The NeoGeo X, the handheld NeoGeo platform, is no more. SNK Playmore, the owner of the NeoGeo hardware, terminated its licence with manufacturer and distributor Tommo Inc. effective October 2, according to this notice on SNK’s website.
That means the end of the NeoGeo X Gold Limited Edition, and six volumes of games (NeoGeo X Mega Pack Vol. 1, and NeoGeo X Classics Vols. 1 through 5) are done. Tommo has been ordered to immediately cease “all manufacturing, distribution, marketing & promotion and selling” of these products.
Additionally, SNK has ordered Tommo to immediately cease sales of the NeoGeo X Arcade Stick and remove all stock from retailers, both physical and online.
It doesn’t sound like this was an amicable breakup. “In order to protect our intellectual property rights such as ‘NEOGEO’ and ‘SNK’, decisive measures will be taken against all unapproved NEOGEO X products not subject to the Licence Agreement.”
The NeoGeo X was first released in December; in January, reports said SNK had terminated the arrangement providing for limited edition versions of the system. Despite SNK’s latest demand, NeoGeo X products still are available online, including the Limited Edition, at retailers like Amazon and GameStop.
Termination of the Licence Agreement between TOMMO Inc. and SNK PLAYMORE USA CORP. [SNK Playmore via RetroGameNetwork]
Comments
8 responses to “SNK Orders NeoGeo X Maker To End Production And Stop Selling It”
Gone from amazon, still on GameStop, however i’d imagine given the sound of this if you order one they will probably just end up refunding it..
Wonder what the hell happened? Sucks to be Tommo.
I really wanted one until I watched and read a pile of reviews that say it’s really not that good. Apparently it’s all emulated and suffers from some bad sound lag and screen tearing. Shame, cos I would’ve bought one outright.
I’d say SNK are killing it because (apparently) it’s a stain on the Neo Geo’s name.
It was a 200 dollar system (which right there would kill interest for a lot of people) that only emulated the games, and had slowdown, screen-tearing, and other issues. Had SNK been willing to at least reduce the price (especially after news of its flaws came to light) it probably would have done at least mediocrely
Last time I was in my local EB Games they had one on the shelf, I might just have to mosey on down tomorrow and see if it’s still there.
I saw this at the local EB and was slightly confused by it, from all the markings on the box it looked like an officially licensed product.
Edit: nevermind, just RTFA properly. I managed to make the dumbest and most redundant comment in history.
It was apparently rubbish anyway. No doubt this announcement will see them selling for double or triple RRP on eBay.
I saw an Ashens video on this and apparently the main ‘console’ is just a plastic shell designed to ape the original. I don’t think it’s a very good product, so just stick with PC/Android emulators.
If anyone wanted it, I’m sure they would’ve gotten it by now.