NeoGeo AES+ replica pushed back to 2027 due to RAM crisis
Plaion's hardware-accurate NeoGeo AES+ console has been delayed by ten months to September 2027, citing the AI-driven memory shortage and higher-than-expected demand. The replica uses dedicated ASIC chips and is designed to be fully compatible with original cartridges, with a team including MiSTER core developer Jotego. Ten classic games will be re-released in cartridge form.
The replica's 5-volt power delivery ensures direct compatibility with original cartridges, and third-party adapters allow for arcade MVS cartridges. The original AES system, which ran from 1990 to 2004, was notable for using identical hardware in both home and arcade cabinets, differing only in form factor and a defeatable lockout.
Plaion's re-release lineup includes specific titles like Metal Slug, Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Pulstar, and King of Fighters 2002. Historically, the AES introduced memory cards for save data and a premium arcade joystick, though its initial $399.99 base price (over $1,000 today) made it a luxury item.
The delay highlights how the AI-driven memory shortage may ripple beyond data centers into niche consumer markets. Retro gaming enthusiasts could face prolonged wait times and potentially higher prices for the AES+, while the broader electronics industry may see similar project postponements. The high demand suggests a strong cultural appetite for hardware-accurate preservation, which could influence future re-releases, but the current supply chain constraints may dampen immediate accessibility for casual buyers.