Head-to-head · Neo Geo Emulators
NEO.emu vs GnGeo
NEO.emu leads on 0 checks, GnGeo on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNEO.emu · 9.0/10
- Most featuresNEO.emu · 3 of 6
NEO.emu scores higher on our rubric for neo geo emulators: 9.0 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
NEO.emu is the better fit for feature-rich AES/MVS play across devices. GnGeo is the better fit for linux users who need save states.
- NEO.emu fits best
Feature-rich AES/MVS play across devices
- GnGeo fits best
Linux users who need save states
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Side by side
| Feature | NEO.emu 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | GnGeo 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Neo Geo Emulators | #7 in Neo Geo Emulators |
| Best for | Feature-rich AES/MVS play across devices | Linux users who need save states |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Open source |
| Free plan | — | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Android, iOS, Linux | Linux |
| Support | Email, Docs, Community | Docs |
| Features NEO.emu 3/6 · GnGeo 2/6 | ||
| AES emulation | ✓ | ✓ |
| MVS emulation | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Neo Geo CD support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Related SNK arcade | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Netplay | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Save states | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Android, iOS, Linux | Linux |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | NEO.emu is an open-source emulator for Neo Geo MVS and AES software, aimed at players who want configurable controls and support across Android, iOS and Linux. It is based on a modified version of GnGeo and supports MAME 0.144 or newer ROM… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
NEO.emu — where it wins
- Supports both Neo Geo MVS and AES software
- Universe BIOS enables region and mode editing
- Save states and Bluetooth/USB HID controller support
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- ROM files must be supplied by the user
- Paid distribution may not suit occasional players
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.
- NEO.emu9.0/10 · Paid
A paid, open-source emulator with broad Neo Geo support and flexible controls.
Visit NEO.emuFull verdict → - GnGeo7.8/10 · Open source
A focused, open-source Linux emulator with save states and configurable controls.
Visit GnGeoFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Geolith vs GnGeo
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- NEO.emu vs GxGeo
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- NEO.emu vs NeoDS
- NEO.emu vs NeoCD-Libretro
- NeoRAGEx vs GnGeo
All neo geo emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update