Neo Geo Returns With $200 20th Anniversary Console

Well, this announcement was a surprise. SNK Playmore is bringing the Neo Geo gaming system back for the 20th anniversary of its release with the Neo Geo X Gold.

The Neo Geo X Gold is an all-in-one console package with the Neo Geo X Station, a console that seems to mimic the original Neo Geo, the Neo Geo X Joystick controller, and the Neo Geo X Handheld, a portable gaming system.

Back in the 90's, SNK's Neo Geo was the cadillac of console gaming. Other systems were more popular (the Neo Geo didn't even figure into the Nintendo/Sega wars of the time), but the Neo Geo was impressive because of its arcade quality. It used much of the same hardware found in its manufacturer's arcade cabinets, so switching between Samurai Showdown in the arcade to Samurai Showdown at home was a seamless experience. Its only problem was that it cost $650, which is over $1,060 in today's dollars. But that didn't stop the Neo Geo from developing a dedicated fan base that still loves the system's games.

The Neo Geo X Handheld looks like an entertaining arcade diversion. It features a 4.3-inch LCD screen and comes pre-installed with 20 classic Neo Geo games, including Fatal Fury, Samurai Showdown 2, Metal Slug, and Art of Fighting 2. It also has an SD card slot for adding more games, but the availability of those games is unclear.

The Neo Geo X Station serves as a charging station for the Neo Geo X Handheld, and lets you connect the system to your HDTV, turning it into an all-in-one plug-in game console loaded with games like the .

The Neo Geo X Gold system will come out Dec. 6 with a retail price of $199, pricey for a retro game system but a bargain compared to the original Neo Geo. It will be distributed through Tommo Inc., and its availability through retail channels has not yet been announced.

For more on classic video games, take a walk through history with PCMag's slideshow of 10 classic game console mods below.