The Neo Geo AES+ almost didn't happen thanks to AI, but a chip workaround saved the day

Plaion announced the AES+ in early 2024, sparked a wave of pre‑orders, and then hit a wall when its supplier in Taiwan refused to ship the parallel‑flash chips required for the console’s original‑hardware cartridges. Ben Jones, Plaion’s hardware & software director, says the refusal was directly tied to the surge in demand from AI data‑centers, which are monopolising the same NAND and NOR memory blocks used in consumer electronics. With thousands of ASIC chips already fabricated for the cartridges, the company pivoted to a conversion scheme that lets the console read serial‑NOR flash—components that remain in relatively better supply. The engineering effort, led by CTO Bruno Steux, added a hardware translation layer, but the redesign delayed mass production until 2027. The final product will retail for $249.99 without games, while each recreated cartridge costs $69.95, positioning the AES+ as a premium, hardware‑authentic alternative to FPGA‑based or software emulation solutions.

The flash‑chip crunch is not unique to retro hardware; it mirrors a wider industry squeeze where AI training workloads have driven up demand for high‑density memory, inflating prices for gaming PCs, handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED, and even smartphones. Manufacturers that rely on legacy parallel‑flash parts—common in 1990s‑era consoles—are especially vulnerable because fabs prioritize newer serial‑flash processes. Plaid’s workaround reflects a growing trend of “retro‑compatible” redesigns that repurpose modern memory standards to keep legacy form factors alive. Competitors such as Analogue and Evercade have already embraced FPGA or hybrid approaches to sidestep supply constraints, but Plaion’s insistence on a true hardware replica underscores a niche market willing to pay a premium for authenticity, even at the cost of longer lead times.

Looking ahead, the AES+ faces three key risks: (1) the converted flash interface could introduce latency or compatibility quirks that differentiate it from the original Neo Geo experience; (2) the $69.95 cartridge price may limit adoption to collectors rather than mainstream retro gamers; and (3) the political controversy surrounding SNK’s Saudi partnerships could deter a segment of the community. Watch for Plaion’s first production run announcements, any price adjustments tied to memory market fluctuations, and consumer feedback on the cartridge performance once the 2027 launch arrives.