulation nor FPGA. It is powered by re-engineered ASIC chips based on the originals, the Motorola 68000 and Zilog Z80A from the original console, manufactured to modern standards. The official slogan sums it all up: “No Emulation, No Compromise, No Comparison.” >In practice, this means that AES+ plays games exactly like the original console from the 90s, with the same precision, the same behavior, the same timings. And the icing on the cake: it is backwards compatible with all original AES cartridges. Your 90s collection works right.
📺 Modern additions welcome
The original Neo Geo was designed for CRT TVs. AES+ adds what is needed for 2026 without betraying the original spirit:
- HDMI 1080p low-latency, output for modern displays
- Classic AV out, for CRT purists
- DIP Switchesen front, language, overclock, display modes
- Permanent save of high scores for each game
📦 Editions and prices
Three editions are offered, all with delivery e November 12, 2026:
- Standard, console + wired arcade stick: $249.99 / 179, £99 / €199.99
- 35th Anniversary Edition (white), console + white wireless arcade stick + Memory Card + Metal Slug: $349.99
- Ultimate Edition, all of the above + 10 games + game rack: $1,000
The games are sold separately in cartridges at approximately £69.99/$90each. The first units will be numbered at the factory, a collector's care.
🏆 Why it's huge
The original Neo Geo cost $649 at launch in 1990, over $1,500 in current value. Each cartridge was worth $200. It was the console of kings, the one that offered perfect arcade ports when the SNES and Mega Drive delivered restricted versions. Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, Samurai Shodown, The King of Fighters, Metal Slug, entire franchises born on this hardware.
At $250, AES+ finally puts this level of authenticity within everyone's reach. Pre-orders are open now at plaionreplai.com and plaionreplai.us. >Sources: Time Extension, RetroRGB, PLAION Press