NEO GEO X - New SNK Games Console

[ParanoiaDragon]

Finally tried on my tv with HDMI, I suppose it could be worse, but, yeah, it's pretty un-crisp IMO.  I have a NGCD going thru S-video, I'll do some testing back n' forth eventually.

2 things, first, does everyone's joystick on the "AES" controller feel kinda loose?  Mine seems too loose, as I can slightly pull the stick up(though, not out of the controller).

The other thing, & they may sound stupid, but, is there any way the video signal can be upgraded thru firmware, or is that strictly limited to the hardware itself?

[GohanX]

The stick sounds normal. In most microswitched sticks you can actually pull them up a little, they have a spring mounted in there. Basically, you're compressing the spring a little.

As far as the video quality, NG: Dev has theorized that if some video setting were changed in the emulator the images would be quite a bit more crisp through HDMI. Not as good as a real Neo on a CRT, but better than what it gets now. I don't think anything but a hardware mod can help the composite video.

It's mostly if not all software.

I see 3 main problems.

1. A wrong video resolution is used
The NEOGEO uses 320x224, but the NGX scales it to 320x240 and upscales it to 640x480 for HDMI.

Scaling 224px to 240px is a bad idea.
This also results in a 2nd problem that if you apply scanlines with a videoprocessor those are off.

Solution: don't scale to 240, just add 8px borders at top and bottom. Then scale pixel perfect to 640x480

2. The NEOGEO uses an odd video refresh rate 59.18hz, but HDMI requires 59.94hz

This results in tearing, no vertical sync possible.

Solution: speed up the emulation to 59.94Hz/60hz.

3. Sound lag.

Solution: Unknown. Probably just a bug, maybe hardware problems too?

[ParanoiaDragon]

Cool, glad my controller isn't defective, didn't look forward to sening it in.

I'll be using HDMI so hopefully a firmware update will fix the glitch someday.


Ah, & I'm hoping someday they make a USB NGCD pad.  I love that pad, & I've always prefered pads over sticks.

edit-looks like there was a pad made, though it's 50 bucks n' up from what I can find.  Hopefully they'll do a new one that's further down the scale on price!

[jelloslug]

Did you guys look at the pics of the inside?  There is a 2 GB sd card on the inside of the handheld that stores everything.

[PikachuWarrior]

Yeah, 2GB micro-SD card instead of (soldered) unboard memory lol.

[Opethian]

this might make a decent MAME handheld oneday... cant wait to get mines!

[jelloslug]

this might make a decent MAME handheld oneday... cant wait to get mines!

If you read further on you will also find out that there are several other emulators already loaded on the system.  Also, different games have been successfully loaded to the onboard SD card and the Neo-Geo bios has been successfully changed.  That did not take long......

[PikachuWarrior]

But it's weird how different emulators were already found in the device. What is the purpose besides them possibly taking a nod to the homebrew community to find?

[esteban]

But it's weird how different emulators were already found in the device. What is the purpose besides them possibly taking a nod to the homebrew community to find?

That seems to be the only reason, IMHO. To show that we are all "kindred spirits"...

[thesteve]

microsoft included an MP3 codec for years so you wouldnt be prompted for a codec, yet the codec was partly disabled, to push WMA

[GohanX]

I wonder if they were planning software upgrades in the future, like pay a few bucks to unlock NES use, or whatever. Either that, or perhaps they want a line of handhelds with the same basic design, but one for Neo Geo, one for Turbobs, one for Genesis, etc.

I really would like to know Tommo's reaction to the hacking. Some may support it, some may not. I remember when the licensed Genesis clones with SD slots on them were released the company didn't give a shit if you pirated roms since you had bought the hardware already.

[Nando]

15 new games announced

http://www.funstock.co.uk/news/15-new-neogeo-x-games-announced-by-tommo/

ART OF FIGHTING 3
BLAZING STAR
BREAKERS REVENGE
FATAL FURY: MARK OF THE WOLVES
KIZUNA ENCOUNTER
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '96
THE LAST BLADE 2
METAL SLUG 2
SAMURAI SHODOWN 3
SAVAGE REIGN
SENGOKU
SHOCK TROOPERS
SUPER SIDEKICKS 3 – THE NEXT GLORY
TOP HUNTER
WORLD HEROES JET

[bob]

I very much enjoyed blazing star

[SMF]

This is great news. Can't wait to get my hands on some new games. Wonder what the travel case will look like?

[SignOfZeta]

Given that playing bootleg ROMs on the thing is now a trifle, the firmware update is what I'm really interested in. Regardless, I'm buying all of these.

I got one of these systems last week and I love the thing. The haters can go fuck themselves, especially the "I can do this on PSP" idiots.

[Opethian]

no shortage of stock anywhere. I may attempt to get one again if this next volume crystallizes

[TheClash603]

I love my Neo Geo X and these guys got me by the balls...  I look forward to purchasing everything listed in that link.

[Mishran]

Most of the ones that bitch are the ones who don't even own it. I love this thing! Bring it to work with me and play it everyday at lunch break. Lost track of how many times I've completed Cyber-Lip. My only real gripe is with the wonkiness of the AES style stick and the damn rubber feet that fell off my dock and stick. Can no longer find half of them. Damn cat probably ate them!

I'm planning on grabbing up all the game cards and the travel case as well. It's just unfortunate we have to wait until the first card is released for an update to the system. I want save support dammit!

A nice case and manual for the game cards would be a major bonus, but I'm not holding my breath on that.

[turbokon]

The neogeox gets more play time than the psvita.  The buttons on vita are just too small and the layouts are awkard.  My fingers cramp out only after playing a few minutes on it.  I'm thinking about putting my vita on ebay.

[roflmao]

Interesting... Nice to see so much support for this device!  My main hesitation on getting one is the TV hookups.  I've heard it looks like shit when hooked up to a TV.  I'm expecting my TurboExpress back sometime in the near future with a 3.5" screen so I have a feeling most of my handheld time will be spent on that for the foreseeable future.  I wouldn't get one of these Neo Geo Xs to be a mobile device - it would primarily be hooked up to a TV.  Has TV output improved at all since it's been released?

[SignOfZeta]

Fans have improved video on the built in screen and also the HDMI out with embarrassingly simple hacks. We are *assuming* this will be fixed with the first update, which will be in the card with all these games on it.

I haven't actually hooked mine to the TV yet, but the picture on the built in screen could be better.

[TheClash603]

The neogeox gets more play time than the psvita.  The buttons on vita are just too small and the layouts are awkard.  My fingers cramp out only after playing a few minutes on it.  I'm thinking about putting my vita on ebay.

I felt the same way as you, and then I spent $8 on plastic grips which the Vita sits inside.  The system and especially the triggers are now much better to use.  Your Vita experience will be 10x better, trust me.

[Dyna138]

I placed an order for this yesterday after watching a lot of positive reviews for it. I'm not much of a Neo Geo fan besides liking some of SNK's popular franchises. I've always thought the Neo Geo was niche and overpriced and kinda just ignored it because of that. I didn't want to invest the money into buying an actual AES nor did I kind of want to play the games on other consoles.

So this is a really good option for me as I mostly plan to hook this up to a TV and replicate the experience of playing these games on an actual AES. I know the Neo Geo X might not be AS good as original hardware, but most reviews are saying its pretty damn close and makes you feel like your playing the original system.

I'll post my thoughts on it once I've had some time with it.

[roflmao]

I placed an order for this yesterday after watching a lot of positive reviews for it. I'm not much of a Neo Geo fan besides liking some of SNK's popular franchises. I've always thought the Neo Geo was niche and overpriced and kinda just ignored it because of that. I didn't want to invest the money into buying an actual AES nor did I kind of want to play the games on other consoles.

So this is a really good option for me as I mostly plan to hook this up to a TV and replicate the experience of playing these games on an actual AES. I know the Neo Geo X might not be AS good as original hardware, but most reviews are saying its pretty damn close and makes you feel like your playing the original system.

I'll post my thoughts on it once I've had some time with it.

Awesome.  I'd be interested in picking one up for the same reasons so I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback.

[ParanoiaDragon]

Not sure if anyone's noticed this, but the latest bunch of Neo Geo cards are coming in a month.  You can either get all of them in one swoop http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CMDJSV0/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Or they come in 5 volumes.  If you get the box, you save a bunch o' dollhairs, so I'm getting the box.  It also includes:
•Game card includes firmware update that includes game save functionality, improved tv apect ratio compatibility, improved sound quality and more!
•Package includes the high-speed "Rocket Cable" that can be used to upgrade the firmware as well as charge the NEOGEO X without the NEOGEO X Station!

[Tatsujin]

That's kewl to finally hear something from its creator.
Let us know about the update results

[Mishran]

I'm waiting for feedback from the community (here, NG.com, etc.) before I dip any more money into this thing. Tommo has been dancing around fan accusations from day one. Don't get me wrong, I love this thing, but it seems more like a rush job money scam with each bit of info I hear. Why do we have to throw more money at them to get a firmware update that should be a free download from the get go. The thing is already considered a failure in public eyes and Tommo is only digging the hole deeper.

On a positive note, many of the issues with this thing are supposed to be fixed with the update. Whether the screen tearing and sound quality as well as the problems with HDMI and composite tv connections will be fixed hasn't been mentioned. Tommo is supposed to be adding the info for the firmware update to the X's website.

The mega pack with all 15 games is gonna be the way to go on this. Comes in a snap lock case, all games on one card, rocket cable, and several extra "bonus" goodies for the collectors and such. There are some real gems in this first round too. MOTW, Top Hunter, Metal Slug 2, Shock Troopers, and Blazing Star are what stand out to me. Lets hope support doesn't stop here.

[TheClash603]

Since I already have the money invested in the system, I might as well pick up this pack of games.  I think the device is average, but hopefully this firmware update improves upon that.

I wish I had waited to get mine from Best Buy when they had the system for $100 and the extra controller for $25, then I wouldve been much happier with it!

[ParanoiaDragon]

Since I already have the money invested in the system, I might as well pick up this pack of games.  I think the device is average, but hopefully this firmware update improves upon that.

I wish I had waited to get mine from Best Buy when they had the system for $100 and the extra controller for $25, then I wouldve been much happier with it!

$100??  Wow, never knew about that...dang, oh well.  :/

[PCEngineHell]

What are you guys going to do with this thing when the battery goes bad? Is it a standard battery or some custom one you cant just order online?

[SMF]

Be nice to charge my system without having to plug in the dock every time. Def

[TheClash603]

Since I already have the money invested in the system, I might as well pick up this pack of games.  I think the device is average, but hopefully this firmware update improves upon that.

I wish I had waited to get mine from Best Buy when they had the system for $100 and the extra controller for $25, then I wouldve been much happier with it!

$100??  Wow, never knew about that...dang, oh well.  :/

It went on sale in April at that price and Amazon sold for $129.  I think Best Buy discontinued selling the system and Amazon is back to full price.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

What are you guys going to do with this thing when the battery goes bad? Is it a standard battery or some custom one you cant just order online?

Someone at the neogeo forums tore one open and found it's soldered to the pcb.  I suppose it's still changeable (assuming you can find a replacement), but not easily.

[Mishran]

What are you guys going to do with this thing when the battery goes bad? Is it a standard battery or some custom one you cant just order online?

Someone at the neogeo forums tore one open and found it's soldered to the pcb.  I suppose it's still changeable (assuming you can find a replacement), but not easily.

If not, should still power up when connected to the dock or other power source, so it will still be playable regardless. Though that does render the portable aspect of the thing useless.

Can always use it solely as a console.

[SignOfZeta]

I just preordered the Mega pack.

If they haven't fixed the video in a similar manner to what the fan hack did weeks after release then I'm hacking this thing six ways to Sunday and never buying another game pack again (assuming they even manage to release more).

Hopefully its rad because I don't really want to build one of those micro SD adaptors.

[PikachuWarrior]

I literally used this handheld for a week back when it came out in December, and haven't turned it on since. I am cautiously awaiting what the game pack is like and what the firmware update improves upon.

[tpivette]

New games for this system is great news! I honestly thought this thing was going to be forgotten about after the initial sale of the console. Can't wait for the improved HDMI output

[Joe Redifer]

Who officially said anything about improved HDMI output?

[SignOfZeta]

Who officially said anything about improved HDMI output?

Nobody. It is...assumed. The only thing official, I think: aspect ratio memory, saves, "improved sound".

I'm more concerned about fixing what's actually on the LCD. I already have a Neo.

[SMF]

System was cool when it came out but then development for it stopped and so did my excitement. Really glad to see this boxset of games come out.

[ParanoiaDragon]

Something that's held me back from playing it on tv, is that I prefer the NGCD pad over the stick.  I'm looking at getting one that's made for the PS3 & PC that uses USB to see if it works.  If it doesn't, atleast I still can use it on PS3 or PC.

[GohanX]

The Neo CD pad will not work, unfortunately. The PS3 Neo sticks will work, oddly enough.

[TheClash603]

Hopefully this is the first set of releases with more to come.  Seems like a perfect opportunity to do an even better set in the fall to hope for winter sales.

[munchiaz]

I pre ordered the mega pack. I really hope the update improves the console. I got this thing because i didn't have the extra money to shell out for an actual Neo Geo. Heres hoping

[xcrement5x]

Just got one of these on a deals site for a steal, sounds like there are some cool improvement coming down the line so I'm excited

[EvilEvoIX]

Just got one of these on a deals site for a steal, sounds like there are some cool improvement coming down the line so I'm excited

Link?  It's cool looking hardware but I didn't want to make the plunge until the firmware and the A/V was improved.

[Psycho Punch]

I was thinking about buying that device, but then I remembered the marvelous PSN Neo*Geo ports, with lots of extras, a music player (PSG?), etc. And the games doesn't look butt-ugly in HD by the way.

[SignOfZeta]

I was thinking about buying that device, but then I remembered the marvelous PSN Neo*Geo ports, with lots of extras, a music player (PSG?), etc. And the games doesn't look butt-ugly in HD by the way.

The Neo ports on Wii are the best, IMO. Obviously the selection could be better.

I'm actually surprised by how obsessed people are with the "console" aspect of the NGX. While the output is certainly terrible I personally don't care at all. I bought it to use as a handheld. Neo emulation on computers was nearly perfect a decade ago. If I'm going to sit down at home to play Neo I'm going to just play my MVS or, if I don't have the cart, I'll use an emulator for Windows or OSX. The handheld aspect is why I bought an NGX, and that part they did a pretty god job with.

That being said, if they don't improve the video (built in and HDMI) with this update I'm going to be hella pissed and I'm not buying the next wave of games, assuming they even manage to make that happen.

[xcrement5x]

Just got one of these on a deals site for a steal, sounds like there are some cool improvement coming down the line so I'm excited

Link?  It's cool looking hardware but I didn't want to make the plunge until the firmware and the A/V was improved.

There was no real link.  It was a cyclical thing where they would post a console up for sale, then cycle through stuff continually until they sold out their stock.  I just got lucky and saw the NGX when I was refreshing. 

[fraggore]

You can hack a SD card now to play roms on them, I have made 3 adapter but there a right pain in the arse to get working ruined a load of SD card adapter doing it.

Made them for my mate we had a full neo geo night the other day playing through the games really brought memory's back of when I owned a neo geo 20 or so years ago.

When the retail games come out the firmware upgrade the are going to come with hopefully will fix some of the tearing over hdmi, might try and pick one up them.