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Project Unity stuffs 20 classic consoles into one: if you can't play it, it's probably too new (video)
Most gamer who want to play with more than one or two vintage console platforms often turn to software-based emulators that may or may not be above-board. How about stuffing all of the authentic hardware into one controller and one base unit? Modders at Bacteria's forums have developed Project Unity, an attempt to natively address 20 consoles across 17 actual platforms folded into a single device. The gamepad, arguably the centerpiece, includes two each of analog sticks and directional pads, along with multiple shoulder buttons and a central button grid that can either be used to steer an Intellivision or fill in for otherwise missing controls. Stuffing the unique controller hardware into one gamepad obviously presents problems with board sizes and the laws of physics, so much of the relevant circuitry sits in modified NES cartridges. Our only dismays are the lack of original Xbox support and the slightly imposing challenge of aggregating and modifying that much classic gaming componentry in one place -- if you're more concerned about convenience in your retro gaming than preserving the original feel of that Sega Master System or SNK NeoGeo, though, you've just found Utopia.
Neo Geo X goes official, celebrates Grandpa's 20th anniversary
We've already seen the device in the real world, but now it's confirmed -- this portable Neo Geo is legit and heading to both the US and Europe. Blaze is crafting the retro gaming handheld with SNK's blessing and 20 baked-in titles confirmed, including Metal Slug, King of Fighters '94 and -- yes -- King of the Monsters. It'll tie into the Neo Geo's 20th birthday and the manufacturer promises that the new device will deliver the same arcade thrills "in a more affordable manner," although there's still no pricing specifics. Check the press release below for the full game selection and expect a release some time in Q2.
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.
SNK's new Neo Geo: 20 retro classics in one modern handheld
We rubbed our eyes a little when they first landed on this fine looking specimen, just to make sure they weren't deceiving us. But no, this really does appear to be a new handheld Neo Geo. We've seen SNK make inspired controllers, bring its catalog to other platforms and even make handhelds before, but nothing like this. The iPhone-esque body and 4.3 inch screen house a D-pad, shoulder and front buttons while hiding 2GB of storage inside -- pre-loaded with 20 classic titles (yes Fatal Fury and League Bowling included, and all in English). There's also an SD slot which we really really hope is for more games, as well as an AV output for some good old big-screen action. Famicon Plaza claims it's a licensed product not yet in full production, so there's no whiff of availability just now. When it does finally land, we hope it's not at a 2012 equivalent of grandad's $600+ price tag.
Analogue Interactive outs ebony ash encased Neo Geo CMVS Slim, pre-order yours for $649
If your interest was piqued by Analogue Interactive's walnut shelled Neo Geo MVS arcade system, you may want to take a peek at the outfit's refreshed CMVS slim console. Keeping with the MVS' hand-crafted theme, the CMVS Slim encases the rig in 100 percent ebonized ash. Or, if you preferred the walnut facade, you can still grab the console in that shade as well (pictured after the break). Unlike the model we saw earlier this year, this kit condenses all of the outputs to a single DIN jack -- offering S-video and composite connections via an included cable. Should you be so inclined, you can opt for a cable upgrade to make use of component or SCART connectivity for "the ultimate retro videophile experience." These classy consoles still bear the same $649 price tag as their plastic predecessor. Want a matching arcade stick? Toss in another two Benjamins. If you're ready to pull the trigger and pre-order, hit the source link below, and yours will ship in 5-7 weeks.
Analogue Interactive crafts a Neo Geo MVS from walnut, yours for $649
There's plenty of folks that will sell you a so-called "consolized" Neo Geo MVS arcade system, but you won't find many quite as impressive as this bit of kit from Analogue Interactive. Crafted from 100 percent real walnut, the console boasts a seamless design without any visible screws or nails, all the audio / video outputs you could want (for a Neo Geo, that is), and even some working dust flaps. Of course, it does come at a bit of a premium price -- but $649 is actually the exact same price that SNK's original Neo Geo AES home console sold for back in the day, and it was only made out of plastic. Check out the gallery below for a closer look, and hit up the source link below to get your order in if you like what you see -- the first units are expected to ship early next month. %Gallery-121516%
SNK releases Neo Geo pad for PS3
Just in time for the arrival of Neo Geo games on PSN, SNK Playmore and peripheral company Exar have released the ideal controller for PS3. The Neo Geo Pad USB is a replica of the pad included with the Neo Geo CD system, with two important differences: it ends in a USB connector, so it will work with the PS3 or PC; and it has a PS button and two extra face buttons for L1 and R1 -- laid out in a nice, Street Fighter-friendly manner. The pad is currently on backorder at both NCSX and Play-Asia, but it'll cost in the neighborhood of $50 when it's in stock. If you'd prefer, you can get a PS3 version of the Neo Geo arcade stick from NCSX right now for $39.90.
SNK continues to tickle retro gamers, releases Neo Geo gamepad for PS3
Oh man, as if having 10 Neo Geo classics hitting the PS3 and PSP complete with online multiplayer wasn't sweet enough, now SNK is doing one better by releasing an updated version of the classic Neo Geo gamepad. Sure, it isn't as majestic as the giant, hulking arcade stick that came in a pair with the $650 Neo Geo Gold System. However, the system's gamepad (released with the Neo Geo CD) would go on to be even more popular thanks to its much lower cost and novel floating 8-way d-pad. That controller is reborn (again) for the PS3 with USB connectivity the addition of a PS button in the middle, meaning you can even use it to pull up the XMB and taunt your friends into joining a King of Fighters match. Sadly this is only getting a release in Japan, where it sells for 3,129 yen (about $37), but Play-Asia will import you one for $45. Small price for such a lovely thing.
Neo Geo games hit PSN, add online play, ditch the gigantic cartridges
If you're of a certain age, there was one console you wanted more than any other: a Neo Geo. It was so big, so dark, and so freaking expensive it was like a gadget from another time -- yet there it was, looking down at you from behind the counter at Babbage's. $649 in 1990? Yeah. Ouch. Anyway, people today can now experience that machine's greatness for a much lower price, with the PlayStation Network receiving 10 of the system's greatest hits, each selling for between $6.99 and $8.99. Yes, these games were already available on the Wii Virtual Console, but the PSN versions will support online competitive and co-operative play, which is truly worth getting excited about. All games will be hitting the PS3 on December 21, while Fatal Fury and Metal Slug will be hitting the PSP then as well. For other games, like Magician Lord and Super Sidekicks, you portable folks will just have to wait until January.
Neo Geo games coming to PSN with online play
Nine months after the ESRB listed Neo Geo games for PS3 and PSP, publisher SNK Playmore has announced plans for a "Neo Geo Station" on PlayStation Network. Starting December 21, games from the Neo Geo's library will be released on PSN in both PS3 and PSP versions, costing $8.99 and $6.99 each, respectively. The pricing on the PS3 versions is equivalent to the cost of buying Neo Geo games on the Wii Virtual Console. Unlike the Virtual Console releases, these aren't just emulated versions of the originals. SNK has added features like online co-op and versus play on PS3 (and Ad-Hoc Party support on PSP), along with other unspecified enhancements. Check after the break for all ten games hitting PS3 on December 21, and the two PSP games arriving at the same time. The other eight are scheduled to arrive on PSP sometime in January.
PSP firmware 6.3 adds folders for NeoGeo and PC Engine games
Firmware version 6.3 is out and as Fist Full of Potions points out, something's rotten in Denmark -- or very sweet, depending on how you feel about Japanese consoles of yesteryear. The update allows you to "group content" by putting your games into specific folders corresponding to platform, but also curiously adds empty folders for the NeoGeo and PC Engine -- otherwise known as the TurboGrafx-16. This update could be the precursor to an announcement for the PC Engine Archives extending their reach beyond Japan or it could simply be an overlooked byproduct of the update. Either way, we've contacted Sony for comment and will let you know what we find out.
NintendoWare Weekly: Mr. Driller, Game and Watch, Fishie Fishie
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the DSiWare service launch, and Nintendo is observing the occasion by putting interesting content on the service! Every week should be some kind of milestone. And speaking of annual observances, there's a Neo Geo game on Virtual Console. %Gallery-89767%
NeoGeo classics coming to PS3 and PSP, ESRB reveals
It looks like the PlayStation "Virtual Console" is expanding beyond PSone and TurboGrafx-16 games. Siliconera spotted updates to a number of classic NeoGeo titles, including Metal Slug, The King of Fighters '94 and Fatal Fury. All of these titles have been re-rated to include the PS3 and PSP. Other NeoGeo games to appear on the ESRB database include Alpha Mission II and Baseball Stars 2. Like the listings above, these games also support both the PS3 and PSP. Hopefully, these downloadable NeoGeo games will feature the same functionality as PSone classics, specifically the ability to download to both the PS3 and PSP for no additional charge.
Neo Geo mini-arcade consoles fit on a bookshelf, set our hearts a-flutter
We've variously lusted after a number of homebrew stand-up arcade consoles recently, but what about those of us whose free space is better measured in inches than in feet? A gentleman in Spain who calls himself Pocket Lucho has been building Neo Geo mini-consoles for a while now, and has recently demonstrated his latest creation on "the YouTubes" for our viewing pleasure. With the sort of attention to detail that makes these things as attractive as they are playable (including a coin slot and light-up marquee) the devices feature a video out and a second controller input for bringing a friend in on the action. Hit that read link for the detailed step-by-step, but not before peeping those videos after the break. [Via Hack A Day]
SNK fighting joysticks tempt PlayStation 3 importers
Got a bit of couch cushion change weighing you down? Need a little something to revitalize that PS3 love affair? You've come to the right place, friend. SNK has just unleashed a new duo of fighting sticks over in Japan, and both are downright drool-worthy. The new controllers are being launched alongside King of Fighters XII this July, with one featuring artwork from the title and the second boasting a Neo Geo throwback vibe (pictured after the jump) that should resonate quite well with gamers of yesteryear. The tandem is priced at ¥6,279 ($65) and ¥5,229 ($54), respectively, though we get the feeling it'll be import or bust for us Yanks.[Via Joystiq]
VC Monday Madness: Metal Slug 2
Metal Slug 2 (NEOGEO, 1 - 2 players, 900 Wii Points)Wii Fanboy says: do not download This week, we've only got one new Virtual Console game to check out. But, thankfully, it's a pretty good one. It might not be recommended to download (9 bucks, ouch), but you all should find a way to play it, because Metal Slug 2 is good. How about Metal Slug Anthology, which is under $20 at most places, including Amazon? Yeah, we suggest that. Each week, we here at Wii Fanboy like to check out the latest Virtual Console releases in our VC Monday Madness feature, in the hopes that you can make the most sound decision possible regarding purchasing retro titles from the Wii Shop Channel. If you're looking for more retro goodness, check out Virtually Overlooked, which talks about games that should be on the Virtual Console.
Save those Wii Points: Samurai Shodown Anthology releases this winter
When we found out that Wii might see the release of SNK Arcade Classics, we got all kinds of tingly and warm inside. We like those old school SNK games. But when it was confirmed, along with Samurai Shodown Anthology and King of Fighters: The Orochi Saga, well, we had to lock ourselves in a padded room for hours just to get the excitement out. Now we have a release window for Samurai Shodown Anthology.As you might have guessed, the title is due to hit shelves sometime this winter, meaning it could be available anywhere from now to December 31st. For those of you who aren't in the know, Samurai Shodown Anthology will include 6 games from the classic fighter franchise and will probably be a little more than the cost of 2 SNK games on the Virtual Console.
Retail and download releases for the week of August 25th
There's plenty of content releasing on the Wii this week. Whether you're a fan of retail games or looking to download some content on the Virtual Console or WiiWare, your gaming needs should be taken care of this week. Head on past the break for the details and let us know what you'll be playing!%Gallery-24326%
Mega Man bombs Virtual Console, golf too
The Virtual Console just got its weekly nostalgia injection, offering fans of all colors -- but mostly blue and green -- something else to download and play as we wonder where the weekend went and why exactly there is a receipt for a Magnet Beam on the kitchen table. Mega Man (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): With the Blue Bomber set to don pixelated pajamas next month, his freshman adventure marks this week's most noteworthy addition to the Wii's window into the past. Assuming you haven't bought the original Mega Man in one of Capcom's many other compilations, Guts Man and company are waiting ever so patiently for you to drop by. Neo Turf Masters (Neo Geo, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points): This is 133 megs of hot golf action right here, straight from 1996 to your living room. You don't have even to admit to your friends that you like video game golf. We'll keep your dirty little secret.
VC Monday Madness: Pong Toss, Art of Fighting 2 and Chase H.Q.
There is some variety available for those of you looking to download something new to play on Wii. For the retro fans, a pair of new Virtual Console titles should tickle the fancy. If you're looking for something more akin to the frat experience of today, then check out this week's WiiWare download. Without further ado, let's get to the games!This week's WiiWare game is: Pong Toss - Frat Party Games (JV Games, 1 - 4 players, 800 Wii Points) This week's Virtual Console games are: Chase H.Q. (TG16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points) Art of Fighting 2 (NEO, 1 - 2 players, 900 Wii Points) Sadly, there won't be a video wrap-up for this week's releases. But, we should be back next week with our usual video coverage of the Virtual Console releases on Wii.[Via press release]
