Neo-Geo CD

The Neo Geo CD (1994) solved the cartridge price problem by reducing it dramatically — but introduced loading times that today seem almost satirical: 30-40 seconds to load rounds in a fighting game. The original top-loading model (CDT-001) is the rarest and most fragile, with a delicate vertical loading mechanism. The front-loader followed, then the CDZ in 1995 for Japan only — with a faster loading mechanism reducing times by around 30%. Some CD titles featured additional audio tracks or arranged soundtracks absent from the MVS versions. The CD laser on these units is particularly subject to wear: finding a fully functional unit without laser intervention is increasingly unlikely.