Star Tech Journal

Prince's Corner
Donald B. Prince
D&RMusic
Bozeman. Montana
Evaluating ~NK's NEO•GEO
Conversion Kit System.
Video Games sure have come along wayfrom the
fzrst games. X-Y monitors have been replaced by
raster-scan monitors. Linear power supplies
have been replaced by switch-mode power sup-
plies with standard voltages of 5vdc, 12vdc, and
-5vdc. Wiring has become standardized (JAM.MA
harness} and color coded. Even lighting has be-
come a standard 15" fluorescent lamp.
All these improvements have one thing in com-
mon, standardization. Standardization has
made it practical to have a standard test bench
(JAMMA compatible} rather than a test benchfor
each type of game. It has also made modular
changes possible.
vs SYSTEM
Nintendo tried a universal type system with it's
VS Unisystem. where you could change from one
game to another by a chip change, a header (or
marquee) change, and possibly a front panel
change. This system has made these games
valuable (in certain locations) even today. Unfor-
tunately, the technology grew and the graphics
became so-so in light of the new.
(Nintendo) and it's limited game selection, don't
let that turn you off from exploring the
NEO•GEO. SNK has taken steps to insure the
NEO•GEO will be profitable now and in the
future.
TmEs
According to Canadian Coin Box's game poll, as
of April '91, NEO•GEO is still in the top 10 in
Canada. In America, Replay Magazine's "The
Players Choice" section (May '91), lists seven of
fifteen possible NEO•GEO titles in their Top 25,
under the heading best software. Four titles
have been on the charts for 5-7 months (good
indicator oflong range profitability). and three
recent released titles ( 1-2 months on the charts)
are in the top ten. including the number 2 and 3
spots (good indicator of high profits on initial
investment). Refer to the list at the end of this
article for game titles.
SNK Corp, puts out three dedicated NEO•GEO
video systems: 6 game/2 player, 4 game/2
player, and 2 game/2 player. They also licensed
Roms tar to put out a JAMMA compatible conver-
sion system with one game title, 2 players.
NEO•GEO
SNK Corp. introduced it's version of systematic
video games (NEO•GEO) in 1990 and has taken
the systematic approach to it's next logical step,
games in a cartridge. A convenience adapted
from the home video market. If you were un-
happy with the longevity of the VS Unisystem
CONVERSIONS
Changing games is as easy as turning off the
game, replace the game cartridge, replace the
marquee title card, and tum the game back on.
The advantage the NEO•GEO has over the
Nintendo VS Unisystem is in having a universal