NEO GEO
MAX 330 MEGA
PRO-GEAR SPEC
ADVANCED ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
Specifications
Models
There were several revisions to the main board between 1990 and 1997. There are reportedly 7 of these, with varying video output quality.
CPU
main - Motorola 68000
audio - Zilog Z80
Memory
main - 64K
video - 84K
sound - 2K
External Connectivity
AV connector - same pinout as Genesis model 1, RGB, composite, mono audio.
Power - DC barrel jack from an SNK-branded wall wart, varies by model 5V-12V?, back
Catridge slot - double 2-sided edge connector, top
Controller 1&2 - DB15, front
Headphones - 2.5mm headphone jack, front
Memory card slot - proprietary, similar to cardbus, front
Control surfaces, console
Power - sliding SPST, front left
Headphone volume - fading slider, front middle
Reset button - pushbutton, left side on the top
Control surfaces, controller
Joystick - four direction, clicking microswitches
Buttons - 6x, PAD A-D, START, SELECT
Modifications
When repairing AES hardware, it is important to be able to identify aftermarket hardware alterations and additions. These may impact what parts need to be repaired or replaced. Common changes include:
- Replacing the BIOS ROM with a soldered or socketed UNIBIOS chip. This can sometimes be seen by opening the game slot flaps and looking down and to the right.
- Installing panel-mount video and audio connections along the rear or side of the enclosure. There are no RCA or S-video connections on a stock system. Some variations on this mod may include the addition of a component converter board or other electronic components inside the enclosure.
- Installing LED lights under the reset button or in a controller.
Trivia
The AES was the first console to offer a separate, removable memory card for storing game data. The card was also useable on some of the NEO GEO arcade machines enabling you to use your save data at home and the arcades.
The commercial release of the console in the US saw prices of $399-$649. Game cartridges were priced at $200 and up.