SNK’s Neo Geo was the dream console of the 90s: real arcade hardware at home, huge cartridges and legendary 2D graphics. Today its games are easier than ever to play. Here are the 12 best Neo Geo games of all time.
Want the full story of the console? Read our article on the Neo Geo AES.
1. Metal Slug 3
The peak of the run-and-gun genre: incredible pixel art, branching paths, crazy bosses and perfect two-player co-op. Discover the whole series in our Metal Slug saga.
2. Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Many consider it the most beautiful 2D fighting game ever made. Terry Bogard returns with a new generation of fighters, and the Just Defend system is still deep today.
3. The King of Fighters ’98
A “dream match” with almost every popular character of the series and near-perfect balance. Still played everywhere, especially on Fightcade 2. More in our KOF saga.
4. The King of Fighters 2002
Back to 3v3 teams, MAX mode and long combos. A huge favourite in North Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
5. The Last Blade 2
A weapon-based fighter with gorgeous art and one of the best atmospheres on the system.
6. Samurai Shodown II
Tense sword duels where one big hit can change everything. The best of the classic Samurai Shodown games.
7. Real Bout Fatal Fury Special
Fast, fun and full of style — the best entry of the classic Fatal Fury era, and an ancestor of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.
8. Shock Troopers
A top-down shooter with a squad system and tons of explosions — pure arcade fun in co-op.
9. Windjammers
Flying-disc battles that are simple to learn and very addictive. A cult multiplayer classic.
10. Neo Turf Masters
One of the best arcade golf games ever: quick, colourful and surprisingly deep.
11. Blazing Star
A fast, beautiful shoot’em up with a great soundtrack and lots of action on screen.
12. Twinkle Star Sprites
A unique competitive shoot’em up where you send attacks to your opponent’s side. Perfect for local battles with a friend.
How to play Neo Geo games in 2026
- ACA NeoGeo (Arcade Archives): official re-releases by Hamster on modern consoles, sold one by one at a low price.
- Official collections from SNK, such as the Metal Slug and Samurai Shodown compilations.
- Fightcade 2: to play SNK fighters and Metal Slug online — see our Fightcade 2 guide.
- Original hardware: AES and MVS are collector items today, and cartridges can be very expensive.
Which Neo Geo game is your favourite? Tell us in the comments!
Featured image: Evan-Amos / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain — source.