Not one to be outdone by Capcom’s Home Arcade, SNK has announced that they’re also working on an arcade stick that doubles as a gaming console. Presenting the SNK NEOGEO Arcade Stick Pro!
The NEOGEO Arcade Stick Pro features a fully functional arcade stick mode and can be used on both the NEOGEO Mini or PC. Inspired by classic NEOGEO controllers, arcade stick features eight top facing buttons and a joystick. A turbo mode button, mode/platform switch button are also included. As is are an HDMI, USB and power port, headphone jack and two ports for connecting up a NEOGEO Mini pad. And yes, there’s even a storage space to store the joystick cable as well – they thought of everything.
When not in arcade stick mode, you’ll be able to use the NEOGEO Arcade Stick Pro as a gaming console and it will come with 20 SNK fighting games pre-installed. At the time of the announcement, the list of games was not revealed. Though I have a pretty good idea as to what games are going to be included. I’m hoping we’ll see some classics such as Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting and World Heroes game the cut.
Though, I’d be lying if I didn’t express some disappointment that only fighting games are going to be included. SNK has a rich history of decent SHMUPs and side-scrolling titles. I hope SNK rethinks this decision for the eventual release.
As for the availability of the NEOGEO Arcade Stick Pro, SNK has stated they are planning for a worldwide release. As for now, no other details such as the release date, or price are currently available. They also mentioned that the design of the stick may change as it is currently in development.
If I might add a suggestion for SNK, this thing better be clicky as hell. The original NEOGEO arcade stick and X arcade stics are known for being so clicky that they could wake the dead. Please make mine extra clicky! As for modding these sticks, seeing how this is likely more complicated than your average arcade stick, I doubt it can be modded. But I know someone is going to try it. Either way, I really want one of these.
We’ll continue to follow the NEOGEO Arcade Stick Pro and will update you once we know more about it.
