There’s a good chance the Neo Geo AES+ caught your attention this week, but you don’t actually need it to play many of its games.
A large chunk of SNK’s classic catalogue is already available on PS5, often for a fraction of the price.
Sure, the console is seriously cool: while it’ll feature modern conveniences like HDMI out, it’s built using freshly manufactured chips inspired by the originals. That means it’ll play classic cartridges from the 90s, as well as newly remade ones.
But for as neat as it is, $250/£180 is still a lot of money for this new hardware. And that’s where it’s worth pointing out that much of the Neo Geo’s catalogue is already available on the PS5.
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For the purposes of this article we’re going to stick with the software SNK is re-releasing in physical format as part of its new hardware line, but it’s worth noting tons of other Neo Geo games can also be purchased from the PS Store these days, including perennial favourites like The King of Fighters 98 and The Last Blade.
Big Tournament Golf
Players can choose from a total of six golfers with different abilities and play on courses located around the world such as Australia or Germany. Players can test out their golf game skills against friends with game modes such as 'STROKE PLAY' and 'MATCH PLAY (2P battle only)'.
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Rock Howard has been invited by the Heinlein Family to the 'King of Fighters' tournament which has not been held since his father Geese Howard passed away nearly a decade earlier. The young protagonist enters the tournament without hesitation in order to find out the truth about his mother...
Magician Lord
This fantasy action game was one of the launch titles on NEOGEO. Control the magician Elta on a journey to save the world from Gal-Agiese, who came back to life once again.
Metal Slug
'METAL SLUG' is the original entry in one of the most famous action game series ever released. It was originally released by SNK in 1996.
Over Top
Players will participate in breathtaking races through urban areas, mountainous regions, and snowy roads. The courses also feature weather variations to add more variety to the game. In addition to the various vehicles with different performance factors which players can use, they can also enjoy the thrill of drifting their way through corners to clear courses.
Pulstar
Control the 'Dino246', and take down the aliens who are attacking the solar system. The game features a verity of offensive and defensive options, including 5 unique Voyager items and special IO items. Use everything at your disposal to protect your ship and defeat the alien threat!
Samurai Shodown V Special
Heralded as one of the most balanced fighting games ever created by SNK, SAMURAI SHODOWN V SPECIAL features a multitude of systems and mechanics to create a truly unique experience. Players have a wide variety of skills at their disposal, such as the ability to deflect attacks, catch an opponents weapon and disarm them, and the ability to temporarily slow down time to mount a comeback! The most iconic additions this entry adds to the series are the character specific Overkill moves, which can be used to finish off an opponent in a variety of gruesome ways!
Shock Troopers
Players take part in a rescue operation for Dr. George and his granddaughter who have been kidnapped by the evil organization Bloody Scorpion. The game features the ability for players to choose which route to progress, adding even more replayablity to the title.
The King of Fighters 2002
KOF 2002 was lauded as the most refined KOF game upon its launch, and its fully tuned up upgrade THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2002 UNLIMITED MATCH is about to rock PlayStation4 users’ socks off!
The only game missing from this list is shmup Twinkle Star Sprites, which is available on the PS5 but can only be purchased in Asian regions right now. The Taiwanese version, for example, features English and Japanese language support.
The games cost anywhere from $5.99 up to $14.99, but do regularly go on sale so are worth adding to your wishlist. In some instances you can choose between Hamster’s ACA Neo Geo line or an official re-release by SNK with additional features like online play.
While we understand a big part of the Neo Geo AES+’s appeal is owning that beautiful hardware, we thought it was worth reminding you there is a cheaper way to play these games on a console you already own.