Neo newbie...what the hell do I buy?

I recently started reliving my childhood with an NES system I bought on ebay. However, while cruising around the site, I came across some Neo Geo stuff, and I remembered how badly I wanted one years ago when I was poor. Well I'm not so poor anymore, and I still want one <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Trouble is I'm pretty confused by all the different types of systems and mods available, and I was hoping someone could clue me in on what to buy. I want all the gore and boobs, so no censorship. I want to be able to play the games in English though. I'd also prefer the cart system due to its performance advantages over CD, that and those giant carts are just awesome.

I'll be hooking the system up to a Sony Wega, so it's either composite video or S-Video input, and I want stereo output.

And one straightforward question: does the cart based system come standard with composite or RGB video out? I got the impression it was composite, but one of the dealers I contacted says it's RGB.

Okay, so what do I get? And what should it all cost (new price and used price, including any necessary mods)?

Thanks!

I was like you a year ago. I bought many collections up and have all the games now in JPN/US format. Here is what I recommend you buy, if you have deep pockets. NeoGeo fully modded around $400, MS3 US $300, MS1 $1500, ML $50, KofF2000 $300, and STRIKERS $400.

Hey:

*Modded U.S. AES, $350-$400
*!Arcade! Phantom Converter for playing MVS carts. Trust me, this is the way to go for when you want insanely priced AES carts like Metal Slug, Mark of the Wolves, and Kizuna Encounter. Anyone who would pay $1500 for an AES Metal Slug is a collector, and I doubt from your post that that is what you are getting into Neo for. You can get most MVS carts for a fraction of their AES price, and every Neo game came out on MVS first. Some, like Shock Troopers, are MVS-exclusive.
*U.S. Metal Slug 3 AES, $300
*JPN King of Fighters 2000, $300

Otherwise, I would tell you that unless you plan on collecting more than playing, ditch the "I want to play in English" idea because many U.S. AES carts are rarer and more expensive than the JPN versions. And buy lots of MVS carts, you will save a bundle and get the same friggin' game minus a box and instruction book.

And for Christ's sake, avoid NeoGeoFreak at all costs, you WILL be sorry if you deal with them. And shop around, a lot of guys sell Neo stuff for much less than the better-known sellers. Shawn has good stuff but you can find things he sells somewhere else for $40 less. Hope this helps.

-SakurabaStyle

Thanks for the replies. You're right SakurabaStyle. I'm a bit of a collector, so I'm definitely willing to spend some cash on carts, but I'm mostly in it for the games. There's no way I'll pay $1500 for Metal Slug.

So what are the best places to buy this stuff? The !Arcade! guy quoted me a price of $549 for a fully modded (S-video, stereo, BIOS) Gold system, with one controller, brand new. Reasonable for a new system? I'm willing to pay extra for new; I like knowing that I'm the original owner. But I've heard that these systems are extremely durable, so I might be willing to go used if the price difference is big enough.

Are there any other places that sell systems and perform the mods? I've found several systems on ebay, but having them shipped in, then sending them back out for the mod is a pain. I'd rather get the thing ready to play.

Originally posted by thirdkind:
<STRONG>Thanks for the replies. You're right SakurabaStyle. I'm a bit of a collector, so I'm definitely willing to spend some cash on carts, but I'm mostly in it for the games. There's no way I'll pay $1500 for Metal Slug</STRONG>

Click to expand...

Yes, that is what everybodys says, but in private everybody is offering a shitload of $ and games for a MS. I can name at least 20 people who PM me for one of my MS1, but I won't. <IMG SRC="smilies/tickled.gif" border="0">

Thirdkind, Welcome!! I am a brand-new Neo enthusiast(sp?) Myself, so I know the boat You`re in!! <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> I also wanted to purchase a unit with the mods already done. I started by using the info from the fine folks on this board, did a Google search, and chatted with a few people. My experience is limited, but here`s My situation: I picked up a modded US Neo on Ebay. I am also waiting for a Japanese unit from Nikke( a member of these board, and a very nice Guy!)
http://www1.ocn.ne.jp/~kaiten/

His prices are more than reasonable, IMHO! Next, I`ll be grabbin` an MVS converter, since even though I do wanna collect, that can come later...right now I just wanna PLAY! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
So, just hang in there, do Your homework, and You`ll find what Your lookin` for!
Take it easy.....Crow

Originally posted by NSX-T:
<STRONG>Yes, that is what everybodys says, but in private everybody is offering a shitload of $ and games for a MS. I can name at least 20 people who PM me for one of my MS1, but I won't. <IMG SRC="smilies/tickled.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

Click to expand...

Just bluffing.......

<IMG SRC="smilies/makeface.gif" border="0">

There is a RGB connection for an un-modded system but it wont connect to your TV, its a 16 or 21 something pin connector. AES with a MVS converter is the way to go, you get the best of both worlds.

I am also waiting for a Japanese unit from Nikke( a member of these board, and a very nice Guy!) http://www1.ocn.ne.jp/~kaiten/

Click to expand...

I was also in touch with him. He offered a very nice price on a used unit in "very good condition" as he (and his web site) put it. Unfortunately, it's not modified, so I'd have to send it elsewhere and have it done. By the time I paid to ship it from him to me, then to someone else to perform the mod, and then back to me, the price isn't so great anymore. If he offered modified units I'd definitely buy one from him though; really nice guy and very helpful.

Anyone have any comments on the price !Arcade! quoted for me? Good for a new modified (S-video/stereo/BIOS) unit with one controller and no game?

[ October 04, 2001: Message edited by: thirdkind ]

Originally posted by thirdkind:
<STRONG>So what are the best places to buy this stuff? The !Arcade! guy quoted me a price of $549 for a fully modded (S-video, stereo, BIOS) Gold system, with one controller, brand new. Reasonable for a new system? I'm willing to pay extra for new; I like knowing that I'm the original owner. But I've heard that these systems are extremely durable, so I might be willing to go used if the price difference is big enough.</STRONG>

Click to expand...

Daaaaggg...that was weird. !Arcade! juz gave me a quote also but on a USED AES (they said they ran out of new AES) tho and they are asking $699.00 for it. Damn you got lucky there thirdkind. And they are offering this NEW. Hhhhhmmmm....if you don't want it, maybe I should jump on this. Anyways good luck with the search and welcome =)

<IMG SRC="smilies/spock.gif" border="0">

I know what you mean; I'm new here too. I plan on buying my system from Nikke this month (Please god give me the cash!), then after that plan on buying the bio's chip off Neo-store.com a guy I know is going to install the chip for me (he's reliable).

as far as games go I'm shpping around on ebay hopping to find some of my old favs like Fatal Fury Special, Art of Fighting, King of fighters.

I'm also planning to pick up a much desired coppy of "Mark of the wolves" with my christmas bounus. chances are if you haven't been playing the recent Neo games this tite may be new to you. Check outthe reviews on this site...

Oh and welcome to the Neo Club. <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by NSX-T:
<STRONG>Yes, that is what everybodys says, but in private everybody is offering a shitload of $ and games for a MS. I can name at least 20 people who PM me for one of my MS1, but I won't. <IMG SRC="smilies/tickled.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

Click to expand...

Like your mom did world's greatest Gangbang and I won't reveal name of those men who participated <IMG SRC="smilies/tickled.gif" border="0">

Daaaaggg...that was weird. !Arcade! juz gave me a quote also but on a USED AES (they said they ran out of new AES) tho and they are asking $699.00 for it. Damn you got lucky there thirdkind. And they are offering this NEW.

Click to expand...

Are you sure they're the same? He quoted me $649 for the bundle posted on their site (new system modded, two controllers, Nam 75/Baseball included). The site says these are new in box. The $549 quote was for a new system modded with one controller and no game. Not sure if that included shipping though. And this was just last night that I asked him.

I hear my credit card calling to me.

I should've played it safe and bought from Arcade a long time ago! <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">
If you want to play games in English, you can on a Japanese system. Most games have a language option. But even if you have an American system, any Japanese game you own will be displayed in English and vice versa. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[ October 08, 2001: Message edited by: Endtime ]

Just avoid Legend of Success Joe like the plague unless you're a masochist. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Oh, I would buy a Japanese Neo so you don't have to worry about the censorship.

If you hear the words BuyRite or Neo-Geo Freak when it comes to buying games, RUN.

And since you want to be a collector you are probably best off going with the console with convertor instead of a cabinet.

Wow...purty boxes. <IMG SRC="smilies/drool.gif" border="0">

Well, here's how I did:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1280673133

I don't think that's too bad. The games are worth $150-$200 according to the price guide here, and the system is near mint (I talked to the seller), so I think that's a decent price for a nice US system and game bundle. Now I just need to send it in to get the mods done, and I'm golden.

I obviously have my hands full with fighting games. What else should I pick up?

I wish I had seen your post earlier, thirdkind. Being in NJ, you are right in the center of some great arcade auctions that take place in the fall/winter/spring of each year (in Pennsauken, NJ). If you have space in your house, I highly recommend buying a full blown Neo Geo arcade cabinet, you'd be amazed at what you can get them for. Mine was $425 for a 2-slot cab, and a 4-slot at the last auction a few weeks ago went for exactly the same price. Once you have the cabinet, you can get virtually ALL Neo Geo games in MVS format (arcade cartrige format, not compatible with home cart system without the adapter) for very little money. Example? The Metal Slug cart recommended by NSX-T (which I wouldnt recommend at $1000 to $1500 price) is about $50 in MVS format. Many other carts are similar in price in their MVS format.

Don't get me wrong, the home cart system IS very cool to own. But to SUPPLEMENT your home cart system, pick up an arcade cabinet from an auction (as long as you have a place to put it in your house), you WON'T be sorry!!

I considered going that route. However, I live in a one bedroom apartment in Montclair at the moment. There's barely enough room for my 32" Wega and home theater setup in my living room. Later on, when I have a larger apartment or house, I'll have a room dedicated to my gaming needs, and that's when I'll start investing in arcade cabinets. Besides, with the console, I get to plop my lazy ass on the couch and enjoy an audio/video experience that an arcade cabinet can't match.

Yippie!!!

You´re right completely NSX-T!!!
Everybody who earns a Neo-Geo should have the old ones like Magician Lord, Last Resort, AoF, AoF²...in fact Mark of the Wolves is the most impressive Game i´ve ever seen on these System, and last blade² naturally too... <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">