NeoGeo X, oldest handheld console is back

One of the world's most expensive consoles, the early 90s' Neo Geo, is returning in pocket form, loaded with 20 games and set for launch before the end of June.

One of the world's most expensive consoles, the early 90s' Neo Geo, is returning in pocket form, loaded with 20 games and set for launch before the end of June.

Distribution companies Blaze and Tommo Inc. are keeping mum about how much the NeoGeo X will eventually cost, but it'll certainly be less than the then-powerful machine's exorbitant $650 asking price.

Introduced in 1991, the Neo Geo offered the luxury of an uncompromised arcade game experience in the home, and at a time when the more affordable Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo were battling over considerably downgraded versions of Final Fight and Street Fighter II.

Unlike late 90s portables the Neo Geo Pocket and Neo Geo Pocket Color, the NeoGeo X comes packed with a selection of classics, including King of Fighters '94, Metal Slug, Fatal Fury and Sengoku.

Though it won't take cartridges from the Neo Geo or the Pocket, it does sport an SD card slot -- potentially a nod to the relative ease with which Android and iOS devices can emulate the Neo Geo via similar means.

Perhaps the NeoGeo X will come with its own online store instead. That's to be the case with the £99 ($150) GameGadget, a very similar retro emulation device distributed by Blaze and due to launch at the end of March.