NeoSD AES

The Neo Geo AES is a wonderful console with excellent arcade games. Unfortunately, the AES versions of these games are very expensive, but there is a way to enjoy them nonetheless. Terraonion, a company currently based in Andorra, offers an SD card solution that allows backup copies of the games to be used on the Neo Geo.

The NeoSD is a flash cartridge with 768 Mbit of flash memory, meaning there is enough space to store even the largest games released for the Neo Geo. Everything is controlled by an Arm Cortex M4, supported by two Lattice XP2 FPGAs. Before the games can be used, the NeoSD Builder software is required to convert the ROM files (zip format) into the .neo format required by the NeoSD. The games can then be copied to a microSD or microSDHC card (up to 32 GB – FAT32), with long file names posing no problem.

When the NeoSD is started for the first time, the menu appears; on all subsequent starts, the first player must press the Start button whilst the device is switching on to access the menu. The games are displayed at the top of the menu; at the bottom left is an image relating to the game, alongside details about the game, and below that the button labels are shown. A game can be selected in the menu using the controller; if button A is then pressed for Player 1, the game is loaded into the NeoSD’s internal memory, after which the Neo Geo restarts and loads the selected game. The duration of the loading process depends on the size of the game.
Once a game has been loaded into the NeoSD’s memory, it will start immediately every time the NeoGeo is switched on. To switch to a different game, press the combination A + D + Start for several seconds whilst a game is in progress. The D button can be used to add a game to your favourites, whilst the options are accessed using B. It is also handy that a filter can be called up using the C button.

Options
– Boot mode
If GAME is selected, the NeoSD launches the last game loaded. If MENU is selected, the game list is launched.
– In-Game Trigger
This is the key combination used to return to the game list when held down for a few seconds whilst playing. The options are AD + START, BC + START, ABC + START, and selecting NONE disables the combination.
– System Mode
Allows you to force a specific system mode.
• BIOS System Mode: determined by the BIOS
• AES System Mode: AES is enforced
• MVS System Mode: MVS is enforced. This mode also allows access to soft dips when used on an AES
– Region
Allows you to force a specific system region.
• BIOS: The region is determined by the BIOS.
• EUROPE – Europe is enforced
• USA – North America is enforced
• JAPAN – Japan is enforced
– Arcade (MVS)/Cartridge (AES) mode
By enabling this option, switching off the system and then removing the SD card from the NeoSD cartridge, the NeoSD functions as a standalone cartridge. This is useful for MVS arcade cabinets where the operator wishes to specify a particular game for that slot. In this mode and without an SD card, the region and mode options are not applied.
BackRAM
Save
• AES mode options:
o continuous: YES – Loads high score data from the SD card when the game is loaded. Saves the high score data in every game loop.
o Continuous: NO – Disables the loading of high score data from the SD card.
• MVS mode options:
o Continuous – Loads high score data from the SD card when the game is loaded. Saves the high score data at the end of each game and resets the loop.

The NeoSD originally cost €349. I happened to get hold of a second-hand version in Germany. Currently (December 2019), the cartridge is not available from the Terraonion shop. Unfortunately, I cannot say if or when it will be available again, as the successor is already ready – the NeoSD Pro offers four FlashSlots and a RAM slot and is reportedly capable of loading Neo Geo CD games as well, but it also costs a hefty €549 🙂 As the devices come from Andorra, you have to expect an additional 19% VAT on top of the price……. Flashing the games is also quick and easy – taking around 1–2 minutes, depending on the game. As with everything else related to the Neo Geo, the price is steep, but probably justified when you consider the amount of development work that went into it. The NeoSD is probably a must-have for all Neo Geo owners.

Links
Terraonion
StoneAgeGamer