SNK delays NeoGeo AES+ re-release to 2027 over component shortage

SNK and Plaion have delayed the launch of their planned NeoGeo AES re-release by nearly a year, pushing NeoGeo AES+ to September 16, 2027, ten months later than originally planned. The two companies blamed "global component supply constraints," saying they "simply cannot manufacture enough systems to deliver the worldwide launch our community deserves." Rather than ship with severely limited availability, they said they are taking the extra time to expand production, secure components, and invest in a bigger future for the platform.

The delay affects a console first released in 1990 and remembered for its strong arcade ports. The new NeoGeo AES (Advanced Entertainment System) was announced earlier this year and promises "unrivaled authenticity," including full compatibility with original cartridges. Standard and 35th Anniversary Edition hardware will sell for $249.99 / £179.99 / €199.99, with a roster of game cartridges due to go on sale for £69.99 / €79.99.

Plaion said NeoGeo AES+ will carry "discrete" quality-of-life upgrades: low-latency HDMI output, 1080p output, and on-screen BIOS and DIP switches located on the bottom of the console that allow instant switching of language selection, overclocking the hardware, or choosing different display modes.

For customers who already pre-ordered, the companies said orders remain secure and keep their priority place, with no price increase and no action required. Every console shipped from the launch production run will also include a Founding Supporter Bonus, described as a thank-you for patience and support. The statement acknowledged the slip as "a significant delay" and apologized.

The postponement is the latest sign of supply-chain pressure hitting retro hardware reissues, which depend on legacy chips and components that are harder to source as production lines age. SNK and Plaion did not specify which components are constrained or how many units they had originally planned for launch.

What remains unclear is whether the extra ten months will fully resolve the shortage or whether the 2027 launch window could slip again if component availability does not improve. The companies have not announced a revised production target or regional allocation plan beyond confirming that existing pre-orders will be honored first.