Krikzz Considers Neo Geo AES Flash Cart, Boosting Scene Hopes
The prospect of Krikzz, the developer behind the widely respected EverDrive series, creating a flash cart for the Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System, or AES, is now a distinct possibility, according to a report from TimeExtension. This brings a familiar name to a console space currently dominated by high-cost, niche solutions, and for many of us who have seen the quality of his Game Boy and SNES offerings, it is a welcome development.
TimeExtension reports that Krikzz is actively considering the development of such a device, with a potential release by the end of the year if he decides to move forward. A flash cart, for those unfamiliar, is a game cartridge equipped with non-volatile memory, allowing users to load numerous game ROMs onto a single physical unit, effectively replacing a collection of original cartridges.
The Current Landscape of AES Flash Carts
The Neo Geo AES flash cart market is not empty. Competitors like Terraonion's NeoSD and a similar offering from Darksoft already exist. The BackBit Platinum Cartridge, priced at approximately 600 Euros, is also set to enter this space soon, according to Krikzz EverDrive Official Website. These options, while functional, are often prohibitively expensive, even when compared to other high-end flash carts for systems like the Sega Saturn or PC Engine.
What this hints at, for the scene, is a potential shift in accessibility. Krikzz has a history of producing reliable, well-engineered flash carts at various price points, often making retro gaming more approachable for a wider audience. While he has not indicated a price for a potential AES EverDrive, the hope is that his entry could introduce a more budget-friendly alternative to the current premium offerings.
Krikzz's Potential Impact on Accessibility
The Neo Geo AES itself holds a unique place in console history. Launched by SNK in 1990, it was essentially the home version of their MVS arcade system, offering arcade-perfect conversions at a premium price. Its games, often housed on large, complex cartridges, were notoriously expensive, making its library difficult for many to collect. This is precisely why reliable flash cart solutions are so appealing for the platform, allowing enthusiasts to experience the full breadth of its catalogue without the prohibitive cost of original software.
The timing of this potential release is also interesting. SNK and Plaion are planning to release a new version of the AES later this year. This official hardware refresh could reignite interest in the console, creating a larger market for both original games and modern conveniences like flash carts.
Awaiting Krikzz's Decision
For now, the community awaits Krikzz's final decision. Should he proceed, a Neo Geo AES EverDrive could significantly lower the barrier to entry for experiencing the console's extensive library, much as his other products have done for systems like the Game Boy Advance, making classic titles more readily available to enthusiasts without requiring a substantial investment in original MVS cartridges or AES home carts.
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Originally published by TimeExtension. Read original article.