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How to Save the Neo Geo Forever [SOLD OUT]

7. June, 2012 Arcade, Gaming, News 2,204 comments

Now you might already know this, but the Neo Geo was the first home game console to feature a removable memory card for saved games. Even more interesting, memory cards from the home console AES could be played on the arcade MVS hardware and vice versa.

The original SNK memory card could store up to 2 kilobytes of data. This roughly translated into 17-27 game save positions on the card. Of course the amount of saves all depended on the size of each game. As time went on, games started increasing in size demanding more space. This meant the card only held a dozen or so game saves.

Like most memory cards or saving device of the time, the card had a built-in lithium battery. This battery was technically replaceable. I say that because it was a pain to replace. The battery lasted somewhere in the ballpark of 5-7 years. After that it was a crap shot. Some would work for decades while others died.

This posed a problem to devotees of the system. Valuable save data could be lost at anytime unless you braved opening up your memory card and took on the arduous task of replacing the battery. Plus these memory cards weren’t getting any cheaper. Cards can easily go for $30 for a bare card and $60 or more for a complete boxed version. Couple this with the card’s limited memory and it’s not pretty.

Well those days are over thanks to neo-geo.com forum member NeoTurfMaster and the approprialtley named “NeoSaveMasta” Neo Geo Memory card. From the man himself:

I can do a quick release of a low cost version that supports 8k…The 8k is still 4x larger than the original Neo memory card and it won’t require a battery.

A low cost memory card with space for around 90 games and it doesn’t require a battery? Count me in! As an added bonus the flash memory means your saves will last forever! If you’re interested in getting your hands on one, you can follow this link to the secure order page. UPDATE: SOLD OUT! Though there may be more on the way. Will keep you updated.

Though do you really need any other reason than the sexy cover art? I mean ho can resist a caricature of a shirtless pot bellied man holding a Neo Geo while rocking a killer stache? No one that’s who. No one.

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Brian

Brian is the Managing Director here at Substance TV. He is the host of Substance TV, Game Grief, and co-host of Substance TV LIVE. A graphic designer by trade, his other love of 15 years is the bass guitar. Though he shares his love with his family as well. Luckily he has a wife who supports his video game game addiction, and his two amazing children. You can find him on Google + or via his Twitter @fortressfruit.

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