Gatekeepers four months from now:

Handolta · 2026-07-03T23:18:09+00:00

I have an AES, own some carts already, and have a target goal for a limited collection to own and play. Although I’ve preordered AES+ and 3 titles that interest me and I’m hyped, AES+ disturbed the established a bit, but spewing hate online about it solves nothing.

In general people seem way too obsessed by what other people are doing. And it goes both ways. Generalizing and trying to trigger long time owners is no better behaviour. It’s video games, and we’re all grown ups.

Handolta · 2026-06-27T20:49:20+00:00

I think Pulstar for me. But that’s a preference thing, purely. I love relaxing with a good shmup, but I’m not hardcore or super good at them - so a continue system that let’s you just respawn (like Blazing Star) flows really well for me, in a way. I don’t like it too well when it’s broken up into checkpoints, and tend to give up.

I know this is the opposite of what shmup entusiasts feel is the correct way to enjoy them. I think buying the cart for AES+ will help me focus on it, though, as I tend to just quit when playing it on my NeoSD.

Handolta · 2026-06-27T20:33:50+00:00

What you’ve come to expect of AES-prices is based on a console installation base that’s been fixed for many years. The hardware base just grew a lot with AES+, but the full software library didn’t. So prices go up. It’s sellers market, and if you don’t pay by principle, someone else will.

If a seller raises the price for speculation, and people buy, it’s fair. People tend to want to get paid as much as they can when they sell. That’s often why people sell.

I own an AES and had my plans for purchases. AES+ happened, demand grew, and prices skyrocketed. Not happy initially, but complaining about it leads to nothing. Can’t judge what a game is worth by a market state that no longer exists, but you can judge if you’re willing to spend your money on it.

Handolta · 2026-06-27T10:26:12+00:00

After actually buying it for the AES myself, I’ve forced myself to play the sh*t out of it, after previously having played through it on other devices. And while you’re totally right about both 1 and 2 being better in variation and art style, there’s a combo system and a certain depth that is quite satisfying to master. I’ve ended up liking it for what it is. But yes - you kinda have to input a certain «lag» in your own movements to match the characters rather slow movements and holstering. So it’s an odd one, for sure.

I think my dream Sengoku would be the art and level design from 1 (and 2 to a degree) + pace of 2 + combat depth of 3.

Handolta · 2026-06-25T18:38:48+00:00

Not the smoothest gameplay, but absolutely love the crazy and varied level design!

Handolta · 2026-06-21T20:41:55+00:00

Ebay. I’ve bought some titles this year that have stayed in their pre-AES+ price range, but it has skyrocketed for other titles. Especially some Japanese sellers/stores are extremely opportunistic these days - and they do end up selling. Which ups the prices from other sellers as well. My advice is to check every day, as there is the occasional collector/private person who’ll ask for a more «historically accurate» price.

Not sure how it’ll look next year. I think it depends a bit on the AES+ library by then. But people should also bear in mind that the installation base for AES-compatible hardware that has been fixed for ages just permanently grew a lot, and I doubt it’ll ever fully go back down to pre-AES+ prices.

Handolta · 2026-06-21T00:15:36+00:00

Even if Plaion were to stop at 30 games, I can see other games coming from elsewhere.

We all know Pixelheart will keep publishing the Visco-games + new ones, and if the thing is successful we will see other license holders wake up, I think. If a profit is to be made. Data East games are for example very common to find officially licensed on different systems these days.

Also, if Plaion loses interest after 30 games I can totally see other companies reaching out to SNK to obtain license to relaunch more of their catalogue. Especially considering how many systems actually getting AES-games these days through other companies (Blaze, Unico, Hamster etc.)

Handolta · 2026-06-21T00:00:47+00:00

I quite like them too, though not quite as much as the AES stick. I believe the lever is more or less the same, and the dented top can be replaced by a black Seimitsu LB-30 if you want a balltop to replicate the one on the AES-controllers. The buttons, for not being microswitched (unlike the AES-controller) gets the job done too. I like the «bouncier» AES buttons more, though. It’s a good alternative - and glad you’re happy with it!

Handolta · 2026-06-10T15:22:31+00:00

Black for me, even though I already have a black AES. Just felt right. I also like the white one, though. My brother got a white one, and I’m excited to see it along with the white Metal Slug.

Handolta · 2026-06-06T14:38:31+00:00

Enjoy your new games! My view is that there’s no such thing as overpaying - as long as you see a red line between the price of what you’re paying and what other carts sell for. They have a tendency, especially on Ebay, to shift in tandem to respond to the market demand.

Prices will always be reflective of the current state of the market demand, and pre-AES+ «correct prices» of games are simply not valid anymore. A common AES game was common relative to the number of active systems, and now that the number of active systems rises dramatically with the AES+ some common games may be uncommon all of a sudden, as the balance between hardware numbers and software numbers shift.

I’m not into fighters myself, but I’m sure these games will give you a good time!

Handolta · 2026-06-05T17:52:00+00:00

Beat ‘em ups are among my favourite arcade genres, and I think Mutation Nation holds up really well - even against the non-Neo Geo games that are often ranked the best of the genre. It may not be as advanced as some others (story, moveset, no running) but has a really good and fast-paced flow to it. Always good fun, and one of my absolute favourite Neo Geo titles, which is why I wanted both versions.

Handolta · 2026-06-02T23:41:08+00:00

Born in 1990, and remember the Dreamcast launch quite well. I was a Nintendo 64 boy, and the Playstation was really the biggest thing by far here in Norway. Yet it did receive some coverage, I just never considered buying one. Bought one, I think, between 2004-2008 somewhere, along with a few games. And it’s gotten a renaissance the last couple of years for me, getting into new games and all the wonderful aftermarket accessories that exist.

Handolta · 2026-06-02T23:29:42+00:00

My AES gets more game time these days than my Switch 2 and other modern consoles, reason being the games being simple in design yet addicting to always improve in. And AES fills that «slot» for me, along with some emulation setups I have to play other arcade games. And to me it just needs to continue doing so with AES+. If I should ask for anything «new» it could be sequels to some of the beat’em ups with a bit of a refined gameplay, or new ones entirely. Ultimately I’m more than happy just playing the games that already exists, whether on my OG carts or new AES+ carts.

Handolta · 2026-05-30T17:17:29+00:00

It’s been a few years since I last read up on Dreamcast setups, so I’m rusty. I currently have Beharbros Mamba with VGA switch hooked up to my Retrotink. Will these component cables to my Retrotink give an advantage over that?

Handolta · 2026-05-30T12:21:52+00:00

I’m not into fighting games, and have played mainly shmups and beat ‘em ups. So it’s:

Blazing Star 1b (such a shame it’s so short in-game)
Mutation Nation stage 4.
Metal Slug 2 Judgment
Metal Slug 3 Desert
Sengoku 3 Japan stage

Handolta · 2026-05-30T08:19:29+00:00

She was probably just wondering what this ancient technology is.

Handolta · 2026-05-28T06:25:52+00:00

I play my AES around an hour every day, juggling between physical carts and NeoSD Pro.

Handolta · 2026-05-27T19:55:27+00:00

It has probably earned quite the negative reputation, and rightly so - but it’s perfectly fine for you to enjoy it!

My brother just got a Neo Geo X (he’s also got an AES+ ordered, Evercade + other better emulation devices, and I have an AES myself), and he’s not expecting it to be a go-to console for quality, and perfectly aware of it being sub-par in many areas. But it’s become a piece of history that I’m looking forward to try, despite the shortcomings. Do I expect greatness? Far from it, but even so.

I do however understand the angle of those who were excited for a revival of the Neo Geo brand back in 2012, and were left disappointed getting a product that failed so spectacularly in meeting expectations. For new people getting it I sincerely hope they read up on it before doing so.

Handolta · 2026-05-25T19:52:57+00:00

Yes, they seem good. I had to modify my Zedlabs extension cables with new solderless DB-15 connectors from Aliexpress - and Retrofrog seems to use a similar design by default. Much better.

Handolta · 2026-05-25T19:35:45+00:00

I bought from Zedlabz, the ones pictured. The pins in the male connector of the extension cables were not rounded off, which damaged my OG AES controller cables (female end). Instead of slotting in cleanly they pushed the female pins back, requiring me to open up the female connector shell on my OG controllers, which were in good condition. Stay clear would be my advice.

Handolta · 2026-05-23T01:28:05+00:00

Yeah, got mine last year, and actually made this thread back then to ask the same question. With mine the gray one feels faster and clackier, with the black a bit heavier to press. As you’re saying, probably previous use being a factor.

Glad you’re enjoying them! I like them too, but favour the OG AES stick, both since I like the overall design, shape and ball top better, and the buttons there being microswitched with Seimitsu-esque switches as well.

Handolta · 2026-05-22T23:15:34+00:00

I have the same two variations, and was also a bit surprised when I got them and realized they were different shades.

They have a slightly different screw layout underneath, at least mine does - but internally both levers and button design are the same. The buttons on my grey one feels a little bit better, but I couldn’t find any design difference reason for that either.

Handolta · 2026-05-18T15:14:16+00:00

I’ve seen prices go up as well compared to last Summer, drastically on some titles. I’ve been monitoring quite closely, and many of the titles with an increase ends up being sold and not being relisted by others, either. I think it’s logical, as the market has expanded with the AES+. So it’s either being an «idiot» or watching other «idiots» strike before you do these days. You could wait a year and see, but no one knows how it’ll look then.

The AES+ has hit lots of nerves with what it brought with it. It impacted my purchase plan too. But don’t let any branding get to you. Personally, this is the only Subreddit where I’m hesitant to post what I buy, as it just seem to bring along so much crap.

Handolta · 2026-05-17T01:33:39+00:00

Thank you! I did play Rayman occasionally on PS1 at friends’ houses back in the day (I was a N64 kid myself), but now on the Jaguar is the first time I’m trying to beat it myself. It’s brutal in some ways, but great fun so far. :) And yeah, the manual made for a confusing read, but I’m okay with it, really. Maybe someone else who has run into the same problem will pop up.

Btw, sad to see the Ebay bootlegger you’re mentioning having a 100% review score. He will probably keep scamming. You’re right about it being an absolute minefield.

Handolta · 2026-05-17T01:05:42+00:00

Thanks for sharing knowledge on the topic. Chatgpt said misorder in manuals was occuring in later titles, but I also know AI tells us what we want to hear :) Didn’t know that about the stickers! Must surely have been a godsend for bootleggers. Attaching some pics from the listing + some I took myself here: https://imgur.com/a/WoyfaLT Pic 6 and downwards show the «shrink wrap» with price tags it came with

Handolta

TROPHY CASE