Ben Jones
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"It was a bit of a ‘nothing stops this train’ moment" - The Neo Geo AES+ almost didn't happen thanks to AI, but a chip workaround saved the day
The remake of SNK's Neo Geo AES+ console, now delayed until September 2027, faced near cancellation due to global semiconductor shortages driven by AI data center demand. Plaion's director Ben Jones explained that the high demand for flash chips almost halted production, but a workaround involving serial flash chips was implemented, causing the delay. This situation highlights how AI demand is impacting the availability and price of components for various electronic devices, including retro consoles.
Aaarrgh! NEOGEO AES+ delayed until September 2027 amid pesky memory chip shortages
The NEOGEO AES+ retro hardware platform has been delayed until September 16, 2027, due to higher-than-expected demand and ongoing memory chip shortages. PLAION REPLAI is using the extra time to increase production capacity and expand the planned software lineup beyond the initial ten games. Pre-orders remain valid, and early buyers will receive bonus items.
New NeoGeo AES+ means I will soon be able to retire my original MVS hardware – what a time to be alive
Plaion Replai has announced the NEOGEO AES+, a new version of the classic Neo Geo AES console that accurately replicates the original hardware and supports original AES game cartridges. The new console will feature HDMI output for modern displays and will retain high score saves. It is set to launch on November 12, 2026, with a Standard Edition priced at £179.99 and a 35th Anniversary Edition at £269.99, alongside individual game cartridges for £69.99.