Neo Geo system?? Whats the difference

[NiNteNdOKiDD80]

Im new to collection vintage systems i never owned before. I was looking for a nice Neo Geo system. I noticed some come gold and some come silver. Also some play some games others dont. Im not really sure on which system to get or why.
Can someone please throw me some information on the difference of the Neo-Geos and the price range and how good Neo-geo is and so on. If the games are great or watnot

looking for forward to hearing your info
Thanks :P

[furor]

http://www.neo-geo.com/

[Ed Oscuro]

LINKS ARE CHEAP, PHEWL! GET OUTTA MAH FOREM

;)

Well, the best answer is that Gold and Silver systems are just variations on the AES packaging. A Gold System originally came with one game (usually some early release rubbish, none of the really best titles on the system were released so early) and two joysticks, I'm not sure what the Silver system came with.

The real questions are:

Do you want MVS or AES? MVS has much cheaper cart pricing (Metal Slug is ACTUALLY AFFORDABLE on the MVS without taking out a loan) and much better video. There's not really a downside, unless you get a poorly made SuperGun to plug the MVS Jamma board into. You can even get six carts selectable at once!

The AES seems to do better video-wise in earlier serial numbers. That's something nfg.2y.net explains best (er, there's a link in there somewhere, and be warned oMG TEH BOOBAYS not work-friendly! Lolol!)

[Ed Oscuro]

Oh yeah, oops...AES carts are damn expensive. I've got a bunch, and my wallet is very empty.

The main reason I write this instead of wholeheartedly recommend the link Furor sends you to is that the AES video issue is something of a point of dishonesty among some AES users who want to dump their expensive stuff on an unsuspecting buyer, or so it seems (NFG Games Divison claims such, and I believe it). You really want to check out the MVS route. The weak link in going the MVS route is finding a good SuperGun (system that will let you play JAMMA PCBs -- including regular arcade game boards -- by plugging them in) can be difficult. I leave recommendations up to the other members of the Forum who know more about it than I do.

Yeah, Neo-Geo.com is a good site...it's just that I find other sites much better and more accessible. Maybe more forthcoming, too, but I haven't messed around enough to make that determination.

[ClubNinja]

Go MVS. Build yourself a Supergun, which is insanely less expensive than buying one pre-made (they're really not *that* difficult to construct.) The games are cheaper and the joy of doing it yourself is great for the warm and fuzzies. Here are a few examples:

http://www.gis.net/~bertulli/mvs.htm
(Mine, strictly MVS)

and

http://www.sgrepository.com/modules.php?set_albumName=captainwrong&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php
(Captain Wrong's, multi-purpose)

There are plenty of resources out there, as well as many right here at DP. I'd recommend doing a search for Supergun on the forums - you'll learn a lot and may end up converted.

[Big Shady]

http://www.neo-geo.com/
The Holy Grail of NEO GEO information

Main thing about AES gaming

1) EXPENSIVE, but very collectible
2) Games can be played on either JPN or USA
3) Either get JPN sys or modded USA cause you want blood and bouncing tits

Anymore questions, just ask and head over and join the www.neo-geo.com boards.

[NiNteNdOKiDD80]

So AES is more expensive and the mvs you gotta make yourself?..Also is AES have the better graphics.? Im looking to buy one soon need to decide asap. Thanks 8-)

[Ed Oscuro]

Neo Geo collecting is not a choice to be made quickly or without deep consideration. If you don't believe me, you're just looking to waste money like I did. Trust me, you don't want that. As I said...the games look nice, but the video quality on an AES doesn't look very nice, really. Not as nice as the arcades by a mile.

MVS you don't have to "make yourself," but the operations that make Superguns are more or less homebrew. There's some nice ones out there, though...wait and see what the forumers recommend.

[Packerfan66]

I'm really thinking about buying a NEO GEO in the near future just for Samurai Shodown 1 and 2. Could you tell me why you feel you wasted money Ed Oscuro? Know anywhere where I can get pictures to compare a same game AES picture with an MVS picture? Should I just wait for Samurai Shodown 5 for the PS2?

[Ed Oscuro]

http://nfg.2y.net/games/neorgb/
http://nfg.2y.net/games/neorgb2/

You could take these screenshots and imagine a monitor-perfect image such as you'd get on a Neo Geo cabinet. Your mileage will vary on home TVs and such of course, but if you could get a computer monitor...wooo

Also, you really want to have some second opinions on what you're going to buy in terms of hardware. I bought my Gold System back when I thought Gold Systems were really rare...nope, and I overpaid by a TON. Literally, I could've bought a whole ton of stuff with the money I wasted. Sellers won't let you know if they're overcharging you by a ton, either. Heh heh. So you've got to be careful.

[Achika]

You have to remember, that AES and MVS are essentially the same game, just "different formats"

AES- Home system, meant to be played on a standard TV through composite or RF signal. There is a S-Video mod that you can get. Games range anywhere from $20-1500+ for originals. Gold System, like Oscuro said, came with 2 controllers, system and one of the following games: Nam 1975, Baseball Stars, or Magician Lord. Silver, IIRC came with only 1 controller, no games. You can get a convertor to play MVS games in the AES, so that opens up another world of games, and gives you a bit of a price break. Carts can be "converted" so to speak, so an MVS game will be taken and converted to work on the AES. Otherwise, size is a factor and MVS carts will not fit in an AES without the convertor or converted itself. AES games will not work in a MVS set up.

MVS- The Arcade set up. These were meant to be played on RGB monitors, giving a higher res. The boards (jamma standard) came in 1, 2, 4, and 6 so that many carts could be inserted at once and the selection is made by the push of a button. Much less collectable, but games range in price from $10-$300-ish. As has been said previously, you can play these on a supergun which allows the JAMMA compatible (and others, perhaps with a mod) to play on your television through S-Vid, Composite, and RF by converting the signal from RGB.

I have both, but since I have the money to play, not collect Neo equipment, I find myself buying more MVS second hand carts that have been passed around numerous times with no case/manual/documentation.

[GameGuru]

Go MVS. Build yourself a Supergun, which is insanely less expensive than buying one pre-made (they're really not *that* difficult to construct.) The games are cheaper and the joy of doing it yourself is great for the warm and fuzzies. Here are a few examples:

http://www.gis.net/~bertulli/mvs.htm
(Mine, strictly MVS)

and

http://www.sgrepository.com/modules.php?set_albumName=captainwrong&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php
(Captain Wrong's, multi-purpose)

There are plenty of resources out there, as well as many right here at DP. I'd recommend doing a search for Supergun on the forums - you'll learn a lot and may end up converted.

Hmm, I think I would rather go AES over MVS. The reason is that if you go to all that trouble why not just play Neo Geo games on your X-Box. The AES is cool because you have the system and games.

[RCM]

I like the Neo Geo CDZ myself. Sure there are some load times during startup, but I feel that it is a good alternative to the AES and MVS. I only have a few titles but everything I've played seems pretty spot on with it's cartridge counterparts (besides the load times which aren't bad). I am not a huge SNK or Neo fan though. For me it is the best thing. I might pay $200 and up for my favorite game of all time, but not for a bunch of titles that I don't think are worthy. And yes, I've played tons of Neo Geo AES and MVS games! The audio and video quality are pretty good too. I have no complaints. The best part about the CDZ is that the games are so damn cheap. I picked up Samurai Showdown 2 brand new for $15 bucks not too long ago. I guess if you NEED to collect MVS and AES stuff then my little post is in vein, but if you just want to play the games get a CDZ! Experience the excitement of a double speed CD-ROM! Ha!

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[ubersaurus]

On Sam Sho 5, it's one of the best neo geo games to ever come out. If you're waiting for the ps2 one though, keep in mind it may not get released over here at all. Although it hasn't been announced, I'm expecting an Xbox port to come out sooner or later-it's just a matter of if I can wait that long. 5 is a REALLY sweet game.

[NiNteNdOKiDD80]

The infomation as been good are there really neo games that cost 1500 dollars? Thats pretty nuts. I would never spend that no a single game. Also wondering what those little fruits mean undearneath your name

[ubersaurus]

Both Metal Slug and Kizuna Encounter run for about a grand or more each, due to the very small amounts of them existing on the home system. Both games are rather easy to find in the arcade format, though. From one horrible twist of fate, my friend used to own both of them, and when he sold all his neo stuff, I never thought to try and get them :embarrassed:

[buttasuperb]

Hmm, I think I would rather go AES over MVS. The reason is that if you go to all that trouble why not just play Neo Geo games on your X-Box. The AES is cool because you have the system and games.

Trust me from a money standpoint, you'd wanna go mvs even if the initial hassle is higher. Almost every game is cheaper on mvs, and there are games that weren't even released on aes.

A few examples:

Metal Slug - MVS 50, AES 1000+
Kizuna Encounter - MVS 50+, AES 600+
Ninja Master's - MVS 50+, AES 600+
Samurai Shodown 4 - MVS 40, AES 250
Blazing Star - MVS 40, AES 600+
Pulstar - MVS 40, AES 500+

the list can go on for awhile. keep in mind those prices are for the jpn versions of both, us versions are almost always more expensive.

Here's a couple MVS only games

Neo Drift Out (one of my favorite racers ever)
Shock Troopers 2

There are more, I just can't think of them.

[ubersaurus]

If I could find a 6 slot neo I'd drag that sucker into my basement so fast...I remember a few years back, the mall arcade was selling one for 200 bucks. I really, really wish I had a job back then, cuz it was nice. Even came with strikers 1945 plus!

[rbudrick]

MVS- The Arcade set up. These were meant to be played on RGB monitors, giving a higher res


OK, so the MVS has better video quality (when using RGB), but higher resolution? Wha?

Also, can the AES be modded for RGB (you mentioned S-Video)? My understanding is that RGB is better than S-video, right?

-Rob

[NiNteNdOKiDD80]

i was wondering if this was a good Mvs Arcade system to buy this guy lives 10 minutes from me. Any thoughts on this??
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3270159399&indexURL=0#ebayphotohosting

[Ed Oscuro]

He's catching some views through using "6-slot" in his title, that's for sure...it seems to me that eBay drives the price of arcade games up, but that will depend, If there's no other way to get arcade machines in your area (do check your phonebook and the internet), this might be the only reasonably priced MVS you'll see in a while (well, reasonably priced if you consider that lower priced stuff farther away will cost you a good deal to ship out...unless you go pick it up).

I don't want to say a bunch on this, but that 1-slot board is going to keep you changing carts a good deal. Check out the prices on eBay for loose boards that hold more games.

That said, right now $300+ doesn't seem outrageous to me. Some folks pick up Neo Geo cabs for $50, sometimes free probably...but regional availability is something to consider.

[Ze_ro]

http://www.sgrepository.com/modules.php?set_albumName=
captainwrong&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Argh! Enormous link! @_@

Please people, take the time to learn how to link using BBCode (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/faq.php?mode=bbcode#8)... using enormously long links screws up the page formatting, and forces browsers to scroll horizontally.

Not only does BBCode let you avoid messed up page rendering, but it lets you use actual hyperlinks to hide ugly URL's.

--Zero

[vincewy]

Hmm, I think I would rather go AES over MVS. The reason is that if you go to all that trouble why not just play Neo Geo games on your X-Box. The AES is cool because you have the system and games.

Trust me from a money standpoint, you'd wanna go mvs even if the initial hassle is higher. Almost every game is cheaper on mvs, and there are games that weren't even released on aes.

A few examples:

Metal Slug - MVS 50, AES 1000+
Kizuna Encounter - MVS 50+, AES 600+
Ninja Master's - MVS 50+, AES 600+
Samurai Shodown 4 - MVS 40, AES 250
Blazing Star - MVS 40, AES 600+
Pulstar - MVS 40, AES 500+

the list can go on for awhile. keep in mind those prices are for the jpn versions of both, us versions are almost always more expensive.

Here's a couple MVS only games

Neo Drift Out (one of my favorite racers ever)
Shock Troopers 2

There are more, I just can't think of them.

Nick:

Neo Driftout also comes out on Neo Geo CD, Shock Troopers 2 is also published on Neo-Geo AES, Japanese version only.

Another side note, SNK PLaymore has started publishing games without MVS format (the arcade game now uses Jamma boards), first game using this is SVC Chaos, next Jamma game with AES release may be KOF 2K3, while Samurai 5 and Metal Slug 5 retain MVS format, it'll be very confusing for collectors and newbies.

If you're budget conscious and want to collect AES games, you're 5 years too late, I started collecting in mid 90s as gamer, really got serious about it in late 90s and got almost all rare titles under $400 or at standard retail prices, even that cost me 5 digit. Even with current economy, many rare games fetch over $1000 if the condition is prestine.

[ubersaurus]

...KOF 2k3 already came out on MVS carts.

Only neo game that didn't was SNK vs Capcom.

[Achika]

MVS- The Arcade set up. These were meant to be played on RGB monitors, giving a higher res


OK, so the MVS has better video quality (when using RGB), but higher resolution? Wha?

Also, can the AES be modded for RGB (you mentioned S-Video)? My understanding is that RGB is better than S-video, right?

-Rob

Sorry, I didn't mean so much the games themselves, but more in the terms of arcade hardware was meant to be played on RGB monitors, which, from what I understand do have a higher resolution than standard TVs.

[buttasuperb]

Nick:

Neo Driftout also comes out on Neo Geo CD, Shock Troopers 2 is also published on Neo-Geo AES, Japanese version only.

My bad, I meant shock troopers 1.

Neo CD doesn't count. :)

[D-Lite]

Looks like I'm a little late to the Neo Geo Q&A session.

First of all, I'm not sure if it's clear yet, but there is technically no difference between the MVS and AES systems except for the cartridge format. The game code and hardware internals are identical. You can take the ROM chips from an AES game and stick them in an MVS cart and play it on an Arcade setup. Video from an AES is composite only natively, but you can get S-Video and RGB by a relatively simple mod. MVS can also be made to output composite, S-Video, and RGB.

As for which format is better for the gamer there is no question that MVS is the bigger collection (more exclusive releases) and also by FAR cheaper. You can get a Metal Slug on MVS for about $50-70, but will cost you $1500-2500 for the AES. Realize that MANY MVS carts were produced and got beat up in the arcades so they can be had for cheap!

To set-up yourself for MVS, you'd be best to get a supergun (cost about $200 to buy from someone or slightly cheaper to make yourself) and a 1-slot board ($100-150). Yes, the initial cost is higher than AES (loose AES deck and setup can be gotten for $150-200 easily), but the cost of one game on MVS vs AES will quickly make up for that. You can buy a "consolized" MVS system that is the supergun and MVS board all in one from several members at Neo-Geo.com for about $400-500 depending on how many slots. Be sure to get the UniBios 1.3 installed as it acts like a GameShark with many codes built in. Cool stuff.

But to echo the words of Ed O., Neo-Geo is not a system to start collecting/playing lightly. The games are very high quality as evidenced by the fact that SNK (Playmore) still supports the format 14-years later, but also very expensive. The NG fans are probably the most avid/rabid/crazy in all of video game history. And it's contagious (D-Lite says after 2+ years of spending ungodly amounts of $$$ on complete MVS kits and AES carts)

[D-Lite]

Oh, and one other thing.

If you want the Neo-Geo experience but lack the minimum $200 to buy in, get a Neo Geo Pocket! Awesome freakin' games, some better than their Neo Geo AES/MVS counterpart!

[Ed Oscuro]

Awesome freakin' games, some better than their Neo Geo AES/MVS counterpart!

That is a strong statement :)

However, SNK vs. Capcom has some awesome minigames. Yes, the NGPC has very good titles, but they're geared towards handheld gaming. SNK may not have done well in handhelds, but they did understand how to make handheld games.

NGPC titles seem to be currently rather depressed in price...if anybody wants to collect these games, now would be the time.

[D-Lite]

Awesome freakin' games, some better than their Neo Geo AES/MVS counterpart!

That is a strong statement :)

However, SNK vs. Capcom has some awesome minigames. Yes, the NGPC has very good titles, but they're geared towards handheld gaming. SNK may not have done well in handhelds, but they did understand how to make handheld games.

NGPC titles seem to be currently rather depressed in price...if anybody wants to collect these games, now would be the time.

Strong statement, but true in some cases. The Match of the Millenium is arguably better than SvC Chaos in gameplay and definitely the better as far as total content. The KoF games, specifically R-1, are very good and Last Blade is very similar to the "big" version.

Something you find on the Pocket and not at all on the AES/MVS is the RPG, such as Faselei!, Evolution, and Dark Arms, all of which are at least decent games. Also, the CardFighters games, although typically a handheld genre as you say, are spectacular. An AES/MVS version would still be popular probably as a 2 player game.

And yes, with all the cart only games on eBay right now, there's never been a better time to buy an NGPC!