NEO GEO
A new take on the classic NEO GEO MVS cabinet
Client
Private
Project Duration
3 months
Context of the Project
The Neo Geo MVS: A True Arcade Legend
The Neo Geo MVS was an iconic cabinet in arcades worldwide — beloved for its legendary fighting games and gorgeous side-scrollers like Metal Slug.
I wanted to create a modern version using the popular MiSTer FPGA project. FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) technology doesn’t emulate games through software like my other builds; instead, it uses hardware-based emulation.
This means you get super accurate gameplay — perfect sound, true colors, and zero input delay.
Using a real PVM monitor
The biggest challenge was sourcing a high-quality PVM (Professional Video Monitor), essentially a high-end CRT TV. After some searching, I found a beautiful 21-inch Sony model that perfectly fits the build.
These monitors are quite rare and expensive nowadays, ranging from a few hundred euros up to €2,500 for a fully recapped model.
Design Process
The cabinet keeps the classic Neo Geo look but with a sleeker, more modern design. I created a new back panel that opens smoothly with dual piano hinges and magnets for easy access.
For the marquee, I chose the stunning PIXELCADE LED marquee, which looks fantastic. I crafted a custom bezel and used real darkened glass to add contrast and protect the display.
The artwork, inspired by Metal Slug, was beautifully done by Sahaj, adding an authentic touch to the build.
Result
I’m super happy with the result. The simple control panel layout with the traditional NEO GEO colored buttons, the FPGA that starts up in a second… and the beautiful PVM monitor that looks so much better than a traditional LCD screen.
Also, the coin door is a lot of fun. Having to insert 50 eurocent coins to continue playing adds another level of immersion.
See the end result video here:
