New NeoGeo handheld confirmed

UPDATE: Blaze dismisses £500 price tag rumour.

News by Fred Dutton Contributor

Updated on 15 Mar 2012

UPDATE: A spokesperson for Blaze has told Eurogamer that the £500 price tag suggested in MCV's story is incorrect.

"It's not £500," they confirmed. Apparently MCV's figure was based on a month's old forum post from a community member declaring what he'd be willing to pay for the device.

Blaze wouldn't confirm what the actual price will be, but said an official announcement will be made soon.

ORIGINAL STORY: SNK has confirmed that it's to release a portable NeoGeo system later this year, following reports earlier this year.

As reported by MCV, it's called NeoGeo X, will be available sometime in the second quarter of 2012 and may cost as much as £500.

It features an SD card slot, a 3.5-inch LCD screen, A/V output and internal stereo speakers, and launches with 20 pre-loaded games - listed in full below. There's no word on whether more titles will follow or how they'll be made available.

Accessories specialist Blaze has teamed up with original platform creator SNK Playmore to manufacture the device.

"The NeoGeo console has always been a personal favourite of mine and I am delighted to be involved with the development of this new handheld console," commented Blaze's Jason Cooper.

"We hope to re-ignite the excitement many of us felt 21 years ago, in a more affordable manner, to a much wider audience."

We're seeking out additional details and a firm price tag - look out for an update soon.

The Neo-Geo originally launched way back in 1990. It sported ground-breaking home console tech for its time, but retailed at an astronomical $650, with game cartridges going for around $200 a piece.