First System Purchase, what should I look for?

Hey all, I was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to share any knowledge that they have about the initial purchase of a home cart system. With all the differences like American, Japanese, MVS convertible, serial numbers that have to be above "x" in order to be convertible, etc. I have no clue what is the best or most ideal. I want the system that can give me the best graphics, sound, etc. but I would also like to be able to read the screen (i.e. American vs. Jap model) and what should I be looking for and paying for a system? Thanks for your time...

As far as systems go look for a system with few scratches. American systems look for serial numbers over the 60,000 mark. Jap systems shoot for over the 200,000 mark. I hope that helps, let me know if you need any more specific info.

That seems a little odd. I'm curious why do you recommend such high serial numbers? Also don't the U.S. and Japanese Neo's share the same serial number system? From what I understand the only difference between Japanese and U.S. systems would be the bios chip.

[ June 07, 2001: Message edited by: jbeedham ]

The higher serial numbers have newer video drivers in them and thus render better video. However, these better drivers came and went in Japan, as I understand it. There is a middle batch of Jp Neo's that offer the best pic. i wish I could give you more detail, but that's all I know. For the US machines, I think anyting above 60k has the newest drivers that the US got.

Not a complete answer, but hopefully it sets you on the right track.

EndTrans, I don't know about the serial number things,
maybe some people in this forum will explain it better than me..
so other than this...

One advice I can give you is that, if you are buying 2nd hand system,
then look for the condition of joystick...

This is neo geo, and many games require aggresive control most time...
therefore some of second hand stick might have some problem
Especially, when you play fighting game, and if stick doesn't respond properly,
then you will easily get frustrated...
so...look for the condition of it..although neo stick is pretty strong compare to
ps2 or dc pads

In addition,Neo geo is uni.system, which means Jap cart works in US system
and vice versa.
Also,most game has language option and therefore,
you can display english in jap system with jap cart.

kj

[ June 07, 2001: Message edited by: KJ Mylord ]

As time went by, SNK modified the hardware.
Thus Neo's have different revisions.

The Us never got the latest revision that Im aware of.
So your best quality pic would come from late
serial #japanese systems.

The early Us & jap systems had horrible output.
Altough if your going to have your system modded with S-video it doesnt matter.
With that, they all look great.