New NeoGeo X handheld console confirmed

The rumoured NeoGeo portable is real and will launch in Q2 2012. UPDATED: New picture and revised game list.

Video game accessories and retro console specialist Blaze has struck a deal with Japan’s SNK Playmore and US distributor Tommo to bring the NeoGeo X handheld console to market.

It will come with 20 licensed games built-in, such as Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters ’94. The NeoGeo X will also feature an SD card slot, a 3.5-inch LCD screen, A/V output, internal stereo speakers and a headphone socket.

MCV understands the console will be released in limited edition form and could be priced up to 500.

The news comes after rumours suggested a new NeoGeo console was in the works.

Blaze’s Jason Cooper said: The NeoGeo console has always been a personal favourite of mine and I am delighted to be involved with the development of this new handheld console.We hope to re-ignite the excitement many of us felt 21 years ago, in a more affordable manner, to a much wider audience."

Tommo’s Jonathan Wan added: I am very proud to be working with SNK Playmore, as NeoGeo is a strong brand with an excellent gaming pedigree.”

Blaze will also launch its 99.99 handheld GameGadget console on March 30th which allows users to download a variety of retro games.

The company has produced several other retro consoles such as the Blaze Sega Megadrive Streets of Rage handheld and the Atari Flashback 3 console with 60 games built-in.

Here’s the full list of NeoGeo X’s built-in games:

• Art of Fighting
• Baseball Stars
• Cyber Lip
• Fatal Fury
• Fatal Fury Special
• Football Frenzy
• King of the Monsters
• Last Resort
• League Bowling
• Magician Lord
• Metal Slug
• Mutation Nation
• Nam 1975
• Samurai Shodown
• Sengoku
• Super Sidekicks
• The King of Fighters ‘94
• The Ultimate 11
• Top Players Golf
• World Heroes