【SNK】Here Are the Pre-Reformation Era Titles from the Former Company Name! Don’t Miss These Retro Games from the Old Days—SNK Still Thriving Today!

What memories come to mind when you hear the name “Neo Geo”? Many of you may recall cabinets glowing quietly in the corners of arcades, or enjoying arcade-quality gameplay right on your home TV. The renowned game developer SNK, formally known as “Shin Nihon Kikaku,” is the creator of “Neo Geo”. From the 1980s to the early 2000s, they established a unique presence in Japan’s gaming industry. The release of Neo Geo, bridging the gap between home and arcade systems, redefined the very concept of gaming experiences. Being able to play the exact same arcade games at home, with identical controls and graphics, was a dream come true for gamers at the time.

After the debut of Neo Geo in 1990, the release of “Fatal Fury” the following year marked a turning point that catapulted SNK to the top. This sparked a wave of titles that led the 1990s fighting game boom, including “Samurai Shodown,” “Art of Fighting,” and “The King of Fighters.” Each captivated fans with intricate character designs, solid game balance, and vibrant pixel art. These games transcended mere entertainment to become cultural icons, with devoted fans still passionately engaged in their rivalries and worlds.

SNK’s base in Esaka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, was once considered a sacred ground for game enthusiasts. With its headquarters, development studios, and direct-run arcade “Neo Geo Land” and amusement facility “Neo Geo World,” the area had the feel of a theme park. Even the backgrounds in SNK games featured the streets of Esaka, blending reality and virtual worlds in a playful touch characteristic of SNK.

SNK’s business acumen is also not to be overlooked. They enabled Neo Geo cabinets to be installed everywhere—convenience stores, candy shops, and small game retailers. Their revolutionary contract model offered a share of profits in exchange for covering electricity costs. As a result, Neo Geo’s red cabinets spread throughout Japan, becoming an after-school haven for kids. Such flexible and innovative strategies were key to SNK’s widespread success.

SNK went bankrupt once in 2001, but its intellectual property was passed on to Playmore. The company name eventually became “SNK Playmore,” and in 2016 it returned to simply “SNK.” Even amid such a tumultuous history, their continued delivery of games that lived up to fan expectations is noteworthy. SNK’s DNA has truly been passed down across generations.