The Neo Geo is the stuff of legend. SNK’s arcade powerhouse delivered some of the most visually stunning and mechanically rich games of its era — and NEOGEO Arcade 1 brings six of those classics straight to your Evercade cart slot. Whether you’re a longtime SNK devotee or just starting to explore the platform, this is a collection worth knowing about.
A LEGENDARY SYSTEM, IN YOUR HANDS
The Neo Geo arcade hardware was genuinely in a league of its own. The games looked and played like nothing else available at the time, and titles on the platform have aged remarkably well. Getting authentic Neo Geo arcade action on a portable Evercade device — or through your TV via the VS-R — still feels like a bit of a treat.
NEOGEO Arcade 1 is cartridge 16 in the Evercade Arcade Collection, and it packs six games across a solid range of genres. There’s something here for fans of run-and-gun, fighting, beat-’em-up, and action-platformers alike.
THE GAMES
METAL SLUG is the headline act, and rightly so. SNK’s iconic run-and-gun is bursting with personality — hand-drawn sprites, frantic action, and a level of polish that still impresses. If you’ve never played it, prepare to be won over fast.
SHOCK TROOPERS is a top-down military shooter with a surprisingly deep game loop. You choose your path through the stages and pick from a roster of characters — it’s got more replay value than it might initially appear.
SENGOKU takes things into beat-’em-up territory with a feudal Japan setting, supernatural enemies, and the ability to transform into different warrior forms. It’s an underrated gem that deserves more attention.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS 2000 represents SNK’s legendary fighting game series at a strong point in its run. Team-based fighting, a huge roster of characters, and tight mechanics — this is the cart’s fighting game centrepiece.
MAGICIAN LORD was a launch title for the original Neo Geo hardware, and it shows off just how ambitious SNK’s vision was from day one. An action-platformer with transformation mechanics and a striking fantasy aesthetic.
IRONCLAD rounds out the collection as a horizontal shoot-’em-up. It’s one of the rarer and more sought-after Neo Geo titles, so having it included here is a genuine bonus for shmup fans.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
If you’re a fan of SNK, arcade history, or run-and-gun games, this cart is an easy recommendation. Metal Slug alone is worth the price of entry for many players, but the supporting lineup is genuinely strong rather than just filler.
Fighting game fans will gravitate toward The King of Fighters 2000, while shoot-’em-up players will appreciate having Ironclad accessible without tracking down original hardware. It’s a well-rounded package that covers a lot of ground.
It plays beautifully on the EXP-R handheld, and the VS-R‘s multiplayer support makes The King of Fighters 2000 especially fun with friends on the big screen.
FIND OUT MORE
You can browse the full cartridge details — including box art and the official cartridge page — on our NEOGEO Arcade 1 page, or search every game across every cart in the Evercade Games Database. NEOGEO Arcade 1 isn’t the only Neo Geo cart in the library either — check out NEOGEO Arcade 2, NEOGEO Arcade 3, and NEOGEO Arcade 4 for more SNK classics. And if you’re looking for more great arcade picks generally, check out our Best Arcade Cartridges guide for the full rundown of what the Evercade library has to offer arcade fans.