I'd pick up this tiny Neo Geo arcade machine all day at its new low price, and it's got nothing to do with Cyber Monday

Neo Geo Mini on woodgrain table with gameplay in backdrop on TV. — (Image credit: Phil Hayton)

I've been watching the Neo Geo mini over the entire sale season, and its price hasn't budged much. That's unsurprising given it has already fallen pretty far from its original MSRP, but I'm pleased to report that the tiny cabinet is now sitting lower than ever, and I'm not giving Cyber Monday the credit.

The current Neo Geo Mini offer knocks the compact arcade machine down to $51.90 from $59.90. That latter price tag is fairly typical, but you've got both an on-page discount and a coupon bringing the collectable retro console down to a new record low.

This offer on what is one of my favorite easy ways to play a bunch of great fighting games proves that Cyber Monday deals aren't the only discounts worth watching for. It also demonstrates how hard Amazon is to navigate during sale seasons, as there's actually an entirely different listing for this arcade machine sitting at full price. That means if you've got that one bookmarked, you'd end up missing out on this random coupon.

Neo Geo Mini next to 8Bitdo controller on woodgrain table. — (Image credit: Phil Hayton)

Even then, though, I actually bought this mini arcade machine at full price, and I think it was worth every penny. I am admittedly a sucker for tiny versions of things, and I had been debating picking up the minaturised Neo Geo MVS cabinet for quite a while. Nevertheless, if you're into the idea of having a quick all-in-one way to play some excellent SNK classics and the option to use it as a console on your TV, this is well worth grabbing.

The only real caveat with this machine is that its controls are a bit "meh". Rather than using authentic switches like its Sega Astro City mini counterpart, this little cab uses a big analogue stick and membrane buttons. Not idea if you care about authentic controls, but the good news is that it's TV and external gamepad abilities make up for that.

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Close up of Neo Geo Mini buttons and stick. — (Image credit: Phil Hayton)

I do use the built-in 3.5-inch screen to play some arcade romps, but I largely use the Mini with my TV and 8Bitdo's Neo Geo controller (currently $26.99 at Amazon, FYI). The latter gamepad just so happens to be one of the most authentic takes on the Neo Geo CD controller out there, and I've had a blast playing everything from The King of Fighters to Samurai Shodown using its immensely clicky joystick.

I own most consoles, but there's a sizable Neo Geo gap in my collection. If you've got similar woes, this mini arcade machine will help you authentically play 40 SNK releases on something that feels like a console remake. The cabinet's HDMI output looks great on my LG OLED C4, even at 720p, and I do think using the 8Bitdo gamepad makes all the difference.

I highlight plug-and-play consoles and arcade machines like this throughout the year, and I often find they eventually vanish. That's because they're technically discontinued, and once sellers at sites like Amazon have limited supplies, they'll drive their prices up to collector levels. It's got to the point where I almost feel bad highlighting discounts like this, so I wouldn't deliberate too much on picking the retro system up if it sounds like your jam.

Neo Geo Mini plugged into LG OLED C4 TV with King of Fighters gameplay on screen and hand holding 8Bitdo controller. — (Image credit: Phil Hayton)

I guess the good news is that since it's not technically a Cyber Monday deal, you might still be able to grab if even if you're reading this after the fact. I wouldn't leave it to chance, but I'm still not crediting the sequel sale with this one.

More arcade machines at Amazon
More retro consoles at Amazon

If you're still looking for savings, swing by Cyber Monday Nintendo Switch deals and Cyber Monday PS5 deals for last chance console price cuts

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Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar+ who specializes in retro console setups, choosing the latest gaming handhelds, and navigating the choppy seas of using modern-day PC hardware. In the past, they have covered everything from retro gaming history to the latest gaming news, in-depth features, and tech advice for publications like TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, PCGamesN, and Den of Geek. In their spare time, they pour hours into fixing old consoles, modding Game Boys, exploring ways to get the most out of the Steam Deck, and blasting old CRT TV visuals into their eye sockets.

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