The Neo Geo handheld is real, coming out worldwide in Q2
That "Neo Geo Portable Device" we were all cooing over? What? There was cooing. We cooed a little. Anyway, it's really happening! And it's happening soon! And worldwide. Blaze, who you might know from various Megadrive/Genesis handhelds, is producing the "NeoGeo X" handheld under SNK's license, shipping the device in Q2 with a pre-loaded selection of 20 Neo classics -- a couple of Fatal Furies, King of the Monsters, Metal Slug, and more.
Other features include an SD card slot (for additional games?), and AV out. There's no price for the "limited edition" console yet, but a Blaze rep says in the press release that the company hopes to spread excitement about the Neo Geo "in a more affordable manner, to a much wider audience." That sounds to us like it's going to be cheaper than the $649 SNK asked for the home console at launch.
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
NEOGEO Handheld Games Console Officially Announced
Tommo Inc and BLAZE set to release Limited Edition NEOGEO Handheld for Worldwide sale Q2 2O12
Los Angeles
The "NEOGEO X" will be released in Q2 2012 following the 20th anniversary of the ground breaking NEOGEO AES console. This Limited Edition handheld console will feature 20 officially licensed NEOGEO games including retro classics such METALSLUG, THE KING OF FIGHTERS and FATAL FURY.
Along with these 20 built in NEOGEO classic titles, the NEOGEO X will also feature, SD card expansion, a 3.5" LCD screen, A/V output, internal stereo speakers and a headphone socket.
The full game list is as follows:
1. ART OF FIGHTING
2. BASEBALL STARS
3. CYBER LIP
4. FATAL FURY
5. FATAL FURY SPECIAL
6. FOOTBALL FRENZY
7. KING OF THE MONSTERS
8. LAST RESORT
9. LEAGUE BOWLING
10. MAGICIAN LORD
11. METAL SLUG
12. MUTATION NATION
13. NAM 1975
14. SAMURAI SHODOWN
15. SENGOKU
16. SUPER SIDEKICKS
17. THE KING OF FIGHTERS'94
18. THE ULTIMATE 11
19. TOP PLAYERS GOLF
20. WORLD HEROES
Jonathan Wan of Tommo commented
"I am very proud to be working with SNK PLAYMORE, as NEOGEO is a strong brand with an excellent gaming pedigree"
Jason Cooper of BLAZE commented
"The NEOGEO console has always been a personal favorite of mine and I am delighted to be involved with the development of this new handheld console. We hope to re-ignite the excitement many of us felt twenty one years ago, in a more affordable manner, to a much wider audience."
The Limited Edition NEOGEO X will be distributed by Tommo Inc in the United States and retro gaming specialists BLAZE throughout Europe, Middle East and Australia. A distributor for Japan and the Far East will be confirmed shortly.
To register your interest go to www.neogeox.com
About SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION:
Founded by Eikichi Kawasaki in Osaka Japan, SNK (Shin Nihon Kikaku) has been delighting gamers for over 30 years. Since it's early days as a developer and manufacturer of coin operated arcade games through to it's growth in home gaming with the NEOGEO and NEOGEO POCKET. SNK has always driven success through innovation and quality.
About Tommo Inc:
With over 20 years of experience in logistics and sales, a knowledgeable staff and sales representatives available nationwide, Tommo Inc. is one of North America's largest distributors of video gaming merchandises.
Founded in 1989, Tommo has grown from a wholesaler of imported video games to becoming one of the nation's main suppliers of video gaming content to national retail chain stores as well as independent retailers.
About BLAZE:
Founded by Jason Cooper over 20 years ago, BLAZE now specialise in the creation and distribution of retro gaming devices. BLAZE currently distribute SEGA and ATARI branded consoles and, in Q1 2012, are set to release the "Gamegadget" games console, billed as the "ipod for games"
