The Neo Geo X Portable System - Review - Game Sack

Episode 79 - So they crammed the Neo Geo on a handheld device and are selling it for $200. Is it worth it?
We made a video about the firmware update for this thing here: • The Neo Geo X Firmware...
Check out the Game Sack Episode Guide for links to all of our other episodes:
www.gamesack.net

[@williamoverton7414]

I don't get it, aes emulation is FLAWLESS on everything from an ancient pc to a smartphone. how could they screw this up?

[@MetalJesusRocks]

The animation at the end was pretty cool. Well done guys!

[@TimeBunny]

I love videos like this on older consoles, especially those that I missed growing up. Another great videos Game Sack.

[@FallicIdol]

Like most, I couldn't afford a NEOGEO growing up. Nor did I know anyone who had one. I think that is why the system has always been so fascinating to me.

[@12ealDealOfficial]

Really digging this channel, guys. I like the attention to detail and quality of the analysis.

[@lifespanofafry1534]

Are you still alive?

[@SunkythePootis]

Man I love that stop motion animation you did at the end.

[@Wolfdragon92584]

It may be nothing special now, but I looked for Alpha Mission 2 for YEARS after playing it at a place called Hall of Fame Pizza in Menifee, CA back around 1997. The pizza place closed down around the turn of the millennium and I never found the game up until maybe 2015. The music wad so rad!!!

[@NickJaime]

Looking back at those days I don't remember so many wrestling games but seeing videos like these show's they made a ton.

[@megamanfan1500]

With every passing episode, you guys prove why you are among the best reviewers on KZbin. Your thoroughness, and attention to detail are 2nd to none, and I always look forward to new episodes every other Sunday. I do have a question though, I was wondering what you guys thought of the SNK Collection on the PS2/Wii? I play it on my Sony CRT in 480i component, and it looks great, and the emulation quality is great as well. Anyway, keep it up, looking forward to the next episode!

[@lifespanofafry1534]

Are you still alive?

[@megamanfan1500]

I've gotten some weird replies on KZbin, but I've got to say, this is certainly at the top.

[@PugOverboard]

Man, I've been meaning to buy a Neo Geo X for years, a Retron too now that I'm on the subject but now that I've seen your videos about them I no longer have any desire to buy either one. Thanks for saving me some money.

[@Menleah]

A fantastic full-length video - it's really great to watch a full-length presentation, as opposed to a short clip. I really appreciate how they are well put together (nice footage + skillful narration/delivery makes for a good watch)! I hope you make more as I'm sharing and subscribin'! :-)

[@Breakbeats92.5]

A modded PSP is the best way to enjoy these games.

[@JAYCEEDOUBLE]

True, and that jailbreak neo geo emulator on the psp can run some games better than some "official" releases by SNK

[@buckbriggs337]

Been so busy playing NES, SNES, Genesis, and a handful of PS1 games on my PSP. And watching Game Sack lately, I've seen quite a few Saturn games that I really want to try out. (Never played the Saturn) But now that you mention it, this might be the time to finally try out some of these Neo Geo titles. However...although arcade-y, which makes for great portable games, Neo Geo games seem like they benefit greatly on a nice big screen with full audio blaring.

[@Breakbeats92.5]

Tylore Rogers A Mac is for hipsters who need a piece of plastic validate their existence.

[@Hellwyck]

Macs are great for music and art. They very rarely break down. I love PCs due to the greatness of customisation.

[@treefroggy]

now we got the switch yo

[@tysolonynko5728]

Can't stop watching your videos. Professional and thorough. Great great content boys!

[@NightOfTheLiving8bit]

I'm happy to report that the new game packs (which come in old school looking cases) are going to available June 25th, it also includes the firmware update for the system to help sound issues, visual issues and the aspect ratio issues too! I waited off on buying one of these, but I think I might pick one up now as the gold system (now discontinued) can be picked up on eBay for an easy $140-150. Might as well get one of the new volumes too!

[@JMFSpike]

I really like those stop-motion shorts you guys do with the consoles. They are funny, cool, and very well done.

[@GameSack]

I used the included composite cable for when I was talking about composite video. I used the HDMI cable when talking about HDMI video and for the game reviews.

[@john.infinite78]

Thank YOU, Mr. Eikichi Kawasaki 😁 ACA NEOGEO, please keep these titles available for everyone everywhere forever!

[@kimonomywasabi]

You guys are amazing at editing. It's seriously perfect.

[@teddym2808]

These days, honestly your best bet for legal, perfect neo geo on the go, is a switch with the hamster games of your choice, and the hori d pad for $25 USD which is one of the best D pads i have ever used in my entire life (only works in portable mode, if you are a docker, use the 8bitdo sn30 pro or an arcade joystick). They look great in HDMI docked or in handheld mode, and have an option to add a little extra to the sides (in the correct, original aspect ratio) that was cut out originally to fit 4:3 aspect ratio TV's. It's just an absolutely sublime neo geo experience. Right now almost 70% of the entire released neogeo library is available for 6 or 7 USD a pop depending on title, with more to come. I am sure we will hit over 80% coverage this year! Also, controls are instantly responsive in the switch versions. I LOVE it and have over 20 titles so far and have put many more in my watch list :).

[@StopDropandLOL]

I never liked nor will I ever play 90% of the games that GameSack reviews, but I can't stop watching. I get excited on new episode day, because it's an awesome show. Great job hooking someone out of your target audience.

[@smokeglacken]

Love the show guys!!! Really impressed with the production of your vids!!! TOP NOTCH STUFF all the way! I like the dry sense of humor bits too!!! Keep up the great work!!! Glad I stumbled across you guys!!!

[@Danbotology]

Really good episode, guys. The stop frame animation at the end made me smile :)

[@josephskater1994]

Sooo happy to see a new episode!

[@-DeScruff]

I always loved the stop motion stuff you guys do, and that ending was great!

[@nightbirdds]

First, that Stop-Motion bit at the end was awesome! Secondly, the firmware update is going to be part of the upcoming game packs. You can pre-order the game packs individually or the Mega Pack that includes all of them on Amazon now. Not sure how much improvement it'll make, but it's worth looking at.

[@GameSack]

Hopefully Dave pics one up. If he does we'll definitely do a really short video updating everyone on what (if anything) as fixed. It wouldn't be a regular episode, but an inbetween episode release.

[@teen_laqueefa]

I want to come to Colorado and play games, and then go chill with Brandon "weird to throw his name out in a video game channel comment section " Perna

[@oscar8159]

Nice reviews folks, I just ordered one today. For the price it's just OK. I guess is a good device if you want to have a good time with your friends with some beers. I didn't know about this channel, I subscribed.

[@VectrexRoli]

Excellent review and high production value as always!

[@WebVManReturns]

The Neo Geo X. The only console that plays arcade games he can pull out of his Game Sack.

[@Chuck-RETROGAMECAVE]

Concisely says what's been known for a long tome. Emulation is no substitute for the real thing. I appreciate the details about the problems such as the audio, and video quality issues. Great job Joe & Dave.

[@GameSack]

Street Fighter 2 became mega-popular and it endured. SNK wanted a slice of that sweet pie so basically they just kept trying and trying. Funnily enough it's the Metal Slug series that's the true star of the console.

[@EcksGamer]

His name is Galford and what he keeps on saying is Plasma Blades.

[@ultimateman55]

Thank you. Now I don't have to make this comment.

[@MrHentaiLord]

just bought it cant wait to get it watching your video makes me wana get back into buying neo geo games and playing them thanks for the video

[@Astrocreep2K]

If Joe and Dave had a TV show, I'd actually have a reason to watch TV. Great stuff as always, guys!

[@morningrise]

Great job on that stop motion part at the end. I bet that took forever... Just wanted to share some appreciation for the details. Keep it up!

[@tracygates771]

Very in depth guys! Love your reviews. Keep it up!

[@GameSack]

One audio problem we didn't mention in the video is the delay. The audio is delayed from the video by 3 or 4 frames, at least over the HDMI connection. You can catch it in this video if you watch and listen closely. The supposed coming firmware promises better audio quality but doesn't say what is done or what exactly is corrected. Are the channels still swapped? Is there still a delay? We'll find out. And they mentioned nothing about the screen tearing. Hopefully this firmware update is free.

[@Trialwolf]

Thanks for doing an episode on the Neo Geo X, I do know someone who has it but whenever he talked about it I always felt he was going from his Nostalgia of the original Neo Geo rather than this new system, nice to see a more leveled overview of it. Not sure if I would get it myself due to some of the issues you have mentioned, though I do own many of the games on either game compilations or ports to other systems.

[@ZEPPELIN198]

People in my age range will remember the television show "Nick Arcade". Contestants played at least two of the games on here....King Of the monsters and Alpha Mission 2. I just now realized they were playing on Neo Geo machines this whole time

[@DocMcCray]

Great overview, guys. I did play Neo-Geo on a regular basis in the arcade. Very few of them made it onto the collection. Even so, it feels like this is a system I can skip (for now) and not feel like I'm missing anything.

[@TheGamerWithMore]

I actually own one of these Bad Boys and I played 'Baseball Stars 2' and found a glitch. The glitch was, if you got the ball in a Home Run, you could pause the game and unpause it, it would then make a copy of the person running and give you an extra point. Unfortunately, since the recent update came out, I was unable to do this glitch. :(

[@nicholasbullock1709]

Thanks for linking the Mini episode, I was going to ask if you had reviewed the update. Guess you already did :)

[@garou119]

Aw, men! I was really interested in one of these but maybe I'll wait for the firmware to improve... Great work as always, guys!

[@soren123]

Great video review! I'm really looking forward to the NeoGeo Classics Mega Pack, especially since it has a firmware update.

[@GameSack]

The SNES game you're looking for is a Genesis game called Phelios.

[@GenBloodLust]

rewatching yalls old vids and man, this just reminds me so bad that i wish i had seen this before i bought mine. I got it delivered from amazon the day vid came out and mine never worked right.

[@OMGpandemic]

Awesome review, and great video as always.

[@robertgreen6499]

To add to my last post: Keep up the great work, and making me jealous of the great games you have in your collections to play. I wish to have one day a great collection of game. With some of the games you've mention over the past videos. I hope you guys make an extra video "IF it lands outside of weeks that you do videos." once E3 comes and goes by as it's always good to have more thoughts on gaming on the internet.

[@aerosmithgamer]

This is, by far, the best review for the Neo Geo X I have seen. I reall like mine and I don't regret getting it, especially since I have never played the original system. That being said I am quite hopeful that the firmware update will fix some of those problems.

[@MrNicolasu]

great episode as always gamesack! i am not much of a gamer anymore, but i really like watching you guys! speaking about handheld consoles, i don't think you 've talked yet about the Nomad(correct me if i'm wrong).

[@grubbergamer]

I've heard a MVS console mod is the way to go. What you'll pay in hardware, you save - and then some - in software. And yes, the stop motion work is great to watch - I can't imagine the time and effort spent on these segments. We definitely appreciate all the extra work, guys!

[@JoystickDivision]

Best outro yet, guys .... loved it

[@WskOsc]

9:37 the muscleman in the background appears to be wiping his ass on a sheep's face. A great episode on a system I'd never heard about until today. I'd love to get a hold of one of these, even though I'd probably just use it for playing Metal Slug and Samurai Showdown on the bus. Excellent show as always.

[@treepizzle]

Awesome stuff. Love the ending bit. Very clever.

[@AyeOkNowFuckOff]

Got mine on Friday...... ITS GREAT, i love it. Used to own an AES but love this wee unit.

[@HerecomestheCalavera]

The stop animation was absolutely brilliant! I bet it took quite awhile to get that completed.

[@Flavio92617]

Dude I missed these guys!!!

[@tripdefect87]

I also love how many appearances Vader has made in video games other than WWF and WCW ones

[@Wyrdwad]

FYI, I'm seeing listings on Amazon for 5 "Neo Geo X Classics" game cards, each of which contains an additional 3 games + a firmware update that "includes game save functionality, improved TV aspect ratio compatibility, improved sound quality and more." They're all preorderable and listed as coming out on June 25th, so it looks like next month will be the moment of truth for this thing.

[@neevsmazda07]

just subbed your channel. im very happy i found it because there are so many games i never even knew about and the dynamic between the two hosts is not that bad either.

[@devmiles]

this system was a good idea but poorly executed sadly .. should have done better really

[@Malouco]

Ammer Reduron snk needs to make it so we can Beat these game. Like on easy to allow infinite continues bc I played shocktroppers one on PS3 and it's hard even on easy.

[@daveunknown01]

@@Malouco get good

[@TheACanning]

Excellent review! I could tell you wanted to like it but it didn't exactly meet expectations. Love how you gave it praise for the few games that worked well. Y'all have a knack for seriously breaking down both sides to show the pros and cons. Others usually take the Fox News approach and focus solely on one side or the other. Production values don't need to be mentioned, some of the best on YT. Thank you for taking the time to review. Keep on keepin' on brothas!

[@GameSack]

It doesn't matter what people can afford. What does matter are the good and bad things about any given system. And we'll always accurately report what we find.

[@grubbergamer]

You guys have probably already heard the news, but the five Classic Packs are finally up on Amazon. There's a Mega Pack Volume 1 as well, which includes Classic Pack Volumes 1-5. A system update comes along with, to address audio and control issues, and to add a save state feature. They release on June 25th. I'm interested in the system just for the sake of portability, but may wait for feedback on the system update before taking the plunge.

[@darrentg6]

I think it's also worth mentioning that they're releasing 5 game packs for NGX on June 6, with 3 games on each, full packaged/retail releases.

[@mrdante361]

21:48 Cal - ford? Really? It's Gal - ford. It's really hard to take you guys serious sometimes.

[@GameSack]

Don't blame us, blame the game's crappy font. No need to let it ruin your day. :)

[@mrdante361]

So your saying you were being sarcastic or you just really thought his name was Calford? LOL Anyway my favorite guy is Cohamaru so it's all cool.

[@Wolfedge75]

Game Sack "Plasma Blade!"

[@FallicIdol]

Rub my brain!

[@GameSack]

I know your other post is apologizing for this but we still put out more content than most other channels which release about 10 minutes a week. You have no idea the amount of work that goes into just one of these episodes, obviously and we do have other real life obligations. Fortunately, I think that most people do know how much work an episode takes. I really don't know why a select few people think as you do but trust us, we would do more episodes if Game Sack could pay the bills.

[@Modtro64]

I like the funny lil Skit at the end. I like the stop motion you guys do :3

[@SidiousRed]

love this show, keep up the good work

[@vivalalvam]

Thanks for posting this. I was toying with the idea of getting the x but I think I'll go for the genuine aes system.

[@GameSack]

I don't feel like it, but others have said it would work (even though they were just taking it out of the box when they mentioned this) and it's USB so as long as the emulator supports key/button mapping it shouldn't be an issue.

[@DennisForstner]

Definitely not worth the 200$ I paid for it. I probably would not be so disappointed with the Neo Geo X if it was cheaper when I got it. I think I'll just sell mine and grab a couple of SNK franchise collections for the PS2.

[@Malouco]

Vivi Ornitier Apparently the psp has a way to play all the games ever made and it will cure cancer too. Nobody will tell me where this hidden lake is so I can dip my psp into its mana. I just keep asking but these evil gamers are so selfish. I might go on an adventure but going alone would prove to dangerous. If u know anyone willing to help me on this journey to find the lake of emulation let me know.

[@chrispacheco8590]

Yup the SNK compilation on PS2 n PSP are just awesome

[@GameSack]

We will when Dave gets it. I don't know if it's actually out yet. But maybe a week or 2 after Dave gets it (hopefully sooner) we will have a quick update video and also showing off the games on the card he got.

[@ldrelick]

The ending skit is the best one yet, haha

[@robertgreen6499]

The Neo Geo X has it's flaws which to some people can be a lot. But to me I was glad to pick one up last month at the convention I was at. I've always wanted to have a Neo Geo ever since I was a little kid, but the price tag kept it out of my reach. When I saw this in it Gold edition box the little kid in me was stunned. And me on the outside was in awe, and asked if they could hold it so I could get my money from my friends that owed me. I'm glad you guys reviewed, and I'm glad I got one.

[@lsvtecb18c1]

I KNEW I should have bought this system when it came out, the prices for it now are insane, even for the game carts they are crazy prices. I even almost bought it a second time when they were going for like 250 but I still didn't bite th bullet because the reviews weren't the greatest for it.

[@evilkinggumby]

I was going to ask why there was a pretty noticeable delay in the game footage. I'd say more than a few frames, but maybe it's made worse on youtube. Great video and total kudos for taking time to do the stop motion at the end. I really love seeing you do those (knowing how long it can take for just a short skit). Thanks guys!

[@Clesarie]

Always a good show guys. It blows my mind how none of these clone systems use good emulation when pc gamers have had proper emulators of almost all older consoles since the 90's

[@blav]

you guys should make short videos between the regular ones (7 minutes maybe?), it will be great to keep the channel always updated, i love this channel i think its the best videogame channel on youtube, the other channels are like a news show or something like that tv shit cnn or whatever, you know what i mean? keep the good work!

[@David315842]

The firmware upgrades are due to be presented on future game cards for the system due out later this year in June or July, but I assume this summer when the Neo Geo X handheld will be sold as a separate machine, probably with some mains adapter for charging instead of the AES docking station. Oh and guys £ pounds are used in the UK ONLY, much of Europe including Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium etc. uses the Euro currency.

[@mikkolovesgaming1723]

Fatal Fury Special is the first SNK fighter I remember playing, I was taking a tennis course at some kinda exercise facility where my grandma was doing something as well, we spent like a week or two there and I played the game lots. Very fond memories. I might have to do a series retrospective on it for my channel like I'm doing with KOF right now. Maybe one of Art of Fighting too, since there are way less entries in it. I remember getting WRECKED when I played against someone in the arcade. I chose the big guy and actually said maybe it'd help me out to choose the strongest guy. The guy I was playing against pwned me with King. Metal Slug was definitely one of the premium series on the system, did a retrospective of it too, the games still feel and look really good to me. 3 Count Bout was one of the better wrestling games of the time, but if you don't like the genre it definitely isn't for you and it relies HEAVILY on bashing buttons, so it's kinda physically punishing too. Oooh, Samurai Shodown 2, played SO much of it while there was one near a tabletop gaming and comics store I used to frequent, such a shame the arcade closed down. Definitely one of my all time favorites. Not a bad at all initial offering, but they clearly held back quite a few gems in hopes of selling them later. Ninja Master's is really under the radar, I never hear anyone even mention it, but I thought it was nifty. Not one of SNK's best fighters, but still way better than average in the genre at the time.

[@FallicIdol]

I love how they got Razor Ramone to be the evil wizard in Magician Lord

[@kapamaru]

loved the ending animation!

[@dest151]

love your show guys.keep rolling those awesome reviews out..:) oh i also had a question will you guys do more xbox games besides shenmue2?...(i picked up shenmue after your review and that game is epic, loved it)

[@nimocolors]

Does anyone else watch game sack while eating? After I prepare dinner I love to sit and watch this show.

[@GameSack]

I had that thought a few minutes AFTER I finished the animation, but didn't want to reanimate that scene just to add it. I guess we'll have to assume the AES's digestive track is highly efficient and produces no gas. :)

[@rbust]

Even with unlimited continues I was never able to beat Last Resort.A game I really like to this day.

[@Zontar82]

playing that game with the volume maxed out back in the day helped a bit ;)

[@snkneogeoman]

Outstanding review!

[@nickolasecker9596]

I got mine for about $180, the gold edition, and it included the mega pack! I got it back in December 2015 and I'm sure glad I did, the prices have increased a ton since then. A ton of people complain about the quality and while it may be a bit over priced but so is buying an AES , Neo Geo CD, and buying every individual game on the virtual console, you also get a handheld and a good quality stick (not as good as the original Neo geo but not bad for the price at all). Overall it's only slightly dissapointing, I'm not a video/sound freak, I just want to play some Last Blade and Metal Slug and this is a pretty great way of doing so, plus if you jailbreak you have access to pretty much any retro game you want.

[@David315842]

So the guys at GameSack thinks all of Europe uses Pound Sterling and one of them wanted third party titles on a system which is clearly limited to using SNK''s own games. OK?!

[@GameSack]

It's direct feed video. I recorded it in SD. I didn't point the camera at a TV or anything like that.

[@GameSack]

Dammit Dave! We forgot to check with Jason Potts before we made this video. He thinks the Neo Geo X is great. Therefore we have no business informing people of its shortcomings! Damn, if only we'd known.

[@MrArkBrian]

While you are entitled to your opinion it should be noted that WORLD HEROES PERFECT is a hidden gem with deep-fighting-mechanics/without-taking-away-fun-factor that has influenced Street Fighter IV and V as well as the Arc System Works Co. as a whole.

[@micshork]

I LOVE this console no matter what any one else says. Also... The update is being released June 25th 2013 with the MEGA PACK VOL. 1 that has 5 SD Cards and 15 Games. Games like Mark of the Wolves, The Last Blade, Metal Slug 2, Sengoku, and Savage Rain.

[@ksenolog]

Will look into that, thanks for info.

[@tetrisdave]

We're glad you like it and thanks for the sub.

[@manuelarturog]

I love your show, keep the good work!

[@tristanuki1975]

Wow you guys are so kind! I'm pretty dissappointed by the emulation and YET another batch of 'volume 1' early titles. Loved the animation at the end!

[@BotzaBrand]

Great episode. After the price drop I seriously considered picking one up. I already had SNK Vol 1 for the PSP and even that didn't cut the proverbial cheese. So after letting my AES dream go, I finally caved and got a exposed board broke ass CMVS. Oh lord yes. What does God need with that many MEGS?

[@atenga5881]

I have seen a bunch of reviews for this thing (all negative reviews) but none of them mentioned the horrendous composite video signal, thanks for the info.