New retro console smashes annual target after just 24 hours of pre-orders

The Neo Geo AES+ seems pretty niche at a glance, but players are flocking to the new iteration of the retro console. The original Neo Geo hit the shelves 36 years ago for the astonishing price of $649.99 (roughly equivalent to $1,540 today), but brought players the first removable memory card on a home console, as well as unprecedented power and, of course, several King of Fighters games. Now, Plaion and SNK have brought it back for a much more affordable $180, and players are clearly excited.

Whether you're a King of Fighters afficionado who doesn't miss an entry, or you're just interested in the history of arcades, home consoles, and the crossover between the two, the Neo Geo AES+ will probably up your alley.

From the gurus at SNK Corporation and the minds at Embracer-owned Plaion, the Neo Geo AES+ recreates nearly everything about the original console, from the arcade stick to the memory card accessories, while sprinkling on some of those modernizations we take for granted.

The AES+ has both composite and HDMI video output, as well as multiple supported languages, overclocking functionality, and display options. It sounds like it's the perfect product for players of that era, but even Embracer co-founder Lars Wingefors seems surprised by its instant success.

"The reception from the global retro community over the past week has been nothing short of overwhelming," he writes. "Within the first 24 hours, we took more paid preorders than our entire annual forecasted volume of the Neo Geo AES+.

"Since then, sales have continued strongly through our own channels, online retailers, and specialist stores." However, what's most exciting for fans who pre-ordered the console, is that he signs off by saying, "This is only the beginning."

Ten Neo Geo games are being reprinted for the launch of the AES+, including Metal Slug, The King of Fighters 2002, Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Neo Turf Masters, Shock Troopers, Samurai Shodown V Special, Pulstar, Twinkle Star Sprites, Magician Lord, and Over Top. These will all be compatible with the original console if you're lucky enough to own one, but Wingefors' words could suggest more are on the way.

Alternatively, perhaps Embracer has seen the appetite for retro console re-runs firsthand, and will now work on another fan favorite. Whatever its plans, with secondhand prices rising year on year and modern consoles unable to play these classic games, perhaps budget-friendly remakes are the best way to collect and play retro titles in 2026.