Neo Geo AES+ exceeded its annual revenue target just 24 hours after pre-orders began.

Neo Geo AES+ has far exceeded pre-launch targets, bringing SNK's classic gaming console back after nearly 40 years.

At first glance, the Neo Geo AES+ might seem like a niche game, but players are flocking to this new version of the classic console. The original Neo Geo launched 36 years ago at an astonishing price of $649.99 (approximately $1,540 today), but it offered the first removable memory card on a console, as well as unprecedented processing power and, of course, several King of Fighters titles. Now, Plaion and SNK have brought it back at a much more affordable price of $180, and players are eager to relive their childhood more than ever.

Created by experts at SNK Corporation and developers at Plaion (owned by Embracer), Neo Geo AES+ recreates almost everything about the original system, from arcade controllers to memory card accessories, while adding some modern features that we take for granted.

The AES+ featured both composite and HDMI video outputs, as well as support for multiple languages, overclocking capabilities, and display options. It sounded like the perfect product for gamers of the time, but even Embracer co-founder Lars Wingefors seemed surprised by its instant success.

"The reception from the global retro gaming community this past week has been truly beyond expectations," he wrote. "In the first 24 hours, we received more pre-orders than the entire annual projected number of Neo Geo AES+."

'Since then, sales have continued to grow strongly through our own channels, online retailers and specialty stores.' However, the most interesting thing for fans who pre-ordered the console was his concluding remark: 'This is just the beginning.'

Ten Neo Geo titles are being reissued for the launch of AES+, including Metal Slug, The King of Fighters 2002, Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Neo Turf Masters, Shock Troopers, Samurai Shodown V Special, Pulstar, Twinkle Star Sprites, Magician Lord, and Over Top. All of these titles will be compatible with the original console if you're lucky enough to own one, but Wingefors' words may indicate that more titles are coming soon.

Or perhaps Embracer has witnessed firsthand the demand for remastered classic console games and will now focus on another fan-favorite title. Whatever their plans, with the price of vintage items rising annually and modern consoles unable to play these classics, perhaps affordable remakes are the best way to collect and play retro titles in 2026.