Consolized MVS Questions

[Iconoclast12]

I've been considering selling my AES console and the few games I have for it and getting a consolized MVS. Reasons being that the MVS games are cheaper and easier to come by. I don't really like the idea of not using original retail hardware, and the reality is that I'll be using some Chinese handmade contraption, but it is what it is..

I can probably get about $1500 for my AES/controllers/games that I have.. And It looks like I can get a consolized MVS, controllers and a 161 in 1 cart for about $500, so I would be making a good chunk of change out of that trade-off.

My questions are..

How good is the quality of the Chinese made consolized MVS hardware? Are we talking decent, or more like cheaply made 3D printed plastic crap that's gonna die in 6 months? Are there other, better made options that I'm not aware of that someone can point out?

Do all or most of the consolized MVS units support original controllers (as in the ports) and RGB/Scart cables?

Do you have access to additional options and menus that allow you to switch regions and pause games and such?

I'm no expert on any of this, so excuse my ignorance.. Just looking for some advice and opinions.

 

[GoosehanX]

The Chinese kit quality is highly variable, I would say awful to decent. I have one of the Timeharvest AES looking kits, it uses a modified MV1B board connected to what's basically a mini supergun on the inside of the shell. The power plug was trash and caused interference, but that was easily replaced. The system itself died on my after a few months, and when I pulled it apart the MV1B they used was in pretty poor shape. However, they sent me a new board that looked almost brand new, and the system has been working great since. I'm not sure I'd recommend it to everyone but I'm happy with my purchase.

Pretty much every CMVS I've seen uses regular neo controllers. Some will have ports for other things, usually USB. Compatibility and button mapping can be weird on these. Video is highly variable, some have encoders, some output RGB, some are proprietary, some aren't. It all depends on who does the build. Open MVS builds for example, use a Genesis 2 RGB port, the Timeharvest I have has the same RGB port as a Neo AES but also standard AV jacks, the ones I build myself are strictly Neo AES compatible RGB ports. I don't mess with internal encoders in 2025, lots of rigs can take RGB directly and external conversion is easy.

For the options, you want to have a Unibios, and most will have one. Stock, you'd access these options by flipping physical dipswitches, but since CMVS units are usually enclosed you can't easily get to them. With a Unibios it's just button combinations you hit.

Oh yeah, using the multicart is fine, but make sure you get at least one cheap legit cart, a Samurai Shodown or something. The multicarts are made cheaply and sometimes have issues, and if that's the only thing you have it can make troubleshooting difficult.

 

[Neo Alec]

I would just get a flash cart like the NeoSD Pro for the AES. Collecting real carts has gotten too ridiculous for AES and MVS these days. I honestly use the NeoSD more than my real MVS carts these days just because my AES has a slightly superior video output to my CMVS for video capture.

 

[Iconoclast12]

I would just get a flash cart like the NeoSD Pro for the AES. Collecting real carts has gotten too ridiculous for AES and MVS these days. I honestly use the NeoSD more than my real MVS carts these days just because my AES has a slightly superior video output to my CMVS for video capture.

That's what I wanna do, but finding one that isn't being sold by some scalper is impossible. You have to catch the pre-order window on their site.. If you don't, you're not getting one unless you wanna spend 2 grand.

 

[GoosehanX]

Consider getting a Mister variation if you aren't planning on using real carts anyway. I literally bought mine with money I was saving for a flash cart, no regrets. I mess around with the cheap chinese multicarts too, but they're also trash sometimes.

 

[Iconoclast12]

Consider getting a Mister variation if you aren't planning on using real carts anyway. I literally bought mine with money I was saving for a flash cart, no regrets. I mess around with the cheap chinese multicarts too, but they're also trash sometimes.

Mister variation?

 

[GoosehanX]

There's more than one Mister you can get these days, and they can all play Neo well.

 

[TheMagicianLord]

StoneAgeGamer had NeoSDPro AES carts in stock for months up until a couple weeks ago. I was quite surprised how long they stayed in stock from last year. Anyone who wanted one who bothered to look could have got one.

 

[HellioN]

You could also get an adapter and just start buying MVS carts.

 

[deviljin102]

There's this site here that has made MVS flashcarts. Their next batch is in June but you can pre-order it. I've seen videos on this and the loading times are pretty fast compared to Darksoft's cart and much faster than the NeoSD.

PRE-ORDER: BackBit Platinum Cartridge for Neo Geo MVS – BackBit Store

store.backbit.io

You would just need to get an adapter if you are going that route.

As for the consolized MVS, there's some that suck and some that are good. If you can find one at a decent price, the Omega MVS would be a good get.

I personally use the Mister to run NeoGeo as it does it no problem and I have the same amount of fun. This was after I went through the trouble to get my AES recapped but at least I have the hardware.

 

[kernow]

Neo-Geo_MVS_Projects/Supergun at main · NEO-JAMMA/Neo-Geo_MVS_Projects

Neo-Geo MVS Projects. Contribute to NEO-JAMMA/Neo-Geo_MVS_Projects development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

Why butcher arcade hardware to make it a console?

 

[Iconoclast12]

There's this site here that has made MVS flashcarts. Their next batch is in June but you can pre-order it. I've seen videos on this and the loading times are pretty fast compared to Darksoft's cart and much faster than the NeoSD.

PRE-ORDER: BackBit Platinum Cartridge for Neo Geo MVS – BackBit Store

store.backbit.io

You would just need to get an adapter if you are going that route.

As for the consolized MVS, there's some that suck and some that are good. If you can find one at a decent price, the Omega MVS would be a good get.

I personally use the Mister to run NeoGeo as it does it no problem and I have the same amount of fun. This was after I went through the trouble to get my AES recapped but at least I have the hardware.

Would an MVS flash cart like that work with a consolized MVS? Rather than spending money to get an adapter for an AES console. Are consolized MVS systems original boards or just clone hardware?

I know that SNES/Genesis flashcarts have issues with clone consoles like Hyperkin Retrons and whatnot.. Same thing here? Or no?

 

[HellioN]

Consolizing(?) is usually just a super gun and real hardware in one box.
So yes, the flash cart should work in a property functional setup.
Pairing an mvs adapter with a flash cart could be questionable if your power supply can't provide enough juice.

 

[Neo Alec]

Would an MVS flash cart like that work with a consolized MVS? Rather than spending money to get an adapter for an AES console. Are consolized MVS systems original boards or just clone hardware?

I know that SNES/Genesis flashcarts have issues with clone consoles like Hyperkin Retrons and whatnot.. Same thing here? Or no?

The Backbit works with the converter. I thought an AES version was most likely in the works now.

 

[BeefJerky]

The Backbit works with the converter. I thought an AES version was most likely in the works now.

Evie still hasn't confirmed a Backbit cart for home consoles (as far as I've seen) but you're correct the MVS version will work with an adapter.

Log in

Log in

forum.backbit.io

 

[deviljin102]

Would an MVS flash cart like that work with a consolized MVS? Rather than spending money to get an adapter for an AES console. Are consolized MVS systems original boards or just clone hardware?

I know that SNES/Genesis flashcarts have issues with clone consoles like Hyperkin Retrons and whatnot.. Same thing here? Or no?

Usually, the consolized MVS' are made using the actual Neo Geo arcade board. Over the years, SNK released multiple variations of its arcade hardware. The most commonly used consoles are the MV1B and MV1C.

So no, you shouldn't have any issues with your converter. I do see a lot of converters nowadays that go for pretty high money. The JAPO and furrtek converters are the only ones I see on the market.

I have a Daedalus adapter, which works pretty well.

 

[deviljin102]

The Backbit works with the converter. I thought an AES version was most likely in the works now.

I believe I heard there was supposed to be an AES version after the first batch of MVS but I think they are maybe waiting longer? Could also because of sourcing parts due to tariffs right now.

 

[Professor Denim]

Still rather play on the AES...but banana cart v3 with unibios and picNmix is my prefered way of experiencing MVS. Granted you don't get the full library like with an SD card solution (Fatal Fury Special being a huge miss - you could hunt those carts in separate) but it's pretty neat with instant loads and strong title offer. Rotating attract mode is awesome.

 

[TheMagicianLord]

One thing that's not talked about much with CMVS's is a lack of a memory card feature on most models. If you can find a virtual memory card, great, and I think they're more common now on Aliexpress, but it's still something to be aware of going in and you'll have to install it. I've also seen a couple CMVS's that incorporate actual mem card slots, too, but they're pricier. Some folks may not care about the feature, but I feel like a Neo Geo just isn't complete without one.

 

[HellioN]

Don't the two slots have a built-in reader?
I can't remember & I don't feel like looking it up.

 

[GoosehanX]

Don't the two slots have a built-in reader?
I can't remember & I don't feel like looking it up.

Yeah, memory card reader, joystick ports, and headphone jacks. IMO the two slot is the best Neo Geo and they're really easy to consolize.

 

[TheMagicianLord]

Ya, my MV2F has a mem card reader. I'm not sure if every 2 slot has one, though. I got the Lions3 plexi kit for mine and use it with a HAS supergun; I've never seen anyone consolize a 2 slot board. Most people wouldn't want that large of a footprint.

 

[BeefJerky]

I've never seen anyone consolize a 2 slot board.

lol n00b.

 

[HellioN]

Yeah, memory card reader, joystick ports, and headphone jacks. IMO the two slot is the best Neo Geo and they're really easy to consolize.

Ok, cool.
I knew it had controller ports & I was pretty sure it had the mem card reader.
Completely forgot the headphone jack.
I have an OG MV1 and that has controller ports on it.
It has a port for a mem card reader daughter card and you can tap stereo/headphones directly from the board with individual volume sliders for both.

 

[GoosehanX]

Ya, my MV2F has a mem card reader. I'm not sure if every 2 slot has one, though. I got the Lions3 plexi kit for mine and use it with a HAS supergun; I've never seen anyone consolize a 2 slot board.

Hello. Is it me you're lookin' for?