![]() Main Processor: Motorola 68000 running at 12 MHz.The standard A/V outs on the Neo Geo CD, as well as a multi port for RGB video In response to reader inquiries about Neo Geo CD software, GamePro reported in an issue cover dated May 1997 that SNK had quietly discontinued the console by this time. Reviewing the Neo Geo CD in late 1995, Next Generation noted SNK's reputation for fun games but argued that their failure to upgrade the Neo Geo system with 3D capabilities would keep them from producing any truly "cutting edge" games, and limit the console to the same small cult following as the Neo Geo AES system although with less expensive games. The system's technical specs are identical to the previous models except that it includes a double-speed CD-ROM drive, and different CD controller circuitry. However, its faster loading times, lack of a " region lock", and the fact that it could play older CD software, made it a popular import item for enthusiasts in both Europe and North America. The CDZ was only officially sold in Japan during its production. The CDZ was released on Decem as the Japanese market replacement for SNK's previous efforts (the "front loader" and the "top loader"). The CDZ, only released in Japan and featuring faster CD loading than the previous models Their Japanese division had produced an excess number of single speed units and found that modifying these units to double speed was more expensive than they had initially thought, so SNK opted to sell them as they were, postponing production of a double speed model until they had sold off the stock of single speed units. However, the system missed its planned North American launch date of October 1995, and while SNK declined to give a specific reason for the delay, in their announcement of the new January 1996 launch date they stated that they had decided against using a double speed drive. ![]() In response to criticism of the Neo Geo CD's long load times, SNK planned to produce a model with a double speed CD-ROM drive for North America, compared to the single speed drive of the Japanese and European models. You can see that the screen on the right is a load screen." The prototype of the machine that they showed was single speed, and the load time was 14-28 seconds between rounds. Ĭriticism of the system's generally long loading times began even before launch a report in Electronic Gaming Monthly on the Neo Geo CD's unveiling noted, "At the show, they were showing a demo of Fatal Fury 2. Īpproximately one month after launch, SNK reported that they had sold the Neo Geo CD's entire initial shipment of 50,000 units. The front-loading version is the original console design, with the top-loading version having been developed shortly before the Neo Geo CD launch as a scaled-down, cheaper alternative model. The Neo Geo CDZ, an upgraded, faster-loading version, released in Japan only.A top-loading version, marketed worldwide, as the most common model.A front-loading version, only distributed in Japan, with 25,000 total units built.Three versions of the Neo Geo CD were released: SNK planned to release Neo Geo CD versions of every Neo Geo game still in the arcades. The console uses the same CPU set-up as the arcade and cartridge-based Neo Geo systems, facilitating conversions. The Neo Geo CD was first unveiled at the 1994 Tokyo Toy Show. The front-loading version: the first to market, and only released in Japan The Neo Geo CD had met with limited success due to it being plagued with slow loading times that could vary from 30 to 60 seconds between loads, depending on the game.Īs of March 1997, there had been 570,000 Neo Geo CD units sold worldwide. However, the original AES joystick can be used with all three Neo Geo CD models. ![]() The Neo Geo CD was launched bundled with a control pad instead of a joystick like the AES version. All three versions of the system have no region-lock. The system was originally priced at US$399, or £399. This is the same platform, converted to the cheaper CD format retailing at $49 to 79 per title, compared to the $300 cartridges. The Neo Geo CD ( Japanese: ネオジオCD, Hepburn: Neo Jio Shī Dī) is the second home video game console of SNK Corporation's Neo Geo family, released on September 9, 1994, four years after its cartridge-based equivalent.
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