Head-to-head · Neo Geo Emulators
GnGeo vs NeoCD-Libretro
GnGeo leads on 1 check, NeoCD-Libretro on 0, and 4 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 scoreGnGeo · 7.8/10
- Free planonly NeoCD-Libretro
GnGeo scores higher on our rubric for neo geo emulators: 7.8 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.
GnGeo offers aes emulation; NeoCD-Libretro doesn't.
GnGeo is the better fit for linux users who need save states. NeoCD-Libretro is the better fit for free Neo Geo CD emulation with save features.
- GnGeo fits best
Linux users who need save states
- NeoCD-Libretro fits best
Free Neo Geo CD emulation with save features
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Side by side
| Feature | GnGeo 7.8/10 Visit ↗ | NeoCD-Libretro 7.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.8 | 7.6 |
| Ranking | #7 in Neo Geo Emulators | #8 in Neo Geo Emulators |
| Best for | Linux users who need save states | 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 | Linux | Windows, Linux |
| Support | Docs | Docs |
| Features GnGeo 2/6 · NeoCD-Libretro 2/6 | ||
| AES emulation | ✓ (best) | — |
| MVS emulation | Not checked yet | — |
| Neo Geo CD support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Related SNK arcade | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Netplay | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Save states | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Linux | Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | GnGeo is a free, open-source NeoGeo emulator distributed as a source-code project. It is aimed at technically oriented Linux users who want to run NeoGeo ROM sets with control, display, audio, and system-mode configuration. Its feature set… 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
GnGeo — where it wins
- Save states support pausing and resuming NeoGeo games.
- Configurable controls include joysticks and per-player mapping.
- Supports AES emulation, scaling, sound, and multiple CPU cores.
Where it doesn't
- Linux is the only verified supported platform.
- Compiling from source requires technical setup effort.
- A NeoGeo BIOS and legally obtained game files are required.
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
- GnGeo7.8/10 · Open source
A focused, open-source Linux emulator with save states and configurable controls.
Visit GnGeoFull 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 →
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- NeoRAGEx vs NeoCD-Libretro
- GxGeo vs GnGeo
- GxGeo 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