Geolith is a free emulator for Neo Geo AES, MVS, CD, and CDZ systems, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its project states compatibility with commercially released AES, MVS, and CD games. Cartridge systems use TerraOnion .NEO files; CD systems accept .bin/.cue and can optionally use .chd images. BIOS files from a recent MAME set are required, with the required archives depending on the system. Geolith emulates CPUs at instruction-level granularity and synchronizes them with one another and the video and sound systems. Video-event timing is best effort, and cycle-accurate rendering is a longer-term goal; the project describes games as playable with minor differences from hardware and no known major bugs. Options include AES, MVS, or Universe BIOS mode, region, free play, memory-card settings, palette, and aspect ratio. Supported inputs include Neo Geo joysticks, Mahjong Controller, a four-player extension board, V-Liner, and the Irritating Maze trackball. Dedicated JAMMA PCB systems and PAL mode are unsupported, and an early Stakes Winner prototype cannot currently be emulated.
Who it is for
Geolith suits players looking for a Neo Geo AES, MVS, or CD emulator on Linux, macOS, or Windows. It also supports specialized controllers and multiple system and display settings.
What is good
- Free plan.
- Supports AES, MVS, CD, and CDZ systems.
- Accepts .NEO, .bin/.cue, and optional .chd formats.
- Offers multiple BIOS modes and display settings.
What to know first
- Requires BIOS files from a recent MAME set.
- No support for dedicated JAMMA PCB systems or PAL mode.
- One early Stakes Winner prototype cannot be emulated.
Verdict
Geolith covers several Neo Geo systems and supports a range of game formats and input devices. Buyers should note its BIOS requirement and the limits on JAMMA PCB systems, PAL mode, and one prototype.
Compared on NES emulators
- AES emulation
- Yes
- MVS emulation
- Yes
- Neo Geo CD support
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Linux, macOS, BSD, Windows
