Metal Slug: SNK Announces a Reboot Episode, Could it Release on NeoGeo AES+?!

In 2026, NEOGEO will celebrate its 35th anniversary, coinciding with the release of a rebooted NEOGEO AES console by PLAION REPLAI. The announcement, made on April 17, 2026, came as a surprise. The NEOGEO AES will be available in three editions: Standard, Anniversary, and Ultimate. The original NEOGEO AES retailed for 32,800 yen in 1990. The new AES will launch with ten classic titles, with individual cartridges priced at $70. Unlike systems that rely on emulation or FPGA, the new NEOGEO AES uses new ASIC chips, sparking debate in the retro gaming community regarding their long-term reliability and the economic feasibility of continued manufacturing. The NEOGEO AES does not support MVS cartridges, a feature some users were hoping for. However, for owners of original NEOGEO AES hardware, the new AES may offer an appealing alternative, given the rising repair costs of the original system. PLAION REPLAI, the manufacturer of the new NEOGEO AES, has also worked on reviving the Atari 2600 and Atari 7800.

NeoGeo AES Anniversary Edition Launches Nov 12, 2026 – Metal Slug Reboot Hints at Franchise Revival

The Anniversary Edition includes an ice-white Metal Slug cartridge, considered by some to be a striking design piece, as well as a memory card. Shmup fans will be pleased to learn that official re-releases of Pulstar and Twinkle Star Sprites are also planned. The Ultimate Edition includes all ten launch cartridges, wired and wireless controllers, a gamepad, and a game rack. The standard package includes a power adapter, an HDMI cable, and a wired arcade stick. The NEOGEO AES will be released on November 12, 2026, for $249.99 USD. It utilizes custom-fabricated ASIC chips instead of emulation and is fully compatible with original NEOGEO AES cartridges. The system also features an overclocking function via DIP switches to mitigate slowdowns, a low-latency HDMI output for modern displays, and an analog AV output. Both the classic clicky Arcade Stick and the Neo Geo CD-style Gamepad controllers work wired or wirelessly via a dongle. The NEOGEO AES official page is now accepting pre-orders. Coinciding with the NEOGEO anniversary, SNK has announced a Metal Slug reboot, hinting at a broader relaunch of the franchise with an ambitious series of projects, including new episodes intended to revitalize the brand.

In Case You Missed It

In a fascinating week for gaming enthusiasts, we witnessed a passionate NieR Reincarnation fan create an offline version of the game, sparking lively discussions on preservation and copyright infringement. Marcus Thompson explores this controversy in his latest piece, “Controversy in Japan Over Online Games Going Offline”. Meanwhile, Thompson also sheds light on Netflix’s upcoming Gears of War film, with producer David Leitch expressing optimism about the project, fueling fans’ hopes for an adaptation faithful to the source material. While no official announcements have been made regarding casting or release dates, Dave Bautista’s name is already being thrown around as a potential Marcus Fenix. If you’re eager to dive into captivating gaming experiences, don’t miss Thompson’s review of ‘Snow’, a retrofuturistic sci-fi thriller now available on PC via Steam. This Brazilian gem from Ritus Studios puts players in the shoes of Captain Jasmina aboard the Argo, navigating a branching narrative filled with survival puzzles and mystery. Check out these engaging reads here Controversy in Japan Over Online Games Going Offline Netflix’s Gears of War Film is Happening and Dave Bautista Wants to Play Marcus Fenix and here Snow, the Captivating Brazilian Retrofuturistic Sci-Fi Thriller, Now Available.