PixelPerfectGaming had the pleasure of interviewing the team behind the release of Tommo’s NeoGeo X handheld. We learned how the issue plaguing the firmware update had nothing to do with the NeoGeo X handheld. Additionally, we ask whether Tommo has plans to improve the system’s A/V capabilities. The answer we received should please fans. Read on to find out more as we ask Tommo some hard-hitting questions about their handheld and its future.
PixelPerfectGaming: Gamers were excited when Tommo launched the NEOGEO X Gold Limited Edition this past year. Not only did it come bundled with NINJA MASTERS, but later the following year, Tommo released the Classic Packs. Can you tell our readers what Tommo’s plans are for future Classic Pack releases for the NEOGEO X?
Tommo: We are constantly balancing the respective wish lists of our loyal fans vs. what we are able to produce [and what] makes sense from a company and consumer perspective. Within the first year, since the release of the NEOGEO X, we have released a total of 35 games and a major software update. It’s very clear fans want more games, more features, and more of everything NEOGEO X and that’s exactly what we’re working on.
PPG: There are still concerns regarding the Docking Station’s A/V output not producing a clean signal compared to an original NeoGeo Home Console System. A recent update from Tommo has improved the NEOGEO X’s functionality (i.e. selecting games from the system’s boot menu is now smoother, etc.), but are there any future updates planned to improve the NEOGEO X’s A/V output signal?
Tommo: The NEOGEO X is primarily a handheld system with external output capabilities, but we still want to provide players with the best possible experience, and to give them the best picture they can have on an external monitor coming from the NEOGEO X handheld. We’re currently looking into multiple options to make the NEOGEO X experience even better!
PPG: Is Tommo aware of the professional dev groups currently developing high quality software for the NEOGEO MVS, NEOGEO AES and NEOGEO CD consoles? NG: DEV TEAM has already released titles of significant quality such as Fast Strikers and GunLord. Can you tell us if Tommo has considered approaching this developer and others to have their games released on NEOGEO X? Since these games are current releases and push the NEOGEO X platform to its limits, it would be a good selling point to consumers interested in the NEOGEO X handheld, especially if they knew that new titles were still being developed for the system. What are your thoughts on this?
Tommo: We have seen those games and they look great! Our focus right now is working with SNK PLAYMORE and bringing more classic NEOGEO titles to the NEOGEO X.
PPG: In recent months, consumers have encountered some technical issues while upgrading to the latest firmware. Can you shed some light on what caused this issue?
Tommo: We faced some unexpected issues with the firmware update that was part of the Mega Pack and Classic releases. We discovered that the root of the problem was actually a data transfer rate issue between the Bios, Cable, and SD Card. After we made a modification to the update code and the cable, the problem was resolved. The fail rate was right at 5%, but it seems like 100% when it’s your system that is affected! We replaced the defective cable and SD cards that were initially affected. If a customer does experience a failed update – we will always be right there to assist them however we can. New stock has already shipped and the issue looks to be resolved.
PPG: Tommo originally bundled the Docking Station with the NEOGEO X handheld as the Gold Limited Edition. Are there plans to sell the Docking Station to consumers at a later date?
Tommo: The NEOGEO X Gold Limited Edition production run has ended, but we still have some retail stock. If you want a Gold Limited Edition bundle, you should pick one very soon, before it’s too late!
Moving forward we have big plans for the system, but the “Gold” bundle was a one-of-a-kind bundle.
PPG: Returning to software for a moment – will Tommo re-release NINJA MASTERS in a future Classic Pack for gamers who missed out on the Gold Limited Edition package?
Tommo: NINJA MASTERS was a fantastic game that we were able to get for our Gold Limited Edition only. This means that we will not be releasing the game again in its current form in the foreseeable future.
PPG: Is there anything you would like to say to our readers about Tommo and the future of the NEOGEO X?
Tommo: We would like to thank you very much for the support that has been shown! It always amazes us how much passion you guys have for the systems and games under the NEOGEO X brand. We hope to be able to surprise you and NEOGEO X fans by releasing even more exciting products in the near future! In the meantime we invite everyone to come chat with us on Facebook and/or Twitter. We’re on there just about every day posting the latest screens, videos, news, promotions, and even giveaways too!
Again, thank you for your support!
We here at PixelPerfectGaming.com appreciate the time you took from your busy schedule to answer our questions. We support Tommo and their efforts to introduce a new generation of gamers to one of the most powerful 2D console systems ever produced – SNK’s Neo-Geo.
Look to PixelPerfectGaming.com for news and reviews of Tommo’s NeoGeo X Handheld and its software. Also expect a full review of Tommo’s NeoGeoX Mega Pack in the coming weeks ahead.
