Our SNK is a fan favorite among the editorial staff of Saiga NAK.
At EVO Japan 2020 in January, "SAMURAI SPIRITS" was selected as the main tournament title, and the event was a great success.
At EVO Japan 2020, the SNK booth was on display, and a tournament was held using the NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO, which went on sale on November 11, 2019.
We at Saiga NAK visited the SNK booth to talk with them and take a gander at the "NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO" and SNK kindly allowed us to borrow it for a while!
For those of you who have been wondering about it, what is it really like? We'd like to review it for those of you who have been wondering what it's really like!
Opening the package and explaining each part!
This time, I'd like to unpack the "NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO" and show you what's included in the box!
First of all, outer of the box!
The box is an impressive bright yellow color with the NEOGEO logo printed on it.
The NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO is rated CERO C (for ages 15 and up) due to the inclusion of titles such as SAMURAI SHODOWN and other titles that contain cruel descriptions.
On the bottom of the box, with the handle facing up, there is an illustration of the NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO and the catchphrase "CARRY ON THE LEGACY". The words "CARRY ON THE LEGACY".
For the author's generation, the NEOGEO is truly a legacy!
When I opened the box, the words "Hello, I'm ASP, your new friend." text. A certain apple company!
Check the unit and contents!
Take out the contents and check the contents.
The "NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO" itself, instruction manual, USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable for power supply, USB Type-A to USB Type-C conversion connector, NEOGEO mini sticker, and a non-slip A stopper for attaching it to the bottom of the main unit was included.
Note that an adapter to supply power is not included, so you will need to prepare it separately.
The NEOGEO Arcade Stick was borrowed from SNK, so it has "SAMPLE" printed on it.
The "NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO" has the four ABCD buttons that the NEOGEO is known for, plus four more, for a total of eight buttons.
This not only allows the user to freely change the button layout, but also increases the versatility of using the "NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO" as an arcade controller on a PC.
Comparison with other arcade controllers
Here is a comparison of the NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO with the Qanba Obsidian, which we have in our office.
While most arcade game consoles have an angular design, the NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO has a cute rounded design that follows the design of the NEOGEO CD and NEOGEO mini game pads.
It is about two times smaller in size and lighter in weight.
The distance between the stick and buttons is also designed to be slightly wider.
Check the terminals on the main unit!
On the front side of the device, there is an earphone jack and two USB Type-C ports.
This Type-C terminal is for connecting a NEOGEO mini gamepad. No worries for pad users!
By connecting a gamepad to the NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO, you can play a 2-player game with the gamepad, or you can use the NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO as a console and play a 2-player game with just the gamepad.
On the noodle at the back of the device is a USB Type-C terminal for power supply, an HDMI terminal for video and audio output, and a USB Type-A terminal for connecting another "NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO".
This position does not get in the way when operating the NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO.
Various control buttons are located on the right side of the device.
In addition to the "START" and "SELECT" buttons used to control the game, there is also an "OPTIONS" button to open the menu for controller settings during a game, and a "TURBO" button that allows you to set a specified button to continuous fire. The "TURBO" button allows you to set a specific button to continuous fire.
The top switch switches between "Console Mode" for using "NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO" as a game console and "Joystick Mode" for using it as an arcade controller. "⚫" is "Console Mode" and "◯" is "Joystick Mode".
The switch with the number 123 below is the platform switch.
Switch to 1 when connecting to the NEOGEO mini, and switch to 2 or 3 when using on a PC. The settings that work with the device vary depending on the title you are using, so be sure to check the settings properly when using the device!
Remove the lid on the bottom of the unit to reveal a USB Type-A cable installed directly on the unit.
You don't need to prepare a separate cable for questions that you want to use as an arcade controller.
It is nice to see that there is plenty of room for the cable.
Let's 100 Mega Shock!
Now that I know what each part is for, all I have to do is connect it to the monitor and actually play!
But that's a long story, so I'll tell you about it in the next article! Look forward to the next installment of the "Showdown"!
The "NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO" is currently on sale for 13,900 JPY (excluding tax). *$126.4 USD
For more information, please visit the official "NEOGEO Arcade Stick PRO" website, or purchase from the SNK ONLINE SHOP!