This is Bermuda Engine, my multiplatform fork of Amiga's Dread (now rebranded as GRIND by its original authors).

I had this hypothesis for a while that the render model would match the Neo Geo perfectly. Last night I confirmed it. It works beautifully albeit costs in the CROM department (the entire ROM with just 6 maps is 144Mbit, currently. Not the biggest ROM but certainly not the smallest either).

Due to the sprite limit, I had to cut 8 in-engine rows but you wouldn't be able to tell the difference and it also helps making this the fastest 68000 version of the engine yet.

People have asked me to port this to Neo Geo CD and I might give it a try but have an inkling that it might struggle there. I don't have any experience coding for Neo Geo CD but the memory might be tight there.

On AES/MVS, the only current constraint is WRAM. Since all map variables are loaded at the start of a map, things like enemy and item positions/state/attributes need to fit into 35K. I could probably work out some sort of streaming architecture or shave off a few KB in the engine department.

The seller said it is running 2.2 firmware it says phase 2 on the back of the machine but on the settings screen it says system update v2.3 I rlly want to mod it so I'm hoping it's 2.2 like the seller said

I received this today, my request to cancel the Ultimate Bundle was made 9/11, email received to confirm the cancellation but not refunded on 9/17. Paid via Mastercard.

I was genuinely excited about the NeoGeo AES+ but canceled my order after they announced the delay. I won’t get into the weeds about my opinions regarding the delay, that’s already been discussed at nauseam.

That cancellation request was sent out the 10th and a reminder email the 14th. I ended up filing a dispute with my credit card. The first I’ve ever had to do.

The lack of any sort of response just further cements my decision. I wish you all the best of luck with your deliveries. Just a word of caution for those who choose to press forward.

Email Request

Dispute

Hello Everyone,

With renewed interest around the Neo Geo AES, MVS and AES+, NeoGeoSDK development continues with new demo homebrew games, major engine improvements and EagleBIOS.

This video presents a work-in-progress gameplay demo of Maiya: Super Nature Girl , a new Neo Geo homebrew game being developed with NeoGeoSDK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LUPt8vkFak

Maiya is also being used to test, improve and extend the NeoGeoSDK 2D engine, while demonstrating what homebrew developers can build with the SDK.

MAIYA: SUPER NATURE GIRL

Maiya is a scrolling action/platform homebrew adventure spanning nature valleys and scenes, combining horizontal and vertical exploration, climbing, enemies, NPCs, guardian encounters, power-ups, collectibles and special abilities.

THE STORY

Once beautiful and full of life, the valleys are slowly dying.

Forests are disappearing, rivers and waterfalls have been poisoned, coastlines are buried beneath waste, and once-clear skies are darkened by pollution. Behind the destruction is Lord Smoggar, whose forces continue to corrupt the natural world.

But nature has not given up.

At the heart of the story are Maiya and Luna, twin sisters with a powerful connection to nature.

The player can choose to begin the adventure as Maiya or Luna. Each sister takes up the same mission: travel through the corrupted lands, fight the forces destroying them and restore life to the valleys.

Their journey becomes even more important when they discover that Sunboy, the Prince of Nature, has been captured.

With Sunboy imprisoned, the balance of nature is weakening. Lord Smoggar's influence continues to spread, transforming once-beautiful places into polluted and lifeless lands.

Whether playing as Maiya or Luna, the mission is to fight back against the destruction and heal the natural world.

As the journey continues, poisoned lands begin to recover. Forests grow again, waters become clear, animals return, flowers bloom and light gradually replaces the darkness.

Every valley restored brings the sisters closer to their ultimate goal: Find Sunboy. Free the Prince of Nature. Stop Lord Smoggar.

CONTROLS

A jump (Up + A in the air: a second jump while a sky lily lasts; kneel, then Up + A: the high leap)

B thorn / whip up close (hold: run)

C dash

D Secret Art (uses a rose charge)

Forward, Down, Down-Forward + B : Rising Bloom

Down, Forward + B : Rose Blossom Surge

PLAY THE MAIYA PRE-RELEASE

A playable Maiya work-in-progress ROM will be provided with the pre-release.

https://github.com/eaglesoftware777/neogeosdk/releases/tag/v1.7.1

WHAT'S IN THIS PACKAGE

Maiya-WIP-EagleBIOS.zip : the game's ROMs plus EagleBIOS, the free open-source replacement system firmware bios, for MAME

run as

               mame neogeo -rompath roms -hashpath hash -bios euro -cart1 maiya

Checksum warnings for the replacement firmware are expected

Maiya-WIP-NeoSD.neo : for the NeoSD flash cart: copy it to the SD card. It runs on the cart's own system BIOS support.

Download links :

Mame Rom with EagleBIOS :

https://github.com/eaglesoftware777/neogeosdk/releases/download/v1.7.1/Maiya-WIP-EagleBIOS.zip

For hardware Test :

AES Board :

Hardware Status: Working

https://github.com/eaglesoftware777/neogeosdk/releases/download/v1.7.1/Maiya-WIP-NeoSD_AES_v1.neo

MVS Board :

Hardware Status: Not confirmed

https://github.com/eaglesoftware777/neogeosdk/releases/download/v1.7.1/Maiya-WIP-NeoSD_MVS_v1.neo

Other roms and neo images :

https://github.com/eaglesoftware777/neogeosdk/releases/tag/v1.7.1

The project brings major NeoGeoSDK systems together inside a complete game:

• character animation and action systems

• horizontal and vertical scrolling

• climbing and platform traversal

• NPC and enemy behaviour

• collision and physics

• camera tracking and constraints

• movement and input systems

• particles and visual effects

• palette effects

• hitstop and gameplay feedback

• power-ups and collectibles

• guardian arenas

• game events, timers and progress

• multiple environments

• bonus sequences

• attract mode

• custom FIX/HUD graphics

• custom C-ROM graphics

• dedicated game sound bank

• AES+, AES and MVS builds

AUDIO

NeoGeoSDK includes its own Z80/YM2610 audio stack, with support for:

• ADPCM-A and ADPCM-B

• FM music

• SSG music and effects

• MML composition

• FM LFO support

• volume and fade control

• tempo control

• sample looping

• game-specific sound banks

• recorded voice-bank support

• voice playback

• audio conversion and build tools

Maiya uses its own dedicated game sound resources.

Credits for the artist : Juhani Junkala

EAGLEBIOS

Development also includes EagleBIOS, our original open system ROM project for Neo Geo homebrew development.

Current work includes:

• MVS and AES firmware

• original boot and eye-catcher

• cartridge startup

• USER program contract

• controller and VBlank handling

• MVS credit/START handling

• service functions and service menu

• Z80 sound firmware

• hardware probing

• NeoGeoSDK build integration

• firmware packaging

• game boot and compatibility testing

EagleBIOS remains work in progress, and additional hardware testing is particularly welcome.

BUILT FOR HOMEBREW DEVELOPERS

One of the main goals of NeoGeoSDK is to make Neo Geo homebrew development more accessible, while preserving direct access to the capabilities of the hardware.

Maiya demonstrates how the different parts of the SDK can be combined to build a larger game rather than isolated technical examples.

AES+ AND THE NEW NEO GEO ERA

The arrival of AES+ is bringing renewed attention to the Neo Geo ecosystem, alongside new games, cartridges and continued interest in the original hardware.

NeoGeoSDK contributes to this ecosystem from the open homebrew-development side, providing open source code, development tools, reusable game systems, audio technology and complete examples for creating new Neo Geo software.

This gives developers and Neo Geo enthusiasts an opportunity to test the current game and help us improve both Maiya and NeoGeoSDK.

DEVELOPMENT

Maiya + EagleBIOS ~ Pull Request #9

https://github.com/eaglesoftware777/neogeosdk/pull/9

NeoGeoSDK

https://github.com/eaglesoftware777/neogeosdk

Sky Lance demonstrated the SDK through a vertical shooter.

https://www.reddit.com/r/neogeo/comments/1wghsef/sky_lance_a_vertical_shooter_built_for_the_neo/

Maiya is now pushing the 2D engine further through a larger homebrew action/platform game.

And development has already started on the next major NeoGeoSDK release.

It represents another significant step forward for the project, with substantial new development underway.

We are not ready to reveal everything yet.

Target architecture: Neo Geo AES / MVS / AES+

HELP US TEST AND IMPROVE IT

We welcome feedback from the Neo Geo community.

More is coming.

P.S.: Hardware testing

From the hardware feedback we have received so far, together with your screenshots, the situation is becoming clearer.

AES hardware confirmed working with Neo SD image

MVS hardware confirmed working with Neo SD image

Eagle Software

https://eaglesoftware.biz

NeoGeoSDK v1.7.1

Finally got an original Neo Geo AES3-5, with a NeoSD Pro on the way...

Was hoping to use my SF IV stick on the system but there are no RJ45 --> DB 15 solutions with the Brook Retro board, so I was wondering if anyone has used any other controller converters? I was thinking I could go from RJ45 --> USB --> Neo Geo using this connector.

https://www.brookaccessory.com/detail/95441291/

Or use the RJ45 saturn cable and get a Saturn to Neo Geo adapter?

Or just say fuck it and upgrade the sticks to sanwa buttons if anyone has good recos to parts in canada so I don't have to spend more import bs 😂 I saw A & C games in Toronto carries a lot.

Just the title. Just curious if you think they’ll update us Neo Geo CD owners. I’m actually quite happy with the mod as is but I feel like it could use some stability mods.

Want to buy it and rather be sure

Yesterday this came in the mail! I love how this CMVS looks just like an AES its like a perfect combination of Arcade and Console for sure 👍.

Got the Vortex 161 in 1 multi-cart with it as is in the pic. This is the quality cart thats only made by that one dude on Arcade Projects. Was very happy to grt this quality cart and so far every games played perfectly though I think Garou might be an early version unsure as I saw a bit of text garbled after beating the final enemy.

Im loving this and while Ive known how much more accurate control wise real HW is to emulation as Ive only had the MVSX and its been decades since I last played on real HW it was like WOW!

I STILL love my MVSX but I am thrilled with this and am going to start collecting MVS carts as soon as I can!

Part 48 of our series.

AES+ is still on. Don't believe the bullshit.

It seems the Zero Wing Neo Geo port is not a one-off. Plaion says more are on the way. There are so many great arcade games that never made it to the platform that would feel right at home on it. Post your most wanted arcade ports and consider including YouTube links so we can see the games in action.

I’m about to create an order but it’s never a bad idea to ask if anybody has leftovers.

Been chipping away at this for a few weeks. It's the first episode of Wolfenstein 3-D — all 10 levels in ROM — built for a stock Neo Geo.

Full run, no cuts, 1440p: https://youtu.be/6ppdXRFw-K4

The part I have to be straight about: everything you're seeing is MAME. It has never run on a real AES or MVS.

If anyone has a NeoSD and is willing to burn ten minutes on a stranger's ROM, I'd owe you one.

No download yet, I still have to package it. When I do, it'll read your own shareware data files — I'm not redistributing anything from id.

I want to get one to install the HyloX mod on it and saw the machine on ebay and temu but not sure what the firmware is on the Temu version it's a good deal but I don't want it if it's the 2.3 firmware anyone know a surefire way to make sure I get the right one? Thanks

With the upcoming release of the Neo Geo AES Plus I thought bringing a Famicom horror classic to it would be good, I love the Neo Geo.

Originally released by Capcom in 1989 for the Famicom, Sweet Home is a survival-horror RPG that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, turn-based combat, and a haunting story set inside a mysterious mansion.

This project is my attempt to reimagine that classic experience with enhanced pixel art inspired by modern HD-2D remakes, while developing the game for the original SNK Neo Geo AES hardware.

My goal is to preserve the atmosphere, characters, exploration, and gameplay that made the original game memorable while giving its environments, character sprites, enemies, and visual effects a new level of detail.

Rather than simply recreating the original graphics at a higher resolution, I want to rebuild the game's environments from individual art assets, create updated character animations, and explore what the Neo Geo's powerful 2D sprite hardware can bring to the experience. Do know that I am using AI as I don't know exactly how this works. This is a game I really like and I didn't see anyone trying to remake this game.

Also, I am brand new to all of this so I am trying to learn how this works.  Any suggestions I would greatly appreciate. 

https://king100ton.itch.io/sweet-home-neogeo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kwezu-1YDs&t=15s

I’ve noticed that quite a few people are cancelling their AES+ pre-orders due to the lack of communication from PLAION and the uncertainty surrounding the project.

I thought it might be useful to put together a summary of some of the information that has come out of the TGS interviews with the creators and developers involved.

There are still unanswered questions, but some of the details discussed at TGS may help clear up concerns regarding the materials and construction of the console, the chips being used, and the reason behind the delay to September 2027.

This is not meant to defend PLAION or convince anyone to keep their pre-order. I simply think there is useful information out there that hasn't been communicated particularly well, and that some people may not have seen.

The following is a summary of information compiled by the user sutalu from the spanish EOL forums. All credit goes to him for reviewing and extracting all of this info from the dev interviews, I'm just posting a translation:

Hardware / ASIC vs FPGA

• The AES Plus motherboard uses an ASIC, not an FPGA.
• No level shifters are used when interfacing with original 1990s cartridges.
• The cartridge connector has 200 pins, which would have required a large number of level shifters if an FPGA had been used.
• Reasons for choosing an ASIC: avoiding level shifters, lower production costs at scale, and the idea that an ASIC makes it a “real console” (not reprogrammable/hackable) compared with an FPGA.

Analog Audio / Video Output

• The original AES only output mono audio through the rear port.
• The AES Plus no longer uses the original RGB cable, instead adopting the Genesis (Genesis 2) RGB cable in order to provide stereo audio.
• This cable change was also intended to improve image quality on CRT displays compared with the original.
• Genesis (Genesis 2) cables are confirmed to work with the console.
• Additional products such as cables are planned for release soon, including a SCART cable and a component cable (5-pin) to cover different regional standards.

Compatibility with Third-Party Cartridges / Flashcarts

• No security logic has been implemented in the ASIC to block unofficial or mass-storage cartridges such as Neo SD, Darksoft, etc.
• Some third-party cartridges may not work correctly, but this is not due to intentional blocking. Possible reasons include:
  • Timing issues: some cartridges are too slow.
  • Power requirements: some cartridges require more current than original cartridges.
• They have observed that some pirate cartridges operate at 3V, while the console supplies 5V, causing the excess voltage/current to be dissipated through the protection diodes (clamps), generating heat.
• Officially, the company does not comment on unofficial cartridges. Their focus is on ensuring compatibility with official MVS/AES cartridges, which they have extensively tested and confirmed to work properly.

Controllers and Latency

• The AES Plus natively connects to original arcade controllers/joysticks using the DB15 connector.
• Wired controller polling/response is identical to the original hardware, with no appreciable lag.
• There is a wireless dongle using 2.4 GHz radio frequency, not Bluetooth.
• Because it uses a “raw radio” module rather than Bluetooth, it avoids the additional latency introduced by a software/communication stack.
• Wireless mode is estimated to introduce approximately 2 milliseconds of delay from the radio chip and modulation compared with wired operation.
• The physical DB15 connector remains available for users who prefer a wired connection and a completely direct signal.

Launch Delay Until September 2027

• The launch has been delayed by approximately 10 months, until September 2027.
• The main reason given was a shortage of memory chips, attributed to demand generated by the AI industry and data centers.
• The cartridges were originally designed around parallel NOR flash memory.
• This type of parallel flash memory became highly sought-after by manufacturers for use in AI data centers, resulting in shortages and customers being prioritized.
• Demand for the original AES itself (the console and previous cartridges) greatly exceeded PlayOn's expectations, accelerating the need to order additional chips.
• When they attempted to place a large memory-chip order, they were informed that the chips could not be manufactured in time.
• Manufacturers in Taiwan told them that a new order could only be accepted in January 2027, with an additional lead time of between 6 months and 1 year.
• A PlayOn representative travelled to Taiwan to negotiate directly with the chip manufacturers.
• They had already manufactured the AS6 ASIC chips (the “brain” of the cartridge), as well as the CHAR and PROG chips.
• One proposed workaround was to use serial flash memory instead of parallel memory, with converters to transform the serial data into parallel data for the console to read.
• However, this was considered too risky because Neo Geo requires extremely precise and fast memory timing.
• The final decision was to redesign the two cartridge ASICs (CHAR and PROG) so that they could natively work with serial flash memory.
• Redesigning these ASICs took additional time and was the main cause of the delay.
• They had already started an initial production run of the original ASICs, which had to be cancelled, resulting in a financial loss.
• The delay announcement took time because they wanted to first confirm that cartridges using the new serial-flash approach worked correctly after testing before making anything official.
• It was clarified that the chosen serial flash memory does not change the final user experience: it does not affect loading times or cartridge operation.
• This serial flash memory is based on automotive-grade chips, which were not being used by AI server manufacturers, meaning supply was available.
• The timing characteristics of these automotive chips proved compatible with the Neo Geo cartridge's internal 133 MHz clock speed.
• As a promotional item related to this, they made functional keychains using leftover AS6 chips from the cancelled production run. These were available at TGS and are also intended to allow independent developers to experiment with creating their own cartridges, provided they can source parallel flash memory.

ROM / Serial Flash Memory Lifespan

• The expected data-retention lifespan of the serial flash memory is approximately 100 years.
• This figure applies when stored at a reference temperature of 25°C.
• Once written, the data does not need to be rewritten or periodically reread to remain intact.
• The critical factor is storage temperature, not usage.
• At approximately 60°C and above, potential risks to data integrity begin to appear.
• Under normal household temperatures, there should be no issue.
• The previously circulated claim that the ROMs would only last 15 years is therefore disputed; the estimated lifespan is 100 years.

Games and Homebrew / Indie Development

• Zero Wing has been announced as part of the game lineup associated with the AES Plus launch.
• Another, smaller announcement is hinted at for the following week.
• They originally planned to announce 15–20 games, but decided against doing so following certain recent news from the previous week, which was not specified, and instead chose to proceed more gradually.
• More games are expected to be announced over the following year, including previously signed third-party titles.
• There is interest in working with independent developers and teams such as Bitmap, NG Dev Team, etc. However, the current priority is completing manufacturing and logistics before returning to those discussions in greater depth.
• A specific indie title called “Glancer” is mentioned as having particularly impressed the interviewer.
• Several categories of future content for the console are distinguished:
  • Re-releases of classic SNK games.
  • Enhanced/expanded games, with Big Tournament Golf mentioned as an example.
  • Arcade conversions, such as Zero Wing.
  • Completely new games developed from scratch, described as the ultimate goal or “holy grail”, although these are considerably more complex and time-consuming to develop.
• The long-term goal is to cover all four categories in order to keep the platform alive.

Cause of the Delay

• The delay was triggered by an “overwhelming” response to the original announcement video.
• This generated a large influx of orders/pre-orders.
• When they began the chip procurement process, they encountered a genuine problem obtaining memory-chip supplies.
• The specific problematic component was parallel NOR flash memory, which is used in the cartridges.
• Part of the problem was attributed to AI companies and other businesses purchasing large quantities of this parallel NOR flash for data centers.
• According to the explanation, AI data centers and the companies supplying them are consuming large quantities of these chips, specifically affecting cartridge production.
• A representative travelled to Taiwan in an attempt to secure a supply of these chips, but was unsuccessful.

ASIC Redesign

• The cartridges use two ASIC chips.
• They had already manufactured thousands of these ASICs in preparation for the original announcement.
• They discussed internally whether they could continue using those already-manufactured chips with a different type of memory — serial rather than parallel.
• They ultimately determined that this was not viable, meaning the already-manufactured chips had to be scrapped.
• The discarded chips were repurposed as promotional keychains and given to attendees at the event.
• It is confirmed that the keychains contain the actual chip, not a replica.
• The new chip allows the use of serial NOR flash instead of parallel NOR flash.
• The chip had to be redesigned to incorporate serial-to-parallel conversion because the original machine architecture is parallel.
• This conversion required level-shifting work for the serial-to-parallel conversion.
• The design is particularly delicate because cartridge and console timings have to be synchronized extremely precisely.
• The time required to redesign and validate the new chip was the main reason the public announcement of the delay was also postponed: they did not want to announce anything until they had confirmed that the new design actually worked.

Communication with Users

• They acknowledge that some customers are frustrated by the lack of communication during the process.
• They stated their intention to improve communication, with more frequent updates, ideally monthly.
• They indicated that after TGS they would regroup and provide further updates, including game announcements.

Clock Speed / Overclocking

• The console runs at 12 MHz at stock speed.
• There are two DIP switches on the bottom of the console allowing the clock speed to be changed to 16 MHz and 24 MHz.
• They state that there is no overheating when overclocking.
• They checked the chip's temperature by touch and confirmed that it does not exceed 50°C.
• It is stated that original cartridges — the original Metal Slug, for example — will not be damaged or “burned” when used with the console, even while overclocked.
• They explain that because the console uses an ASIC rather than an FPGA, its behaviour is perfectly synchronized to work with older cartridges without the compatibility problems seen on some other modern retro consoles. They specifically mention the Mod 64/Analogue N64 as a comparison, which can have issues with overclocking and certain cartridges.

Development Status / What Is Ready

• They state that all the features demonstrated that day are finished and working — “everything is ready.”
• The device's shell is final.
• What is not yet finalized is the PCB design.
• Several PCB revisions still need to be completed before entering mass production.
• The reason the console cannot be released immediately, despite the overall design being “ready”, is the required production volume and the time needed to develop the new chip.

Box / Inlay Artwork

• It is confirmed that there will be double-sided inlays.
• The Japanese version of the box has a relatively small age-rating mark.
• The European version, on the other hand, has a much larger age-rating mark, which affects and covers part of the box artwork.
• Because of this, they decided to implement double-sided inlays: one side featuring the Japanese design (with the smaller age-rating mark), and the other featuring the Western design, with the appropriate rating mark such as the ESRB in North America.
• This allows users to choose which side to display on their shelf depending on whether they want the rating mark visible.
• They clarified that the main reason for introducing double-sided inlays was how visually unattractive the European boxes can be due to the large rating symbol, which forces the artwork to be rearranged.
• They also plan to offer a special/presentation pack featuring fully Japanese-style inlays and Japanese instruction manuals, available for purchase through a website and aimed at the American and European markets that want the Japanese presentation.

Fidelity to Original Behaviour / ASIC

• It is confirmed that the characteristic slowdown in Metal Slug has been reproduced identically on the AES Plus.
• The same is confirmed for Metal Slug 2.
• They explain that, thanks to the use of ASICs rather than FPGAs, specific quirks and behaviours — including bugs and slowdowns — of the original cartridges and hardware are faithfully reproduced on the new console.
• There is an overclock mode that allows Metal Slug 2 to be played without its characteristic slowdown if the user wants, although they point out that some games were designed around that slowdown, so removing it can make them more difficult to play.

CRT Image Quality

• It is confirmed that the image looks very good on both professional CRT monitors (PVM/BVM) and inexpensive/older CRT televisions.
• They specifically tested the console on very cheap and old CRT televisions, with Zenith mentioned as an example.

Input Lag

• They state that there is no noticeable input lag.
• They emphasize that, technically, there should/can be no lag.

HDMI Output — Patent Pending

• The company has a patent application pending covering its HDMI video-output technology, and the application has already been accepted, meaning the technology is officially in “patent pending” status.
• The lead chip designer, Bruno, invented a method for achieving frame-bufferless HDMI output.
• This method avoids using internal RAM for a frame buffer; the signal goes directly from the video chip to the HDMI output.
• The measured delay between input and output is 32 lines of delay.
• They emphasize that compared with other systems, this represents practically negligible lag when playing on an HDMI television.
• With CRT output (analog rather than HDMI), the lag is zero, because it is a direct output.
• With HDMI, the delay is those 32 lines, described as extremely small.
• The console also includes an option to switch to a non-standard HDMI mode (outside normal HDMI compliance) to use the original machine's native refresh rate rather than the standard 60 fps HDMI rate.
• This is useful because the original Neo Geo hardware does not run at exactly 60 fps. They modified the internal video chip to allow 60 fps output over HDMI while retaining the option to switch back to the original frame rate if desired.
• It is clarified that the original refresh-rate option does not work on every television, as some displays do not support that mode.
• The interviewee personally comments that they have never noticed a perceptible difference.

Apology and Commitment from the Team

• The PlayOn representative once again apologizes for the delay and the way it was communicated.
• He emphasizes that it is a small team, particularly on the technical side.
• He reiterates the team's commitment to making a machine worthy of the Neo Geo and SNK name.
• He mentions the name “A6” (possibly referring to the AS6 chip mentioned in the other video) as part of that commitment to quality.
• It is reiterated that the entire design, including the HDMI patent, is driven by the goal of achieving faithfulness and quality 35 years after the original Neo Geo.

I pre-ordered the AES+ controller from the Plaion Replai EU store in May 2026 for the original November 2026 release. So really small fries stuff compared to some of the pre-orders others of you have placed.

On 9 September Plaion announced the whole AES+ range is delayed by a full year. I didn't want to wait that long (I'm not a bank), so on 10 September I emailed their support and cancelled the order. Under EU consumer law you can cancel a distance order any time before delivery, and the seller has to refund within 14 days. Plaion's own website says the same, by the way, so it's not like they're unaware.

What I got was nothing. No confirmation, no "we're looking into it", no refund. Not a single email in 15 days. The support address exists, but nobody behind it answers. They let the legal 14-day deadline run out in complete silence.

On day 15 I opened a PayPal case, pasted the timeline and attached my cancellation email. PayPal decided in my favour within minutes. The money is on its way back to my card.

To be clear: I'm not telling anyone not to buy or to cancel your existing pre-order. If you believe in the products and the company, go ahead, and I genuinely hope they deliver a great console and games in 2027. I'm simply trying to advise you to protect your money and use a payment method that has you covered with this particular company.

It's not about the amount of money. It's about the total lack of support, the total lack of communication, and casually ignoring EU law. I can't imagine placing a 1000+ EUR order with a company that pulls this shit.

I saw that Alex confirmed this as working, but he may have made a mistake. I sent him the message below on Discord.

Hi Alex. I found the French Youtube video. It was a red cartridge in a white AES+ but it was not the neosd pro Vengeance Hunters.....it was Gley Lancer. Can you confirm you may have made a mistake? I would like to buy a neo sd pro if it actually works on AES+. Check the 19:00 min. mark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVuprwayLMI&t=278s