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Neo Geo X Gold portable console details and price announced!

DoubleTap

Member
Finally got mine. Like others have mentioned on the NG forums, Best Buy are shipping these things “gift wrapped” in plastic shipping bags. Thankfully no major damage was done on mine, just one corner dinged (no biggie for me).

A lot has already been covered so I’m just going to say I actually prefer using the AV cables only because I’m more accepting of its limitations than what they’ve done to the HDMI output. With some tweaking I've managed to get it to acceptable levels on my LCD TV. The main fix is to just set the Black Level to "Light" (if a setting exists for your TV).

It’s hard to describe, but you know how there’s a setting on your TV called “Zoom” so you can zoom in on a 4:3 aspect signal to get rid of the side bars? This is what the “HD” output looks like for the NGX except it fits on your screen and a filter is applied to try and hide the fact that it’s extremely “zoomed in”. It's disconcerting and my TV can't compensate for the overscan so some of the pic is cutoff on the bottom. I'm sure with some tweaking I can fix this too but I'm using my lone HDMI port (TV is old) for my PS3 and don't want to mess with it's current settings.

Even with those, I'm more disappointed in the fact that there is no save system in place. Most included games wouldn't miss this feature, but my favorite game is Baseball Stars 2 and would've liked to continue playing other teams with my extra POW's and Helpers.

I applaud Tommo for pulling this off but I feel they cut corners to get this product to do be able to do everything as advertised and released during the holidays.

I compared the PS3 replica stick and the differences are the joystick shaft on the PS3 is thicker and the balltop is bigger compared to the NGX version. The balltop is glued on the NGX joystick so there's no way of changing it. The manual explains that it tends to loosen during gameplay so this is their "fix".

Overall, I'm satisfied. The hardware quality and the little touches they did to replicate the AES really shows. I'm still optimistic that Tommo or someone else can do some magic on this thing to at least get a save system in place.

Oh yeah, the handheld is nice. I don't see myself using it that much and it's probably going to stay docked in it's AES coffin.

Edit: Oh another thing. My NGX handheld was shipped with no charge whatsover so when I set it up and turned it on nothing happened. As per their FAQ just leave it in the dock to charge for 20 minutes *or* you can charge it using a micro USB cable.
 
The start button adds credits, by the way, but the instruction book makes it seem like you can only do that with the joystick. Haven't tried it yet!
 

Yes Boss!

Member
Opened up one of the sticks to take a look inside:

F4E46222-DCE9-4DD3-8541-832D6E220381-9318-0000092A9C79F60F.jpg


5432B068-D9B3-4AFC-A957-051636267930-9318-0000092AA0A91046.jpg


77223B6F-6764-44C6-A500-FE1514A282DA-9318-0000092AA514AF3F.jpg
 

DoubleTap

Member
^^ Cool! Did you have a hard time taking off the ball top Yes Boss? I'd like to see if a shaft cover and dust washer will fit on it.
 

Yes Boss!

Member
^^ Cool! Did you have a hard time taking off the ball top Yes Boss? I'd like to see if a shaft cover and dust washer will fit on it.

Nah, easy enough. The stick is very small, though. Ball is your standard attachment with threading like the big boys. Also, there is no screw under the sticker on the back, just under the four feet. They used a cheap double-sided tape to stick the feet on. I'm replacing it with some higher-quality double sided tape I have for RC aircraft. Definitely going to get some weight in there.
 

DoubleTap

Member
Nah, easy enough. The stick is very small, though. Ball is your standard attachment with threading like the big boys. Also, there is no screw under the sticker on the back, just under the four feet. They used a cheap double-sided tape to stick the feet on. I'm replacing it with some higher-quality double sided tape I have for RC aircraft. Definitely going to get some weight in there.

Thanks- good to know I can switch to a bigger size and even a bat top. Yeah the rubber feet on the dock are the same and one of them already fell off on mine.
 

Yes Boss!

Member
Thanks- good to know I can switch to a bigger size and even a bat top. Yeah the rubber feet on the dock are the same and one of them already fell off on mine.

Wait, not yet! I did not check to see if the threading was the same...just that it actually used a sunk metal thread like the bigger balls. I'm thinking it is actually smaller...i'll check once I get home tonight.
 
The FAQ in the instruction manual actually says they had to glue the ball top on because it came off too easily under vigorous use and were worried it was a choking hazard. Not true? Mine seems on there pretty good!
 

jdl

Banned
The start button adds credits, by the way, but the instruction book makes it seem like you can only do that with the joystick. Haven't tried it yet!

Hmm. Not working for me. Wish it did - some of these games are balls hard. I can't even finish level one of Last Resort. :[

I'm digging the selection on this thing. There's a lot of cool games I probably would've never given the time to otherwise.
 

Dave Long

Banned
If it works like an AES, you're going to have about five credits per game. That's it. Run out and it's game over. No way to add more. Continue functions on a lot of the old stuff just didn't exist unless you had the memory card.

Even then, the memory card doesn't always save what you would expect. For example in League Bowling it does NOT save scores, just your ball weight and handedness.

Having no memory card support isn't good.
 

DoubleTap

Member
Found my arcade stick spare parts and found that the NGX stick is compatible with my Sanwa ball and bat tops. Yay!

No go on the shaft cover but was able to add the dust washer as well. I'd recommend the ball top as the bat top almost goes over the entire shaft.

One can dream that either Hori or Madcatz makes an arcade quality stick for this. Complete with a faux MVS panel.

Edit: Pic!
8296462326_32ae92026c_n.jpg
 

Meesh

Member
So wish I could afford this right now, but with all my recent gaming purchases as of late there's just no way....once again Im unable to bask in Neo Geo glory :(
 

fates

Member
I read somewhere that they were going to release a non-limited version of this sometime in the future. Is that true?
 

BriBri

Member
I read somewhere that they were going to release a non-limited version of this sometime in the future. Is that true?
I messaged Funstock (UK Blaze) and this was what I got...

Q: Please can you tell me if its possible (or will be possible) to order just the base unit as I don't really need the dock or stick? Thanks! ( Brian )
A: There may be plans in the distant future for a console only version - but nothing has been announced yet. ( FunStock - Andy )
 
been stated multiple times you can add credits, but jdl says it doesnt work? guess I'll have to check when I get home.
It's worded in the manual as if the start button on the joystick is the one to do it, not the one on the handheld itself. I've tried both with no luck, so no idea at this point.
 

Sapiens

Member
I messaged Funstock (UK Blaze) and this was what I got...

Q: Please can you tell me if its possible (or will be possible) to order just the base unit as I don't really need the dock or stick? Thanks! ( Brian )
A: There may be plans in the distant future for a console only version - but nothing has been announced yet. ( FunStock - Andy )

So the limited version is not so limited then? Or limited by time...
 

mosaic

go eat paint
So the limited version is not so limited then? Or limited by time...

My inkling is that it's limited in the sense that the entire current run includes Ninja Masters. If demand proves significant and they have to get more made, the future batches won't include that game card. So, if they don't sell out; they're all limited edition bundles *grin*
 

Shoyz

Member
My inkling is that it's limited in the sense that the entire current run includes Ninja Masters. If demand proves significant and they have to get more made, the future batches won't include that game card. So, if they don't sell out; they're all limited edition bundles *grin*

That's the included difference, yeah. But for collectors the box and manual having 'Limited Edition' written on it is probably a large part of the appeal as well. Imagine if they were numbered?
 
Anyone know of a good screen protector for this thing?

I cut bout 1/4" off the right side of an Official PS Vita screen protector and it works pretty well. Just make sure to use scissors, and cut it with the "sticky" side away from you. Otherwise you get a lip where you cut it and that side won't lay down fully. Same when I tried with an Xacto Knife and ruler. Created a lip that wouldn't lay down.
 
The more I play this portable, the happier I am with it. The TV out may be lackluster, but having a thumb stick like this for Nam 1975, Fatal Fury and King of the Monsters on the go is fantastic! I'm loving this little unit! It may not be perfect, but it's damned cool...
 

Lhadatt

Member

Painfully easy too. You're probably reading that thread on neo-geo.com, but I don't think it's been cross-posted here. So, a recap for GAF:

- They have dumps of the internal memory (a microSD card glued to the motherboard) and the Ninja Master's SD card.
- The poster of that video altered the contents of the internal microSD and inserted the Andro Dunos ROM.
- He couldn't get it to run on its own, but renaming it to the same name as the Metal Slug ROM allowed it to load.

What can we gather from this?

- The internal microSD is formatted as EXT3, a Linux file system format.
- There is no encryption on the system or the ROMs.
- There's probably a list of acceptable ROMs, possibly in a text file, a binary file, or otherwise. I don't know how to account for Ninja Master's on its SD card, but there might be some identifying information on the SD card dump.

If Tommo/SNK were hoping to keep this system secure from hacking, they were relying on security through obscurity. A SD card glued to the motherboard and file systems that are moderately difficult to access via Windows are not enough to keep people from cracking this thing wide open.

This is hilarious, fascinating, and a bit sad. Tommo, if your intention was to keep this secure and build revenue from software distribution, you probably want to invest in some sort of encryption and validation scheme for the ROMs to be used in a future firmware upgrade. Maybe before the portable-only version goes on sale in April?
 

mosaic

go eat paint
Tommo, if your intention was to keep this secure and build revenue from software distribution, you probably want to invest in some sort of encryption and validation scheme for the ROMs to be used in a future firmware upgrade. Maybe before the portable-only version goes on sale in April?
I will buy every card they put out; but they need to put them out.

In the interim, there are games I want to play on this thing, and without a legit means to do so, I ain't afraid to say I will resort to any means necessary.

So put out more cards, Tommo! I have money to spend!
 
Painfully easy too. You're probably reading that thread on neo-geo.com, but I don't think it's been cross-posted here. So, a recap for GAF:

- They have dumps of the internal memory (a microSD card glued to the motherboard) and the Ninja Master's SD card.
- The poster of that video altered the contents of the internal microSD and inserted the Andro Dunos ROM.
- He couldn't get it to run on its own, but renaming it to the same name as the Metal Slug ROM allowed it to load.

What can we gather from this?

- The internal microSD is formatted as EXT3, a Linux file system format.
- There is no encryption on the system or the ROMs.
- There's probably a list of acceptable ROMs, possibly in a text file, a binary file, or otherwise. I don't know how to account for Ninja Master's on its SD card, but there might be some identifying information on the SD card dump.

If Tommo/SNK were hoping to keep this system secure from hacking, they were relying on security through obscurity. A SD card glued to the motherboard and file systems that are moderately difficult to access via Windows are not enough to keep people from cracking this thing wide open.

This is hilarious, fascinating, and a bit sad. Tommo, if your intention was to keep this secure and build revenue from software distribution, you probably want to invest in some sort of encryption and validation scheme for the ROMs to be used in a future firmware upgrade. Maybe before the portable-only version goes on sale in April?

Link to thread?
 

SAB CA

Sketchbook Picasso
Is this confirmed? I really want a Neo Geo X but really don't want to pay £175 when I don't want 2/3 of the contents.

There was a $130 version with just the portable announced around same time as the LE. Used to say it would release in Feb, tho. Still up for preorder at gamestop site...
 

Lhadatt

Member
There was a $130 version with just the portable announced around same time as the LE. Used to say it would releqse in feb, tho. Still up for preorder at gamestop site...

There have been February and April dates flying around. I'm not sure what's legit at this point, both have been mentioned in this thread.
 

mosaic

go eat paint
Looks like screen protectors for the Garmin Nuvi 40 should be the perfect size to cover the viewable screen area plus 1-2mm all around. Going to take a risk and order one.
 

sk3tch

Member
I still haven't decided whether to open my LE system + extra stick. I've always wanted a Neo Geo since way back in the day...so I probably should just do it. Although the lack of save kind of bums me out.

Then $250...not a lot of dough, really...especially considering I can probably get most of that back if I sell it used/mint. Argh.

It'd be great to see a bunch of info on upcoming carts/games they're releasing it would help make me feel a bit more at ease. I'd love to have more Neo Geo games to pick up! As-is it just seems like a bit of a novelty.

/blog off.
 
I still haven't decided whether to open my LE system + extra stick. I've always wanted a Neo Geo since way back in the day...so I probably should just do it. Although the lack of save kind of bums me out.

Then $250...not a lot of dough, really...especially considering I can probably get most of that back if I sell it used/mint. Argh.

It'd be great to see a bunch of info on upcoming carts/games they're releasing it would help make me feel a bit more at ease. I'd love to have more Neo Geo games to pick up! As-is it just seems like a bit of a novelty.

/blog off.

i was iffy about opening mine as well.

then i realized i paid 200+ bucks for the thing, i might as well play with it.

and i havent regretted my decision. the thing is a blast of nostalgia.
 

mosaic

go eat paint
Wow, according to that thread at neo-geo.com, they've managed to get Unibios working and MVS options. This sucker is open wider than my mouth at Fatburger.
 

DCharlie

And even i am moderately surprised
if this is the FBA build for Neogeo then, um, yeah - outside of collectability sure there's MUCH better options out there ? especially if people are going to hack the bejesus out of the unit anyways? (other than the tv out (issues) and controller)
 

moowear

Member
Is there a consensus on whether we can charge it via usb and your pc? I know the booklet says no but am conflicted reading otherwise.
 

DoubleTap

Member
Is there a consensus on whether we can charge it via usb and your pc? I know the booklet says no but am conflicted reading otherwise.

You can charge it via PC,USB battery pack, or wall plug. Just make sure the switch is in the off position. BTW you can play with it while it's charging (again, switch must be off)
 

SAB CA

Sketchbook Picasso
Is there a consensus on whether we can charge it via usb and your pc? I know the booklet says no but am conflicted reading otherwise.

Most on the Neo-Geo forums seem to agree that there's no harm in charging it with the options presented above by DoubleTap. The system will eventually come dock-less, so you KNOW there has to be a way to charge it without it.

So concensus is, have no fear! Charge it with whatever fits, and is of the same voltage. (Believe it's 5v).
 

moowear

Member
You can charge it via PC,USB battery pack, or wall plug. Just make sure the switch is in the off position. BTW you can play with it while it's charging (again, switch must be off)

Most on the Neo-Geo forums seem to agree that there's no harm in charging it with the options presented above by DoubleTap. The system will eventually come dock-less, so you KNOW there has to be a way to charge it without it.

So concensus is, have no fear! Charge it with whatever fits, and is of the same voltage. (Believe it's 5v).

Thanks guys!
 
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