King of Fighters ’98, a cornerstone of the Neo Geo legacy, is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Announced by Hamster, this release marks the debut of the Arcade Archives 2 Neo Geo series, bringing the 1998 classic to modern consoles on February 27th, 2025. Packed with a new time attack mode and online matchmaking, this version offers fresh ways to enjoy a game that’s long been a favourite among fighting game fans.
Credit: Arcade Archives
Hamster’s latest effort builds on their Arcade Archives success, with King of Fighters ’98 leading the charge for a series dedicated to SNK’s Neo Geo catalogue. The time attack mode ranks players based on speed through checkpoints, making it easier for beginners to jump in, while online matches cater to competitive veterans. For those who own the original Arcade Archives release on PS4 or Xbox One, an upgrade to the next-gen version costs just £2.29 / $2.99—a small price to revisit a classic on cutting-edge hardware.
First launched in 1998, King of Fighters ’98 earned its reputation through tight mechanics and a roster of 38 characters, each with distinct movesets. The Neo Geo, SNK’s arcade powerhouse, was a fixture in gaming halls through the 1990s, blending high-quality visuals with robust gameplay. Titles like this one helped cement its status among retro collectors, and this release continues the push to keep that heritage alive. Historically, the game—sometimes called The Slugfest—stood out for its “Ultimate Match” mode, letting players tweak team dynamics, a feature still prized today.
Credit: Arcade Archives
This isn’t the game’s first revival; it’s seen ports to PlayStation, Dreamcast, and even mobile devices. Yet, its arrival on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S feels significant, blending nostalgia with modern polish. For retro gaming fans, it’s a chance to experience a pivotal piece of fighting game history, retooled for today’s players. You can read more information on this at Arcade Archives.
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In a development that has captivated the fighting game community, fresh details of the base roster and planned DLC characters for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves have reportedly leaked online. Reliable sources close to the development team suggest that the leak reveals not only the complete line-up of core fighters but also a selection of surprise characters set to join as downloadable content.
Credit: Monstervine
According to Reddit user MistressMello, a recent data mine of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has unveiled both launch and DLC characters. The data indicates that several fighters anticipated by fans – including Terry, Rock, Hotaru Futaba, and Gato – are confirmed, alongside well-known favourites such as Mai Shiranui and Tizoc. Additionally, the data mine reveals that some names remain unannounced, including Kim Jae Hoon, Freeman, and Hokutomaru, noted as the young protégé of Andy Bogard. It is also significant that three spots remain available in the launch roster. These additional characters have previously appeared in Mark of The Wolves, and Marco Rodrigues is also confirmed as a member of the City of the Wolves lineup.
The new entry in the iconic Fatal Fury series promises to blend the classic, hard-hitting mechanics of its predecessors with modern graphical enhancements and innovative character designs. According to the leaked information, the base roster appears meticulously balanced, featuring veteran fighters alongside newcomers engineered to bring fresh strategic dynamics to the gameplay. The anticipated DLC is expected to expand the narrative and offer players additional customization options, further deepening the game’s competitive appeal.
Industry insiders have noted that the leak provides intriguing insights into the developers’ approach, highlighting their commitment to honouring the series’ heritage while embracing contemporary design trends. The details have sparked vigorous discussion on social media and dedicated gaming forums, where fans are eagerly speculating on potential match-ups and storyline developments. Despite the excitement, the development team has yet to issue an official confirmation, leaving many questions unanswered.
As anticipation builds for the official release, we wonder what other announcements or leaks might emerge. The leak, while unofficial, has undoubtedly reinvigorated interest in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves as one of the most promising entries in the fighting game genre in recent years.
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Neo Geo fans have a new multiplayer experience to dive into with Block Panic DX, a fast-paced puzzle game that now supports up to four players. Designed for the AES, MVS, and Neo Geo CD, this title brings fresh energy to the classic competitive puzzle genre, offering intense battles with friends and family.
Developed by blastar, Block Panic DX blends quick reflexes with strategic thinking. Players must clear blocks efficiently while managing on-screen chaos, using power-ups and chains to outmanoeuvre their opponents. The addition of four-player support makes it a standout in the Neo Geo library, where multiplayer puzzle games are relatively rare.
Graphically, Block Panic DX embraces the bold and colourful aesthetic synonymous with the Neo Geo, featuring vibrant sprites and smooth animations. The soundtrack delivers an energetic mix of tunes that enhance the game’s frantic pace. Combined with tight controls and accessible mechanics, it’s an inviting experience for both casual and competitive players.
The game is available across all Neo Geo formats, ensuring that whether you own an AES, MVS, or a Neo Geo CD, you can enjoy the action. Physical copies are planned for release, making it a great addition for collectors looking to expand their library with new homebrew titles.
For those who love retro puzzle games and competitive couch co-op, Block Panic DX is shaping up to be a must-have. With its unique four-player mode and classic arcade charm, it offers a compelling reason to dust off your Neo Geo. Whether or not you are able to able to try it in 4 player mode will depend on whether you are lucky enough to have an adaptor for your original hardware, or a MiSTer which supports 4 players natively.
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Golden Axe, the iconic 1989 beat ’em up from Sega, has been meticulously ported to the Neo Geo platform by developer Hoffman. This fan-driven project brings the classic hack-and-slash experience to a new audience, ensuring both authenticity and enhanced features.
Hoffman’s approach combined reverse engineering with new development to closely match the original gameplay and visuals. The port supports MVS, AES, and Neo Geo CD systems, offering flexibility for various hardware setups. Players can select game regions (World/JP) and adjust original arcade difficulty settings to tailor their experience.
A standout feature for Neo Geo CD users is a specially crafted soundtrack by composer Richard Douglas, providing a fresh auditory experience while maintaining the game’s classic feel. Additionally, Hoffman enhanced six voice samples by sourcing higher-quality versions from 1980s films like Conan, American Werewolf in London, and Rambo, enriching the game’s audio authenticity.
The port is compatible with most flash cart solutions, real hardware, and emulators, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of players. While minor differences and edge-case glitches exist, Hoffman’s dedication to visual accuracy and gameplay fidelity shines through, making this a noteworthy addition to the Neo Geo library.
For those eager to revisit the world of Golden Axe on Neo Geo hardware, the port is available for download on Hoffman’s itch.io page.
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It’s hard to believe, but nearly a year has passed since Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves was officially revealed. Now, SNK has announced the Open Beta Test, giving fans their first hands-on experience with the long-awaited sequel.
Credit: SNK
The beta kicks off on Thursday, February 20, and runs until Sunday, February 24. It will be available across all platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. No active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass membership will be required to join the fight online.
The beta includes 8 playable characters from the confirmed roster of 13 fighters. Players can face off in three online modes—Ranked Match, Casual Match, and Room Matches—or hone their skills in the included Training Mode. However, progress made during the beta won’t carry over to the full release this spring.
The roster revealed so far includes returning favourites like Terry, Rock, B. Jenet, and Hotaru, alongside newcomers such as Vox Reaper and Preecha. Gato, now sporting a fresh new look, was also recently confirmed as part of the cast.
For those looking to pre-order, physical copies of the Special and Deluxe Editions are now available at Best Buy in the United States. Digital pre-orders include a bonus: a few days of early access to the game.
Credit: SNK
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is due out for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on April 24.
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For many enthusiasts, nothing beats the nostalgic thrill of an SNK arcade cabinet—complete with those massive cartridges and the remarkable feel of a dedicated joystick. SNK was known for bold moves in the gaming realm, including their own line of home arcade systems and the underdog Neo Geo Pocket Color. While that little console never truly toppled Nintendo’s Game Boy empire, it left a lasting impression on fans. Now, decades later, one inventive modder known as YCL is rekindling that old arcade magic, shoehorning a Raspberry Pi into a Neo Geo Pocket Color and giving it a modern facelift.
The Spark of an Idea
It’s easy to forget how advanced SNK was back then. They created arcades, they released cutting-edge home consoles, and they tried (sometimes aggressively) to challenge Nintendo in the handheld market. Although those ventures didn’t always dethrone industry giants, SNK’s dedication to joystick design was top-notch. People still rave about the superb feel of Neo Geo controllers—the perfect partner for action and fighting titles.
But hardware that blew minds in the 1990s can feel a bit sluggish these days. That’s where YCL’s cleverness comes in. After tinkering with Raspberry Pi computers for other projects, they wondered: could you squeeze a full-blown arcade experience inside the Neo Geo Pocket Color shell? One that could smoothly run not just classic Neo Geo titles, but other platforms, too?
Building the New Brain
The concept might sound daunting, but the Raspberry Pi is famously flexible—and smaller than you might expect. YCL took what they call an “intelligent design” approach with a custom VS redesign PCB (printed circuit board) that’s open source. The new board fits inside the Neo Geo Pocket Color’s cramped housing, replacing the older internals while maintaining the same general button layout.
But that’s only half the trick. A mere swap of circuit boards wouldn’t be enough to transform the entire handheld. So, YCL also:
• Upgraded the Screen: Out went the original display, in came a wide-angle LCD for bright, crisp visuals. The difference between an aging handheld screen and a modern LCD can be staggering, especially for vibrant arcade titles.
• 3D-Printed Components: From a mini arcade-style joystick to a custom dust cover, certain parts had to be designed from scratch. That includes a new button arrangement, ensuring there are extra inputs for the broader game library the Raspberry Pi can handle.
• Retained the Cartridge Slot: Pure nostalgia, right there. Even if it’s mostly decorative, this detail is a nod to the original design and keeps that retro flair.
• Kept the Battery Compartment: No weird external battery packs or endless wires. The mod still looks and feels tidy, like a commercial product you might’ve picked up off the shelf in 1999.
The Arcade Feel in Your Hands
One of the highlights of SNK’s legacy is the way their joysticks and buttons feel—clicky, sturdy, and ready for combos. YCL knew it was essential to capture that same tactile experience. While it’s challenging to replicate a full arcade stick on a handheld, the modder managed to craft something that comes close, providing a far snappier input mechanism than typical rubber-contact D-pads.
The addition of extra buttons also means you can play games from multiple consoles that often demand shoulder triggers or more face buttons. So whether it’s a classic Neo Geo fighting game, a Genesis platformer, or even older arcade titles, this modded unit is equipped to handle them.
Performance Beyond the Original
This new rig doesn’t merely run a few SNK titles. Thanks to the Raspberry Pi’s capabilities, YCL’s pocket console supports emulators for numerous platforms. Think everything from NES and Mega Drive to older arcade boards that might’ve been beyond the wildest dreams of an actual Neo Geo Pocket.
The modder also incorporated a dedicated audio solution to bring that arcade roar to life. Being able to hear those signature fighting game sound effects—punches, kicks, KOs—on a crisp speaker is a major upgrade compared to the original system’s modest audio output.
Nostalgic Looks, Modern Fun
A big part of the Neo Geo Pocket Color’s charm was its chunky build and distinct shape. Plenty of fans appreciate how comfortable it felt in the hand. YCL’s project remains faithful to the console’s overall look, but peeking inside reveals a powerhouse. It’s a bit like discovering a sports car engine inside an old family sedan: it may look familiar on the outside, but it’s got serious muscle hidden under the hood.
There’s even a nod to physical accessories: you can still connect an official arcade joystick or another controller if you’re hankering for the full arcade experience at home. Talk about bridging eras—a modern emulator hub that still welcomes real arcade sticks.
A Farewell to the Old Hardware
The original Neo Geo Pocket Color, while beloved, had fairly limited hardware. Over time, official support faded. But this modification breathes fresh life into a handheld many considered doomed to be a historical footnote. With today’s technology, you can carry around a mini arcade in your pocket—something that might’ve seemed unthinkable to 90s kids used to big cartridges and thick instruction manuals.
YCL’s mod is a testament to how the retro gaming scene isn’t just about collecting old hardware; it’s also about finding new ways to enjoy and preserve classics. By harnessing the Raspberry Pi and an open-source mindset, enthusiasts continue to prove that the best parts of gaming’s past can shine even brighter when paired with a sprinkle of modern tech.
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Neo-Geo gaming enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate with the announcement of the BackBit Neo Geo ROM Cart, a game-changer for fans of SNK’s iconic Neo Geo platform. This versatile ROM cartridge allows users to load multiple games onto a single cart, simplifying the experience for Neo Geo console owners while preserving the authentic feel of classic gaming.
The BackBit Neo Geo ROM Cart offers several standout features:
• Plug-and-Play Convenience: Easily load your favourite games via a microSD card.
• Wide Compatibility: Supports games for both AES (home console) and MVS (arcade) systems.
• Quick Load Times: Seamlessly switch between titles with minimal wait.
• Enhanced Preservation: Reduce wear and tear on original cartridges while still enjoying genuine hardware.
The device is especially appealing to collectors and gamers who want to streamline their Neo Geo experience without sacrificing the original console’s performance or nostalgia factor.
The BackBit Neo Geo ROM Cart is expected to be available for purchase soon, offering a modern solution for retro gaming aficionados. For more information, visit the official announcement on RetroRGB.
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An exciting new fan project has emerged that reimagines SEGA’s classic ninja action game Shinobi for the Neo Geo hardware. This ambitious demake demonstrates the creative spirit still alive in the retro gaming community.
The project, developed by H0ffman, showcases what Shinobi might have looked like if it had been released on SNK’s powerful arcade system. While SEGA’s original Shinobi was known for its tight controls and ninja action on the Master System and Genesis, this Neo Geo interpretation brings a fresh perspective to the beloved franchise.
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