Well, let's look at the options:
Neo Geo AES: Home cartridge systems, reliable, arcade quality, but expenses are up there. Great games and incredaibly sturdy. Does not have some of the games that the MVS has
Neo Geo CD: This is fine, if you are a big fan of l-o-a-d-i-n-g times. Some older, decent games. System is $$ but games are cheap and easy to find.
Neo Geo Pocket & Pocket Color: Well, the first didn't come to the US, and the second was only around for a year or so before SNK US folded. Great for travel and certain games, but that's about it.
If you want to go the arcade route, there's the following:
Hyper Neo 64: less than a dozen games made for it. JAMMA compatable. So-so
Neo Geo MVS: If you have space for the arcade machine (or buy a super gun) I think this is the best way to go. Tons of games that can be found at very resonable prices, and some only for the MVS.
Most Neo Geo Machines have the same games (I.E. They all have Fatal Fury 3, Samurai Showdown 2, etc.) But I prefer my MVS system hooked up through a supergun (can't fit the cabinet in my apt.) The AES is expensive for me to buy games. I got the MVS stuff with 9 games for a comparative price that I would spend on more games for my AES. Either way though, I prefer cartridge.
Hey where in Detroit are you? Maybe we can meet and play some neo?
Very nice.
