Rarest Neo Geo AES Games (& How Much They’re Worth)

Summary

• SNK’s Neo Geo AES cartridges are rare and highly priced due to unique arcade-perfect hardware.
• Valuable titles like Metal Slug X, Rage of the Dragons, and Samurai Shodown 5 Special can reach up to thousands of dollars.
• The EU releases like Metal Slug, Kizuna Encounter, and The Ultimate 11 are among the rarest Neo Geo games, priced over tens of thousands of dollars.

As a long-time collector of retro gaming memorabilia, I can confidently say that these Neo Geo AES games are some of the rarest and most sought-after treasures in the hobby. Having spent countless hours scouring eBay, flea markets, and online forums for the elusive gems, I’ve come to know all too well the thrill of the hunt and the heartache of coming up empty-handed.

The prices listed for these games are staggering, especially when you consider that the average person can’t just drop $300,000 on a single cartridge without batting an eye. But for those of us who appreciate the history and craftsmanship behind these classic titles, it’s easy to see why they command such high prices.

The Neo Geo AES was a marvel of engineering in its time, with its powerful hardware allowing for stunning graphics and smooth gameplay that rivaled even the mighty PlayStation. And let’s not forget the sheer joy of popping in a cartridge and knowing that you were about to experience something truly special.

Of course, I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Here we are, spending small fortunes on video games, when there are so many other important things we could be doing with our money. But hey, as long as someone out there is willing to pay that kind of cash for a piece of gaming history, I’ll keep hunting!

Just don’t tell my wife how much I spent on that Kizuna Encounter cartridge… she might have me committed!

In the 1990s, numerous businesses attempted to enter the console market as a challenge to Nintendo and Sega. Regardless of size, each endeavored to establish their unique position within the industry; however, only a handful were truly successful. For instance, SNK aimed at making arcade games accessible in people’s homes without compromising on quality due to limitations in other consoles’ hardware.

Back in the day, I was thrilled when they unveiled the Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System (AES). Essentially, it was their MVS arcade hardware, neatly tucked inside a sleek black box. This setup delivered arcade-quality games right at home, but with a catch – it came at a premium price. When it first hit shelves, this gaming powerhouse set me back a whopping $649.99 (equal to about $1,505 today). The games weren’t cheap either, costing up to an astounding $300 ($645 in today’s dollars). Since then, these gems have become increasingly rare, driving their prices even higher. I’ve sourced the price information from PriceCharting.com, with a few exceptions where noted.

10. Metal Slug X (US)

Where the Game is Cheap, But Its Box and Manual Aren’t

Given that Metal Slug, a game SNK is fond of highlighting, offers both exciting new versions and anthologies, as well as less desirable tower defense spin-offs, one might expect the AES cartridges to be affordable. However, due to the intricate sprites that place high demands on the hardware, ensuring an uncompressed, seamless play without missing frames can result in a higher price tag, depending on its state of preservation.

In essence, Metal Slug X was an enhanced version of Metal Slug 2, featuring the elimination of slowdown issues and additional power-ups, levels, enemies, among other features. It’s relatively simpler to obtain in Japan compared to MS2, with loose cartridges priced at 18 dollars and complete box sets at 40 dollars. The North American version can also be found easily as a loose cartridge for around 30 dollars. However, the prices for complete boxed editions skyrocket in America, with some going up to $5,000 for used copies and an eye-watering $10,000 for new ones, making it one of the priciest Metal Slug games available for American players.

9. Rage of the Dragons (JP)

Late Neo Geo Release Becomes the 2nd Rarest Tag Fighter on the Hardware

Due to its expensive nature, people often chose to rent the Neo Geo AES instead of buying it, as this was a more budget-friendly way to experience its home games. However, SNK attempted to create a more cost-effective alternative with the Neo Geo CD, which unfortunately had longer loading times compared to the Saturn and PlayStation because of its reading mechanism. This issue wasn’t addressed until they launched the Neo Geo CDZ, a Japan-exclusive version.

Despite being published by SNK, not every one of their games were compatible with their CD systems. A fighting game titled “Rage of the Dragons”, which draws inspiration from the “Double Dragon” series, was only released on MVS and AES systems. In the U.S., an AES cartridge can fetch around $3,000, while its Japanese counterpart is valued at approximately $6,600 in complete condition. Fortunately, QUByte Interactive has revamped the game and made it available for purchase on digital storefronts at a more reasonable price of $19.99.

8. Blazing Star (JP)

Space Shooter Goes for Galactic Prices

As a longtime fan of shoot ’em up (shmup) games, I have spent countless hours dodging bullets and racking up high scores in classic titles like R-Type and Pulstar. However, over time, I found myself growing tired of the bullet hell style of gameplay that seemed to dominate the genre. It felt more like a frustrating dance with death rather than the joyous experience of shooting down enemies and blasting through levels.

Then, I stumbled upon Blazing Star by Yumekobo, a horizontal shooter that harkened back to the golden age of shmups. This game brought me back to my roots, offering fast-paced action, challenging levels, and an exhilarating sense of control over my ship. It was a breath of fresh air in a sea of bullet hell games that had left me feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

Blazing Star allowed me to be the one raining down destruction instead of being on the receiving end of it. The game’s mechanics were familiar, yet innovative enough to keep things interesting. I found myself replaying levels over and over again, trying to perfect my strategy and achieve a higher score. It was a true love letter to shmup fans like me who yearned for a return to the glory days of the genre.

In short, Blazing Star is a must-play for anyone who loves shoot ’em up games and wants to experience a modern take on the classics that still manages to feel fresh and exciting. It’s a game I will continue to come back to again and again, and it has reignited my passion for shmups in a way that few other titles have been able to do.

Depending on the ship selected and whether they tapped, rapidly pressed, or maintained pressure on the button, players can execute various types of shots in this game. When it was initially launched in 1998, its visual appeal alone wasn’t enough to rescue the genre. However, it did receive a US MVS release, priced at around $250 for an unboxed copy. But collectors would need approximately $3,775 to import an unboxed AES cartridge from Japan.

7. Samurai Shodown 5 Special (US)

The Neo Geo AES’ Swansong Release Ends Up Being a Mess

Following a 14-year run, SNK’s Neo Geo hardware was permanently halted in 2004, and its final game, “Samurai Shodown 5 Special”, was the swan song. This enhanced edition of SS5 brought back all the series’ antagonists as playable characters, adjusted the gameplay mechanics, and intensified the violence with its new Overkill moves that resembled fatalities. Despite the series’ violent nature, this upgrade pushed it towards a Mortal Kombat-like level of gore. Unfortunately, this decision backfired when Japan experienced the Sasebo slashing incident just a month before SS5S was scheduled to launch.

Initially, the release date for the game was pushed forward to reduce its violent content. However, this hasty adjustment led to several glitches, forcing SNK to withdraw it temporarily for repairs. Later on, they developed a more refined version named “Samurai Shodown 5 Perfect“. Instead of releasing it, SNK chose to store it away. Now, all variations of “SS5“, including bloodless versions, are part of the “Samurai Shodown Neo Geo Collection“. The collection is priced affordably at around $20. However, for those seeking a complete boxed cartridge of “SS5S“, it will cost approximately $8,000.

6. Stakes Winner (US)

Galloping Up the Price Range

In a more casual tone, Stakes Winner is a fun, arcade-style horse racing simulation game where players predict which horse might be our next Secretariat and then strive to win as many races as they can. The main challenge lies in managing the horse’s endurance, as one button tightens the reins for brief bursts of speed, while another taps the horse for a larger burst of speed at a higher stamina cost.

This game may be easy to understand, but it’s challenging to fully master, even with the bonus features sprinkled throughout the levels. The game didn’t set arcade-players ablaze on either side of the Pacific, but it’s now one of the hardest-to-find Neo Geo games in the US. Collectors will need around $7,000 for a standalone cartridge, and over $10,000 for a complete set with the box. For those curious about it, a digital version can be purchased for just $5.

5. Magical Drop 2 (JP)

Puzzling Prices

Initially, Magical Drop was a fascinating competitive puzzle game, similar to Puzzle Bobble. Instead of shooting colored ‘drops’, players in this game pick the lowest ones from a pile and toss them back up elsewhere, creating combinations. In its sequel, Magical Drop 2, players were given the opportunity to match Special Drops as well as Rainbow Drops that align with all colors, significantly increasing points and intensifying the competition in the multiplayer mode.

The arcade game was available in the U.S., but its home versions were only released in Japan. This includes the AES version, which is currently the most costly Japanese AES game you can find. If you don’t have around $12,000 to buy an imported Japanese copy, you can get it digitally for $7.99 on PSN and Xbox Live instead.

4. Neo Turf Masters (US)

Putting Others In Their Place

Due to a lack of engaging tasks, several workers from Irem decided to establish Nazca Corporation. Although this new company didn’t stay in business for long, it made a significant impact by developing some exceptional animated video games. The standout title was Metal Slug, while the surprising hit was Neo Turf Masters, an arcade-style golf game that caught many off guard.

This game stood out as more user-friendly compared to its contemporaries because it allowed players to adjust power and angle with a single button, while selecting the shot type with another. However, it was challenging to master due to its intricate course layouts and wind effects. You can easily find it online at an affordable cost, but for those with a budget of $30,000, they have the option to purchase one of its complete original AES cartridges.

3. The Ultimate 11/Super Sidekicks 4 (EU)

Soccer at Sky-High Prices

Japanese corporations seldom expand into Europe until their products gain significant popularity in North America. Nintendo initially allowed Mattel to manage the NES in Europe for two years before opening their own European division in 1989. The TurboGrafx-16 of NEC failed in the US, leading to the cancellation of its European launch; a select few received PC Engine consoles instead. Consequently, the Neo Geo AES had little chance of success.

Initially, SNK dabbled in a small-scale attempt, providing a handful of European adaptations of their games. However, they eventually discontinued these projects, which over time have transformed into some of the scarcest games in existence, especially for the Neo Geo platform. Tracking down the European version of Ultimate 11/Super Sidekicks 4, if it’s even available for sale, will require a considerable investment of at least $35,000 and potentially up to $45,000. Finding one for purchase is a challenge in itself due to its rarity, and the game seldom surfaces on the market for sale.

2. Metal Slug (US)

Blowing Up in More Than Just Price

Despite the rich visuals of Neo Turf Masters, it remained a golf game, which is quite tranquil compared to the boisterous excitement of Metal Slug. Metal Slug was an action-packed run & gun game brimming with character, where its sprites offered more than just shooting or dying. Consequently, it’s not surprising that SNK acquired Nazca Corp and its IPs shortly after its release.

Back in the day, the early ports of this system were often more than it could handle, as its PlayStation 1, Saturn, and Neo Geo CD releases were plagued with excruciating load times. Wealthy individuals in the ’90s had the option to invest around $650, equivalent to today’s value, on its AES release to bypass all those delays. However, fast forward to now, a loose copy of it will set you back approximately $3,300, while a complete cartridge can cost as much as $60,000. Any physical copy going for less than that is likely to be counterfeit.

1. Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle (EU)

The Holy Grail of Neo Geo Releases

Among the scarce EU releases, the one that stands out is “Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle”. This game serves as a sequel to “Savage Reign”, which pioneered tag battles around the same period as “X-Men Vs Street Fighter” in 1996. Unlike the latter, characters in this game would appear from a designated tag area, thereby limiting tag combos primarily to a few assists and predefined moves. While it functioned well, it didn’t possess the striking appeal that Capcom’s Marvel-themed fighter had with its extravagant moves.

The SNK game in question is often found across various compilation releases. However, obtaining its US AES cartridge, which goes for around $5,000, might be challenging financially. If your cartridge is one of the (alleged) 10 EU copies known to exist, you could potentially make up to $50,000 by selling it. But, only if it’s an authentic EU copy and you manage to find a buyer willing to pay that sum.

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2024-12-31 12:35