Atari Jaguar vs Neo Geo

The Atari Jaguar and Neo Geo are two iconic gaming consoles from the 90s, known for their unique features and game libraries. The Atari Jaguar boasted 64-bit graphics and a range of exclusive titles, while the Neo Geo offered arcade-quality games at home with its powerful hardware.

General information

Atari Jaguar
Neo Geo
Introduction :
The Atari Jaguar was released in 1993 as the first 64-bit gaming console, boasting impressive graphics and sound capabilities. Despite its innovative technology, the Jaguar struggled to compete with other consoles of the era, such as the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. While it did not achieve great commercial success, the Atari Jaguar has since become a sought-after collectible among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Introduction :
The Neo Geo was a revolutionary games console released in 1990 by SNK Corporation. Known for its advanced graphics and arcade-quality games, the Neo Geo quickly gained popularity among hardcore gamers and in arcades. It was primarily marketed in Japan and North America. The console has since become a classic and highly collectible among retro gaming enthusiasts, with a strong library of iconic titles such as Metal Slug and King of Fighters.
Advantages :
  • Powerful 64-bit processor for impressive graphics and gameplay.
  • CD-ROM drive allows for larger game storage capacity.
  • Unique controller with number pad for innovative gameplay mechanics.
  • Backwards compatibility with Atari Lynx games for added nostalgia.
  • Wide variety of game genres available for diverse gaming experiences.
Advantages :
  • Extensive library of classic games
  • High-quality arcade ports
  • Unique controller design
  • Impressive graphics and sound capabilities
  • Durable and long-lasting hardware
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library with mostly mediocre titles.
  • Poor third-party support compared to other consoles.
  • Complex controller design can be uncomfortable to use.
  • Lack of popular franchises and exclusive titles.
  • Limited multimedia capabilities compared to newer consoles.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
  • Expensive games and accessories due to rarity.
  • Bulky and heavy design may be inconvenient for some users.
  • Limited multimedia capabilities compared to modern consoles.
  • Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming.
Year launched : 1993
The Atari Jaguar was launched in 1993, making it one of the early contenders in the gaming console market. It boasted 64-bit technology, aiming to provide cutting-edge gaming experiences to players.
Year launched : 1990
The Neo Geo was launched in 1990, offering arcade-quality games at home. It quickly gained a reputation for its powerful hardware and high-quality game library, making it a favorite among serious gamers.
Manufacturer : Atari
Atari, a prominent video game company, manufactured the Atari Jaguar games console. Known for its advanced technology at the time, the Jaguar was released in the mid-1990s to compete with other gaming systems.
Manufacturer : SNK
SNK Corporation, a Japanese video game hardware and software company, manufactured the Neo Geo games console. Known for its high-quality arcade games, SNK created the Neo Geo as a home console for arcade-quality gaming experiences.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Atari Jaguar had low popularity compared to other consoles. It struggled to compete with more established brands and only sold around 250,000 units. It has a niche following among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Neo Geo had a relatively low popularity compared to other consoles. It had a niche market due to its high price point and focus on arcade-quality games, limiting its widespread appeal.
Form factor : Home console.
The Atari Jaguar is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not intended to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
Form factor : Home console.
The Neo Geo console is designed as a home gaming system, meant to be set up in a living room or gaming area for extended play sessions on a TV screen.
Official website : https://www.atari.com/


Market and availability

Atari Jaguar
Neo Geo
Console markets :
The Atari Jaguar was available in North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not widely available in other regions and had limited distribution compared to other consoles of its time.
Console markets :
The Neo Geo console was primarily available in Japan and North America, with limited availability in Europe and other regions. It was popular among arcade enthusiasts and collectors due to its high-quality games.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Atari Jaguar is considered retro and collectible due to its limited production, unique design, and nostalgic appeal for fans of classic gaming. It has a dedicated following in the retro gaming community.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Neo Geo is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique games library and historical significance in the gaming industry. Its limited availability and high price point make it a valuable retro console.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Atari Jaguar is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as other retro consoles, it can still be found with some searching, especially for collectors or enthusiasts.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Neo Geo console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units being collectible and harder to find. New units are rare and may be more expensive to acquire.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The Atari Jaguar is considered to have an average relative cost compared to other games consoles. While it can be found on the second-hand market, prices can vary depending on availability and condition.
🔴 Console cost : High.
The relative cost of the Neo Geo is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. It is sought after in the second-hand market, leading to higher prices compared to other older consoles.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari Jaguar can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. Some titles are rare and sought after by collectors, while others are more common and easier to find.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Neo Geo can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While some titles may be harder to come by, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
Atari Jaguar games can vary in cost, with some being more affordable due to their availability in the second-hand market. However, rare or sought-after titles can be more expensive to acquire.
🔴 Game costs : High.
Neo Geo games are relatively expensive due to their rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary, but they are generally considered high compared to other games consoles.


Technology

Atari Jaguar
Neo Geo
Architecture : 64-bit.
The Atari Jaguar uses a 64-bit architecture, making it one of the first consoles to do so. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessors.
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Neo Geo games console uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for a wide range of visually impressive games to be developed.
CPU : 68000 processor
The Atari Jaguar uses a 68000 processor, which was a popular CPU in many gaming consoles during the 1990s. It provided decent performance for its time and allowed for a variety of games to be played.
CPU : 68000
The Neo Geo games console uses a Motorola 68000 CPU, known for its performance and efficiency in handling complex gaming processes. This processor was a popular choice for many gaming systems in the 1990s.
Memory : 2 MB
The Atari Jaguar has 2 MB of memory, which was considered impressive for its time in the early 1990s. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to other consoles of that era.
Memory : 56 Kb
The Neo Geo games console has 56 Kb of memory, which was considered quite impressive for its time, allowing for high-quality graphics and gameplay in its games.
Video output : Composite
The Atari Jaguar has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI inputs.
Video output : Composite and Component
The Neo Geo console only has composite and component video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI inputs.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Atari Jaguar features a dedicated GPU, the Tom & Jerry chip, which was revolutionary for its time in providing advanced graphics capabilities. This allowed for more detailed and immersive gaming experiences.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Neo Geo has a dedicated GPU, which was considered advanced for its time and contributed to its impressive graphics capabilities, providing a smooth gaming experience with detailed visuals.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Atari Jaguar was released in the mid-90s and did not have built-in internet connectivity. It relied on physical game cartridges for gameplay, without any notable internet capabilities.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Neo Geo console does not have built-in internet connectivity. It was released before online gaming became popular, so it lacks features like Ethernet or Wi-Fi for online gaming.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Atari Jaguar is cartridge-based. Games are loaded and played directly from cartridges inserted into the console, providing a quick and seamless gaming experience.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Neo Geo console is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game data and are inserted into the console to play the games.


Gaming

Atari Jaguar
Neo Geo
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Atari Jaguar supports up to 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences on the console. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay together.
Controllers : 2-4 controllers
Older consoles like the Neo Geo typically supported 2-4 wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Newer consoles may offer wireless controllers and support for more players, enhancing the multiplayer experience.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari Jaguar was released in the 1990s and did not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. There may be unofficial methods to enable online play, but it is not a standard feature.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Neo Geo's multiplayer online capabilities are not well-documented, and it is unclear if it supports online multiplayer functionality. Further research may be needed to determine this feature.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari Jaguar were released in an average manner. While some popular titles are sought after by collectors, the overall availability of games for this console is decent in the secondhand market.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
Neo Geo game titles were released on cartridges, which are still highly sought after by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. The secondhand market for Neo Geo games remains strong.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Atari Jaguar has several exclusive and notable games such as Alien vs Predator, Tempest 2000, and Rayman. These games are iconic for the console and offer unique gaming experiences.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Neo Geo has a range of exclusive and iconic games such as Metal Slug, Samurai Shodown, and The King of Fighters series, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.


When choosing between the Atari Jaguar and Neo Geo, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and gaming priorities. The Jaguar may appeal to those looking for a diverse library of games, while the Neo Geo is a top choice for gamers seeking high-quality arcade experiences. Consider your gaming preferences and priorities to make the right choice.