Phantom 1 vs. Jamma: Which is better for the money?

Hi all! I need some advice people. I know now, more than ever, that if I'm gonna get into Neo-Geo gaming, I need to work on an MVS collection. I'd really like to collect the home carts and all, but I recently got engaged and now I'm working on how I can get the pretty lady here to DC.

Now, I know about the Phantom 1 and all it's glory as a substitute for Neo MVS gaming, but lately on the forums, I've been hearing a lot ya'll talking about JAMMA boards and harnesses(what exactly is this stuff anyway?!? spock ) and all the cool stuff you can do with it. Also, it's really cool to see some of the craftsmanship you guys do to put this stuff together...seriously.

Now, I'm no teckie by a long shot, but I don't mind too much of a challenge. How well versed in electronics do you have to be to pull this off? As far as the controllers go, I'd like to get some from MAS Systems if I can. (shoot, did I say that right? :o ) Another thing I'd like to know is, price wise which would be better for the buck? Guys, please don't rag on me to badly, I really have no idea how some of this stuff works. oh_no I really want to learn though.

By the way, if this topic belonged in the technical boards, my apologies to the great and mighty Bobak, Unitron, and Shawn Howard. lol The reason for my choice with MVS is because the prices are hard to beat compared to the home carts, I feel that the most wanted games will be a little easier to find, and the Shock Boxes are just way cool! drool

So that's my situation right now. If you all think that it's just better to get a Neo and a Phantom 1, I'll look into that too. I'm just tring to look at all my options, that's all. Hey guys, as always, thanks a ton!

The nice thing about a supergun/MVS setup is you don't have to worry about any carts not working (unless there is something wrong with the cart) and it is fairly cheap to get up and going with S-Video, stereo output, and a UNIVERSE BIOS.

On the other hand, it would still be nice to have a completely modded home system (with S-Video) running with a totally flawless (i.e. 100% compatible) Phantom-1. Unfortunately this solution is more expensive (like $400+ for the modded 'super' Neo and another $250+ for a Phantom-1) and you can never be guaranteed that all current and not-yet-released MVS titles will work 100% with no glitches or errors.

Thanks for the info. Bishamon. I also have one more question. Which company is best when it comes to super nova systems?

Daris L. Cotton:
Thanks for the info. Bishamon. I also have one more question. Which company is best when it comes to super nova systems?

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Well, of the two that are easy to obtain in North America (The Great Western Trading HGA system, and the MAS Systems SuperNova), I would recommend the SuperNova.

That being said, I bet that a willing and capable board member could build a supergun for you that would outperform the SuperNova and cost less.

I have a SuperNova, and the S-Video output is acceptable, but I would still like to get a JROK-based supergun at some point.

i have had zero problems with my phantom. If you already have a neo and a few home carts, the phantom is an excellent way to transition into the MVS scene. I still have my home carts , but my MVS collection is growing rapidly due to the low cost.... Phantom is simple and effective. Superguns cost relativly the same, and you have to make sure all outputs are available to you.

Echo here:

If you want to collect some home carts, and also have the option of MVS titles, the home system with Phantom is a great way to go.

If all you want to do is play games, then go for the Nova.

To be a Collector???????

To be a Gamer???????

That is the question.