Head-to-head · Neo Geo Emulators
Geolith vs NeoCD-Libretro
Geolith leads on 2 checks, NeoCD-Libretro on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGeolith · 9.4/10
- Free planonly NeoCD-Libretro
- Most featuresGeolith · 3 of 6
Geolith scores higher on our rubric for neo geo emulators: 9.4 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.
Geolith offers aes emulation; NeoCD-Libretro doesn't. Geolith offers mvs emulation; NeoCD-Libretro doesn't.
Geolith is the better fit for broad Neo Geo coverage on desktop. NeoCD-Libretro is the better fit for free Neo Geo CD emulation with save features.
- Geolith fits best
Broad Neo Geo coverage on desktop
- NeoCD-Libretro fits best
Free Neo Geo CD emulation with save features
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Side by side
| Feature | Geolith 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | NeoCD-Libretro 7.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 7.6 |
| Ranking | #1 in Neo Geo Emulators | #8 in Neo Geo Emulators |
| Best for | Broad Neo Geo coverage on desktop | Free Neo Geo CD emulation with save features |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Open source | Free plan |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Geolith 3/6 · NeoCD-Libretro 2/6 | ||
| AES emulation | ✓ (best) | — |
| MVS emulation | ✓ (best) | — |
| Neo Geo CD support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Related SNK arcade | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Netplay | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Save states | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, BSD, Windows | Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Geolith is an open-source emulator for SNK Neo Geo AES home-console software, MVS arcade software, Neo Geo CD, and CDZ titles. It is aimed at desktop users who want one project covering multiple Neo Geo formats rather than a tool limited… Read the review → |
NeoCD-Libretro is a free, open-source libretro core for emulating Neo Geo CD software through RetroArch. It is aimed at players who want Neo Geo CD support across Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi, with options for both disc-image handling… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Geolith — where it wins
- Covers AES, MVS, Neo Geo CD/CDZ, and .NEO cartridges
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD environments
- Handles diverse controllers, memory cards, and disc-image formats
Where it doesn't
- Build instructions require compilation on supported environments
- The documented focus is desktop operating systems
- Configuration depth may require tuning across regions and display modes
NeoCD-Libretro — where it wins
- Hardware-level Neo Geo CD-ROM emulation
- Supports CUE and MAME CHD disc images
- Savestates, rewind, region selection, and CD speed controls
Where it doesn't
- Requires RetroArch as a libretro core host
- Does not support Neo Geo AES or MVS
- Platform support centers on Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi
- Geolith9.4/10 · Open source
A broad desktop emulator for Neo Geo cartridges, arcade software, and discs.
Visit GeolithFull verdict → - NeoCD-Libretro7.6/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Neo Geo CD core with broad image, audio, and save support.
Visit libretroFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Geolith vs NEO.emu
- Geolith vs NeoRAGEx
- Geolith vs GxGeo
- Geolith vs MVSPSP
- Geolith vs NeoDS
- Geolith vs GnGeo
- NEO.emu vs NeoCD-Libretro
- NeoRAGEx vs NeoCD-Libretro
All neo geo emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update