Rarest Neo Geo Games

Certain Neo Geo game titles are rare, and their value becomes increasingly high as time passes. 

Several of them are evaluated and priced quite high, and collectors are ready to pay thousands of dollars to get their hands on some of the rarest Neo Geo games today. I will share those game titles with you in this article. 

Rarest Neo Geo Games

Neo Geo AES games are becoming increasingly more expensive as time passes, but some of the rarest and most expensive sought-after games currently are:

• Metal Slug (1996)
• Neo Turf Masters (1996)
• Stakes Winner (1996)
• Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle (1996)

Metal Slug (1996)

The first part of the Metal Slug series is probably the rarest and most expensive Neo Geo AES cartridge today. It was released on May 24, 1996, and accumulated nothing but positive comments and impressions from gamers.

Overview of the game

Metal Slug was originally developed with gameplay similar to the Contra series of games. 

Because of the similarity, the gameplay is dynamic, requiring the elimination of many enemies to complete each mission. At the end of each mission, a boss needs to be defeated using simple tactics and consistency.

The gameplay is diversified by the player’s choices, picking up different weapon packs and playing with a specific vehicle in selected levels. For example, one level has a helicopter, while another has a tank. All of these are optional, and the player decides whether to use them or not. A total of six levels are available across multiple locations.

Development, production, and current price

Metal Slug was developed by the Nazca Corporation and published by SNK. The game was first tested in Osaka, and after various critiques, it was redesigned and improved to fit player’s standards. 

Since its release for the Neo Geo AES console, few cartridges have been produced, especially for the USA and European markets. This is why this game is so rare today, with prices estimated at around:

• $24.000 for a used cartridge without the original box and manual
• $60.000 for a used cartridge complete with the original box and manual
• $119.000 for a mint condition cartridge

Neo Turf Masters (1996)

The second most rare and expensive Neo Geo AES cartridge would probably be the Neo Turf Masters. The game was developed by the same developer team that made the original Metal Slug. 

Overview of the game

Neo Turf Masters is an arcade golf game in which up to two players can compete and play together simultaneously. You can choose between 6 playable characters from different nationalities, each with unique attributes and skills.

The game’s gameplay was simplified and easy to understand for most players, as you use only one button to determine the power and height of the shot, while the slice and hooks were preselected with the B and C buttons before taking the shot. This gameplay made the game’s controls easy to master but not easy to play, as each level is more difficult than the next.

Read more: Best Games for Neo Geo Pocket Color

Development, production, and current price

The Nazca corporation developed Neo Turf Masters in 1995. SNK released the game in 1996 as an arcade and home cartridge. The home cartridge, also known as the AES version, was produced substantially lower, especially for the European and American markets. 

The game today is considered to be the 2nd rarest AES release in the USA, with prices reaching up to:

• $14.000 for a used cartridge without the original box and manual
• $31.000 for a used cartridge, complete with the original box and manual
• $61.000 for a mint condition cartridge

Stakes Winner (1995)

Stakes Winner will probably be a less-known title in your book, but it’s one that Neo Geo AES collectors are searching intensely for. Judging by its today’s value, it comes as the third most sought-after game by collectors.

Overview of the game

Stakes Winner is yet another arcade game that involves fast-paced horse racing. 

It was designed with the idea that a player can choose one of several thoroughbred horses, each with different attributes, and participate in dynamic races against AI opponents.

The gameplay is simple – you control the horse with the AES joystick, using one button to control the reins and another button for the whip, providing quick acceleration when needed. Controls are easy to master and become easier and easier the more you play.

Development, production, and current price

Stakes Winner was released on October 27, 1995, by SNK, while previously developed by Saurus. Besides the development and release of the Neo Geo AES, Stakes Winner was also released for the Neo Geo MVS and was later released on Neo Geo CD.

Today’s collectors appreciate the rarity of the Stakes Winner AES cartridge and are ready to pay amounts of up to:

• $6.950 for a used cartridge without the original box and manual
• $10.500 for a used cartridge, complete with the original box and manual
• $20.500 for a mint condition cartridge

Kizuna Encounter: Super Tag Battle (1996)

Kizuna Encounter is the last of the rarest Neo Geo games I will include in this list, as it is the collectors’ fourth most sought-after Neo Geo game. According to an article by Rarest, there are only five known copies of the European version of the game ever being released.

Overview of the game

Kizuna Encounter is a fighting-style game similar to The King of Fighters, with a unique fighting system featuring the ability to tag another character in-game. This allows you to switch between characters at will. If one of your characters dies, you lose the match.

Visually, the game looks like any other fighting-style game of the era, with similar graphics, animations, and sounds. It sets the base for some popular games that will emerge later, like The Last Blade and Garou: Mark of Wolves.

Also read: Best Neo Geo Games Review

Development, production, and current price

Kizuna Encounter was produced and released in 1996 by SNK on the Neo Geo MVS and AES platforms. 

The Japanese AES version of the game is the same as the European version, with the only difference being the inserts and package. But, the greatest difference between the two is that the first is not as rare as the latter. Because of this rarity, European versions of Kizuna Encounter are priced up to:

• $2.300 for a used cartridge without the original box and manual
• $5.000 for a used cartridge, complete with the original box and manual
• $10.120 for a mint condition cartridge