Front Loading or Top Loading? Neo Geo CD Console

Hi Everyone,

I know that there are two models of Neo Geo CD consoles, not including the CDZ. One is the Front Loading model and the other is the Top Loading model.

Are there any advantages to having a Front Loading model as opposed to a Top Loading model or vice-versa?

What has your experience been? Do you prefer the Front Loading or the Top Loading?

Thanks a lot.

-Forum ID: neocondition

The top loader supposedly has a better track record for reliability. The front loader is on the larger side and was produced in lower numbers and not released outside of japan. My top loader hasn't given me any problems, the load times can be a bit of a pain in the ass but doesn't make or brake the deal for me. I've wanted to get my hands on a CDZ but lately my mind set has been on the MVS.

MVS isn't really that much more expensive than its CD counterpart and doesn't have the load times.

No real difference that I am aware of other than the moving parts on the front loader.

The third version is the CDZ which has a larger cache so games load more quickly.

I own none at the moment, and have only ever owned the top loader. It ran fine, some games can take an insanely long time to load.

If I had everything to do over again, and was getting into the hobby to actually play the games (which it sounds like you are) MVS is the way to go. Steeper learning curve, but all the info you need is on these forums, and for slightly more than a cd system you can find a consolized MVS 1-slot.