The short answer: the two are very similar: the same 3.5-inch 4:3 screen, the same concept of a mini arcade cabinet with built-in SNK games, and the same need for an extra controller to play with two. The difference lies in the game line-up. The MVS Mini includes 45 games, including ten The King of Fighters titles. The Neo Geo Mini includes 40, in two editions: Japanese, more focused on fighting games, and international, more focused on action.
Article updated on 11 September 2026.
Two mini arcade cabinets, one shared heritage
The MVS was SNK's arcade system, whose home version became the Neo Geo. Metal Slug, The King of Fighters, Samurai Shodown, Fatal Fury: these series were born on this hardware.
The Neo Geo Mini was launched by SNK for its 40th anniversary, in 2018. The MVS Mini, officially licensed by SNK, is sold by UNICO and was already being reviewed by the specialist press in 2024. Both recreate an arcade cabinet in a desktop format, with a screen, a stick and buttons on the front.
Comparison table
| Feature | Neo Geo Mini | MVS Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | SNK | SNK (sold by UNICO) |
| Built-in games | 40, of which 14 differ between the Japanese and international editions | 45 |
| Screen | 3.5-inch, 4:3 | 3.5-inch LCD, 4:3 |
| Front controls | Stick and buttons | 8-way stick and 4 action buttons |
| TV output | Mini HDMI (cable not included) | Mini HDMI (cable not included) |
| Sound | Speakers and headphone output | Stereo speakers and 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Power | USB-C, cable included, no battery announced | USB-C, no battery |
| Two-player | Neo Geo Mini controllers sold separately | 2 USB-C ports for controllers, sold separately |
| Bonus in the box | International edition: keyring and stickers | — |
Dashes indicate information that has not been disclosed. Full details on the Neo Geo Mini and MVS Mini product pages.
The game line-up: the real deciding factor
MVS Mini: the most complete
Its 45 games cover the major series in whole blocks: ten The King of Fighters (from '94 to 2003), six Samurai Shodown, the Metal Slug games (1, 3, 4, 5 and X), the Fatal Fury games up to Garou: Mark of the Wolves, and action classics such as Magician Lord, The Last Blade and the Sengoku series, plus a few sports games (Super Sidekicks, Baseball Stars Professional).
Neo Geo Mini: two editions, two focuses
Both editions have 40 games, of which 14 differ. The Japanese edition gives pride of place to fighting games, with for example The King of Fighters '94 and '96 or Twinkle Star Sprites. The international edition leans towards action, notably with Metal Slug 4, 5 and X.
Our advice: before buying, look for your two or three favourite games in each machine's list. That's what will make the difference day to day. And if a mini console box advertises a very large number of games, read licensed games and bonus games: here, every game is a named SNK game.
On the TV and with two players
Both connect to a TV through their mini HDMI output, and that's where fighting games really come into their own. In both cases, you'll need a mini HDMI to HDMI cable, which is not included.
To play with two, you need an extra controller: the front controls are only for player one. Two people on a 3.5-inch screen quickly get in each other's way; this is best kept for the TV.
What neither of them does
- No adding games: no cartridge slot, the list is fixed by the publisher.
- No battery: they plug in via USB-C, they're not travel consoles.
- Not a full-size arcade cabinet: the screen measures 3.5 inches.
- Neither HDMI cable nor mains adapter included: a phone USB adapter is enough to power them.
Which one to choose for your profile
You're a fighting game fan
Get the MVS Mini: ten The King of Fighters and six Samurai Shodown make it the richest selection. The Japanese edition of the Neo Geo Mini is the other option.
You like action and Metal Slug
The MVS Mini and the international edition of the Neo Geo Mini both offer Metal Slug 4, 5 and X. The international Neo Geo Mini adds a keyring and stickers.
You want to play NEOGEO games on the go
Neither of them has a battery. The Super Pocket NEOGEO edition includes 14 games, including Metal Slug X and Samurai Shodown II, charges via USB-C, and also reads Evercade cartridges.
You prefer shoot 'em ups
Take a look at SEGA's Astro City Mini V: a vertical screen and 22 arcade games, mostly shoot 'em ups. All the mini arcade cabinets are gathered in our licensed mini arcade cabinets section.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the international and Japanese Neo Geo Mini?
Both include 40 games, of which 14 differ. The Japanese edition has more fighting games (The King of Fighters '94 and '96, for example), the international edition more action games (Metal Slug 4, 5 and X). The international edition comes with a keyring and stickers.
Can two people play on the Neo Geo Mini or the MVS Mini?
Yes, by adding a compatible controller, sold separately. The front controls are for player one.
Can you add games?
No. Neither has a cartridge slot: the game list is fixed.
Do they run on battery power?
No: they are powered via USB-C, from a mains adapter or a power bank.
Do you need a cable for the TV?
Yes, a mini HDMI to HDMI cable, which is not included with either.
Conclusion
The Neo Geo Mini and the MVS Mini are two very similar ways to bring SNK arcade gaming to your desk. The MVS Mini has the most complete line-up, especially for fighting games. The Neo Geo Mini carries SNK's 40th-anniversary signature and comes in two editions with different focuses. Compare the lists, then choose the one that has your games. For other ways to replay the classics legally, see our guide to official retro gaming.