SNK and PLAION Announce the Return of a Legend: NEOGEO AES+ Will Be Ready for Christmas 2026
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
The Console Classic Is Back with No Emulation, No Compromise, No Comparison. Be Part of the Real Arcade Revolution with Pre-Orders Starting Today
Theale, UK – 16th April, 2026 - PLAION REPLAI, a leading global publisher and developer of retro video games and consoles, announced today the return of a legend, with the NEOGEO AES+ (Advanced Entertainment System) returning to homes ready for Christmas 2026.
Pre-orders open today, and with its launch set for 12th November 2026, the NEOGEO AES+ has been produced in collaboration with SNK, the producers of the original hardware.
The return of the NEOGEO AES represents a milestone in retro hardware re-releases. True to the original ethos, ‘Zero Compromise’ gaming, the NEOGEO AES+ is no mere micro console, offering unrivalled authenticity. Forgoing emulation, the NEOGEO AES+ offers a wholly authentic experience for both hardware and software, looking, feeling and playing just as you remember. The new hardware is so authentic that the NEOGEO AES+ offers full compatibility with original NEOGEO AES cartridges, ideal for those with a pre-existing collection of games wishing to play on modern displays.
The NEOGEO AES+ comes equipped with discrete quality of life upgrades designed to appeal to a modern gaming audience without altering or compromising the console features so inherent to its original appeal. In addition to the regular AV out, built for CRT enthusiasts to enjoy, the new hardware comes complete with low-latency HDMI™ output, finally allowing the games to be enjoyed in crystal-clear HD at resolutions up to 1080p. On-screen BIOS and DIP Switches located on the bottom of the console allow for instant switching of territory language selection, overclocking the hardware or choosing different display modes. The console now offers low power usage as well as permanently saving gamers’ High Score saves for each game.
Celebrating 35 years of arcade perfection, the iconic NEOGEO AES stood as a beacon of excellence with its 24-bit luxury super console, a world apart from rival 16-bit systems, designed for gaming connoisseurs who refused to accept compromised homeports of arcade classics. Often imitated but never equalled, the NEOGEO AES was the definition of high-end, desirable gaming tech. Lusted after by all those who played, the NEOGEO AES was beyond the reach of casual gamers thanks to the premium cost of the hardware and game cartridges, many of which still command huge prices today on the collector market.
PLAION REPLAI will support the console launch with a full ecosystem of games and accessories. Offering fans, old and new, a chance to build their ultimate collection of arcade classics with all the authenticity but none of the prohibitive costs associated with the system and software, the NEOGEO AES+ puts perfection within the reach of the masses.
Launching alongside the console is a collection of ten classic NEOGEO games, with more releases expected to follow. On day one, gamers can purchase the following:
Metal Slug
The King of Fighters 2002
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Big Tournament Golf
Shock Troopers
Samurai Shodown V Special
Pulstar
Twinkle Star Sprites
Magician Lord
Over Top
As part of the 35th anniversary celebration, gamers will be able to purchase the exclusive Anniversary Edition bundle, stunningly presented in an ice white design, together with the authentic wired Arcade Stick, Metal Slug game cartridge and Memory Card, which are included in the bundle. The white Metal Slug game cartridge will not be available anywhere else.
All versions of the NEOGEO AES+ come complete with power supply, HDMI cable and Arcade Stick. The following NEOGEO AES+ accessories will also be available to purchase upon launch:
NEOGEO AES+ Arcade Stick: A 1:1 replica of the original classic controller, now updated to offer both wired and wireless capability
NEOGEO AES+ Memory Card: A 1:1 replica of the original, performing in the exact same fashion as the original but now updated to no longer require a cell battery
NEOGEO AES+ Gamepad: A 1:1 replica of the original
Commenting on the new NEOGEO AES+ console, software and accessories, Ben Jones, Commercial Director of PLAION REPLAI said, “The NEOGEO remains peerless in the eyes of arcade enthusiasts, never accepting less than the authentic arcade experience. For 35 years SNK’s hardware has continued to astonish gamers with the system’s game collection, with titles that only improve with age and remain timeless classics. We are excited to reintroduce this legendary system to modern gamers in a way that refuses to compromise on the integrity of the original hardware, now priced at a level every gamer can finally afford. We look forward to unveiling more news throughout the year.”
Both the Standard Edition and the 35th Anniversary Edition NEOGEO AES+ hardware will release on 12th November 2026, and are available to pre-order today at www.plaionreplai.com/neogeo for an SRP of Standard: £179.99 (€199.99) / Anniversary: £269.99 (€299.99)
Each game cartridge in the NEOGEO AES+ collection is expected to retail for an SRP of £69.99 (€79.99).
Pricing of NEOGEO AES+ accessories will vary depending on territory.
For more information on the NEOGEO AES+ system, software and accessories, please visit: www.plaionreplai.com/neogeo
Press Contact:
Overload PR on behalf of PLAION REPLAI.
All copyrights, trademarks, logos and brands are property of their respective owners.
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About PLAION
PLAION is a dynamic and diversified business in the global entertainment sector, masterfully crafting franchises that captivate audiences worldwide. Boasting a vast network of eight game development studios, fifteen regional publishing offices, three game publishing labels including Deep Silver, and PLAION PICTURES as an independent film publisher and distributor, the company extends its influence with merchandise production and expansive distribution capabilities across the globe.
Founded nearly three decades ago, PLAION has firmly established itself within the entertainment arena. With a diverse range of services and solutions, PLAION stands as the premier publishing partner for console and PC games across both physical and digital channels. Moreover, its strong foothold in the Virtual Reality (VR) domain highlights the company's commitment to varied gaming experiences.
PLAION is an Embracer Group company.
ABOUT PLAION REPLAI
PLAION REPLAI is a dedicated label under PLAION focused on preserving and celebrating gaming history through high-quality, officially licensed hardware and software. With a commitment to authenticity, design fidelity, and nostalgia, REPLAI works with the world’s most respected creators to bring timeless classics back to life for a new generation. For more information, visit www.plaionreplai.com.
