Neo Geo games have always been around me. Growing up, I would always see a big red cabinet in most arcades and in movie theaters. When I got to college, the arcade there had a MVS system with all four slots loaded. I believe they were Puzzle Bobble 2, Metal Slug 3, Neo Geo Cup '98 (was very popular), and King of the Monsters. In addition, there would always be a dedicated cabinet for an SNK related game. Next city over, there was an arcade dedicated to Japanese arcade games, and there were SNK/Neo Geo games a-plenty!

So over the last 5 years I've always had a small desire to own a Neo Geo AES. You know, to get the full arcade experience, but at home. Every few months I would get the wanting desire to get one, which would lead me to go on eBay and check the collections that were being auctioned off, hoping to see one that has a good bundle of games, controllers, and the console with all of its cables and accessories. So far, I never pulled the trigger and got one. The collections were either not fully complete for what I wanted or were too expensive.

Same goes with the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Always wanted to get one, but never went forward with a purchase.

The closest I would get is owning ports for Neo Geo games on the PS1, PS2, and PS3. But now, enters the Neo Geo X. This device looks to be the item that combines everything related to Neo Geo in one great package. First, you get a portable version of the Neo Geo. This is like having a NGPC, but it includes the real games, and not some watered down versions for portable consoles. Next, you're able to connect the hand held to a device that looks like an AES that allows you to play games on a TV. And finally, you can get some arcade sticks to get the arcade experience!

I know it's not the same as owning an actual AES, but things can get expensive really fast. Neo Geo X looks to be the next best thing that will meet all my SNK needs without having to blow tons of cash and having a very modest collection to show for it. I hope to get one sometime in the near future.

Bonus: If you're not too familiar with the background of Neo Geo, here's a documentary about the company that made it, SNK.