Neo Geo AES question

[Fuzzy_Cthulhu]

Apologies if this isn't the right area for this...

After playing some Neo Geo games on my Ouya recently, I've fallen pretty hard for the Neo Geo. But I want to do right by her, so I'm looking to get an actual system. I know that the Neo Geo CD is the cheapest entry level way, but if I'm going to spend the money it may as well be towards the better option.

So my question is this- well, questions probably- which is the best option on buying an AES? A google search shows a lot of Japan imports. Would that be an option or should I look to a NTSC model- if there is such a thing?

Another apology for sounding so clueless on this.

Thanks.

[Ghegs]

I would actually recommend going the CMVS route - not only is getting the system cheaper, the games themselves can be ten times cheaper as well. And that's without any exaggeration, even.

CMVS stands for "consolized MVS" and is, basically, the Neo Geo Arcade System (MVS) in a console form. You change the cartridges like you would with a SNES or any other cartridge-based system, and the console outputs the video and audio to your TV.

MVS and AES releases are mostly identical. There are a few more MVS games than there are AES games though, as not all Neo Geo games were released for the home system.

[BoneSnapDeez]

I have a Japanese system. I like it, but I rarely buy games as they're so expensive.

At the end of the day, it's more of a collector's console than a gamer's consoles.

Neo Geo stuff was ported heavily and nearly every AES title is available for an exponentially cheaper price somewhere else.

I recommend it only for those who have the disposable income. Do you want to shell out $200 for a fighting game that was eventually ported to a PS2 comp you can get for $25?

Not trying to be discouraging, just stating the facts. Again, I have the console. The Japanese ones are cheaper, but every game (Japanese or American) will display Japanese text (keep in mind most of these games have little text to begin with so it's generally not a huge deal). Imported Japanese games are also much cheaper, even with shipping factored in.

[SpoonyBard]

A good thing to know is that AES games (regardless of region) will display in the language of the consoles region. So buy a US console and any Japanese game you buy will display in english. The system was much more popular in Japan, and the Japanese games are typically a lot cheaper.

Although the text in most games is unnecessary (aside from some hilariously poor translation) so you could save a few more bucks just getting a Japanese system.

As said prior to this though, going the MVS route is a lot more affordable, and there are a lot of attractive options for consolized MVS systems these days.

[Fuzzy_Cthulhu]

Thanks for the replies people, lots to think about.

I appreciate that it's on the expensive side of collecting, hence my looking at the Neo Geo CD too. I guess I want the Neo Geo experience, which means Neo Geo controllers too.

The Neo Geo Gold X thing looked interesting... until I read the reviews.

[Ghegs]

I guess I want the Neo Geo experience, which means Neo Geo controllers too.

A CMVS can use any controller it's built to use. I actually use modded Saturn pads with mine.

The way I see it, if you want to play the games, you buy an MVS. If you want to collect, you buy an AES.

If you want to catch up on your reading, you get a Neo Geo CD because you can do a few chapters of War and Peace every time you load a level in Pulstar.

[Fuzzy_Cthulhu]

I like reading.

Does anyone have anything positive to say about the Neo Geo X thingummabob or is it all bad, all the time?

[fastbilly1]

I highly recommend reading deeply on the subject before you make the plunge. The AES is great, but some games you will want, like Metal Slug, are stupidly expensive if you get them in NTSC-U.

That said, you cannot go wrong with a CMVS. If you are lucky you might be able to find one slotted inside an AES, so you get the best of both worlds.

[Fuzzy_Cthulhu]

I highly recommend reading deeply on the subject before you make the plunge. The AES is great, but some games you will want, like Metal Slug, are stupidly expensive if you get them in NTSC-U.

That said, you cannot go wrong with a CMVS. If you are lucky you might be able to find one slotted inside an AES, so you get the best of both worlds.

Can anyone recommend a good CMVS manufacturer or brand? The first google results I see are around the $600+ mark- is that about average?

Thanks again everyone- Racketboy.com is fantastic.

[fastbilly1]

All CMVS's are custom made so there is no real set price. The closest we have is Analogue Interactive's wooden CMVS's:
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 22&t=34442

Or an Omega:
http://arcadeworks.net/omega-entertainment-machine.html