Arcade Archives NEOGEO Selection Vol.9 | Review, Rating & Is It a Masterpiece or Worst Game? [Switch]

What Is ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9?

ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9 is a curated collection of classic arcade-era SNK NEOGEO titles. Its release date is December 18, 2025 (Thu), and the list price is set at 5,940 yen (tax included). The supported platform is Nintendo Switch, and the number of players is 1–2 players offline. The series is known for its porting policy that emphasizes preserving the original feel and presentation, and Vol. 9 also aims to faithfully recreate the arcade experience of the time.

List of Included Titles (Clearly Stating the 10 Included Games)

According to the official announcement, this collection will include a total of 10 titles.

• Samurai Shodown II (confirmed)
• World Heroes (confirmed)

The two titles above have been confirmed via official information, and it is expected that the remaining eight will also be iconic NEOGEO classics.

Item	Details
Number of included titles	10 titles
Confirmed flagship titles	Samurai Shodown II, World Heroes
Unannounced titles	We need to wait for additional official announcements

Series and Vol. 9 Features (Porting Policy and Arcade-Focused Reproduction)

The ACA NEOGEO series is characterized by ports that place great importance on faithfulness to the original version. Specifically, it focuses on maintaining responsive controls, faithfully reproducing BGM and sound effects, and preserving the pixel-art graphics of the era. Vol. 9 is expected to focus especially on versus fighting titles, making it an appealing package for users who value multiplayer battles and collection value. In addition, for the Switch version, convenience features such as display options and save states are anticipated, but we will need to check the official detailed announcements for the final feature set.

Release Date, Price, Platform, Genre, Publisher, and Rating for ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9

The release date and price are important factors when deciding whether to buy. The release date for this title is December 18, 2025 (Thu), and the list price is set at 5,940 yen (tax included).

Release Date and Price (December 18, 2025 / 5,940 Yen, Tax Included)

The release date, as officially announced, is December 18, 2025 (Thu). The price is 5,940 yen (tax included), so it is important to consider the cost performance in light of the number of included titles and the overall lineup.

Platform and Number of Players (Nintendo Switch / 1–2 Players Offline)

The platform is Nintendo Switch. According to official information, the number of players is 1–2 players offline.

Genre, Publisher, and Rating (SNK / CERO Rating Pending)

The publisher of this collection is SNK, and the included games belong mainly to the genres of versus fighting and action titles originally released in arcades. The rating is listed as CERO rating pending.

Item	Details
Release date	December 18, 2025 (Thu)
Price	5,940 yen (tax included)
Platform	Nintendo Switch
Publisher	SNK
Number of players	1–2 players offline
Rating	CERO rating pending

Strengths of ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9

Before evaluating the game, let’s整理 its strengths. We will focus on the appeal of the lineup, the porting policy, and its value as a collection.

Appeal of the Included Lineup (Re-Releases of Classic Titles)

This collection features a total of 10 classic titles, and the officially confirmed highlights include Samurai Shodown II and World Heroes. Being able to play multiple classics in one package gives it high collection value and makes it easy to relive the arcade experience of the time.

Porting Quality, Controls, and Sound Reproduction

The ACA NEOGEO series aims for ports that are faithful to the original, and this entry is also expected to offer controls and audio that closely match the arcade versions. If the port quality is high, fans can expect faithful reproduction of original combos and input responsiveness, leading to a higher level of satisfaction.

Collection Value and Sense of Value (10 Titles in One Package)

With 10 titles included for 5,940 yen (tax included), the package clearly offers good value. Its worth as a physical package to preserve or as part of your digital library is also high, making it a very attractive product for collectors and retro game enthusiasts.

Weaknesses and Points of Concern for ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9

On the other hand, there are also points of concern that you should keep in mind when deciding whether to buy. Here, we整理 the potential weaknesses.

How to View Cost Performance (Is 5,940 Yen Worth It?)

The price is reasonable for a collection of 10 titles in one package, but if you do not have strong attachment to any specific title or already own the same games, the cost performance will feel lower. Also, if there are only a few additional features, some may feel it is “just a compilation of past titles.”

Possible Lack of Features (Online Play and Extra Modes)

The official information states that the game supports 1–2 players offline, but whether online versus play is supported has not been specified. As a modern collection, some players may feel that the absence of online battle, replay sharing, or a robust training mode is a downside.

Potential Issues with Port Quality and Dissatisfaction

Ports can sometimes suffer from input lag, audio desync, or bugs. Since the final port quality is unknown before release, there is a possibility that minor issues may only become apparent after people start playing.

Frequently Asked Questions About ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9

Here we整理 common pre-purchase questions and answer them based on the information available so far.

Pre-Purchase FAQ (Individual Purchase of Included Titles, Save Features, and CERO Rating)

• Q: Can I purchase the included titles individually?
  A: According to the official announcement, Vol. 9 is being sold as a single package that bundles 10 titles together.
• Q: Is there a save feature?
  A: As with past ACA NEOGEO releases, convenience features such as save states are expected, but please check the official information for detailed specifications.
• Q: What about the CERO rating?
  A: Official information lists it as CERO rating pending.

Technical FAQ (Screen Aspect Ratio and Controller Support)

• Q: Can I adjust the screen aspect ratio?
  A: In the ACA NEOGEO series, it is generally common to have display options such as original size display and various filters.
• Q: What controllers are compatible?
  A: It is assumed that you will play using the standard Nintendo Switch controllers and typical Pro Controllers.

Recommended Settings, Environment, and Peripherals to Get the Most Out of ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9

Here are recommended settings and peripherals to help you enjoy these classics comfortably.

Switch Console Settings (Screen Aspect Ratio and Filters)

If you want to preserve the original look, use options such as original-size display and pixel-smoothing filters. When connected to a TV, you can reduce blur and smearing by optimizing resolution and screen mode settings.

Recommended Controllers and Audio Environment

Since fighting games are included, if you prioritize responsive controls, we recommend a wired USB controller or a low-latency arcade stick. To better appreciate the faithfully reproduced audio, use a headset or external speakers to improve bass and stereo imaging, enhancing the impact of BGM and sound effects.

Tips for Comfortable Play (Rapid Fire and Using Command Guides)

The use of rapid-fire functions will be limited, but in some older action titles it can be useful in specific situations. Also, by using the command guides and training modes provided for each title to review basic controls and combos, you can increase your satisfaction during versus play.

Must-Check Related Titles and Recommended Masterpieces If You Like ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9

Here are related titles and masterpieces in similar genres for those who enjoy this collection.

Related to This Series (Other Volumes and ACA NEOGEO Series)

• Previous volumes of ACA NEOGEO Selection (other multi-title collections)
• The ACA NEOGEO series in general (check past re-releases and revival titles)

Recommended SNK Masterpieces (Existing Titles)

• Samurai Shodown II

• World Heroes

• Fatal Fury

• The King of Fighters ’94

The above are flagship NEOGEO/SNK masterpieces, and by playing through the series you can appreciate the breadth of game design from that era.

Masterpieces in the Same Genre (Versus Fighters and Arcade Classics)

• Revival fighting games on other platforms (arcade fighting titles that defined their era)
• Arcade collection titles (multi-game revival packs)

ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9 vs. Vol. 8 – Which One Should You Buy?

By comparing it with other volumes in the series, you can decide which one best suits you. Here we compare Vol. 9 with the most recent Vol. 8 to整理 which one you should pick up.

Similarities (Porting Policy and Collection Format)

• Both are part of the ACA NEOGEO series and share a porting policy that emphasizes faithfulness to the originals.
• Both are multi-title packages and are expected to offer basic features such as display options for Nintendo Switch.

Differences (Included Titles and Cost Performance)

The biggest difference lies in the lineup of included titles. Because the titles included in Vol. 8 and Vol. 9 differ, it is best to prioritize the volume that contains the games you want to play. If the price range and number of included titles are similar, we recommend choosing based on your personal preferences (fighting-focused, action-focused, etc.).

Which Volume Suits Which Player? (Recommended Situations)

• If you are buying for a specific title, choose the volume that includes that game.
• If you value collection, choose the one that includes more classics you do not yet own for higher satisfaction.

Expectations and Concerns on Social Media About ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9

Here we整理 expected reactions on social media prior to release, including both excitement and concerns. The pre-release mood can influence purchasing decisions.

Voices of Expectation (Hope for the Included Titles and Revival)

• Many comments express, “If Samurai Shodown II and World Heroes are included, I want to buy it.”
• There are also positive opinions about cost performance, such as “10 games for 5,940 yen is a bargain.”

Voices of Concern (Price, Port Quality, and Overlap with Previous Releases)

• Worries like “What if there is no online versus mode?”
• Concerns such as “We still don’t know how good the port quality will be.”
• Criticism like “If you own previous volumes or individual releases, it might end up overlapping with what you already have.”

Overall Mood (Summary of Pre-Release Social Media Reactions)

Overall, the pre-release mood on social media is mostly positive but cautious. While the announcement of classic titles generates a lot of excitement, there are persistent calls for more detailed information about features and port quality.

Is ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9 a Masterpiece or a Dud? (Conclusion)

Based on all the information, expectations, and concerns discussed so far, we now present a final verdict. We score the game using the following five parameters and calculate a total score out of 100.

Evaluation Criteria (Five Parameters)

• Included lineup (quality and appeal of the 10 titles)
• Port quality (faithfulness to the original and control feel)
• Additional features and convenience (saves, display options, whether online is available, etc.)
• Cost performance (how satisfied you feel at 5,940 yen)
• Player satisfaction (overall fun when actually playing)

Scores for Each Item and Total Score (Out of 100)

Evaluation item	Score (Out of 20)	Comment
Included lineup	18 / 20	Including flagship titles among 10 classics earns a high score.
Port quality	16 / 20	The series’ policy suggests high quality, but we still need post-release evaluations for final judgment.
Additional features and convenience	14 / 20	Save states and similar features are likely, but uncertainty around online features is a drawback.
Cost performance	16 / 20	10 games for 5,940 yen feels reasonably priced, especially considering its value as a collection.
Player satisfaction	17 / 20	With a lineup of classics, satisfaction is expected to be high, though it will vary by player.

Total score: 81 / 100 Based on this scoring, we can conclude that this collection is a high-quality title leaning toward “masterpiece” (recommended purchase).

Final Verdict – Masterpiece or Dud?

Considering the score breakdown and the information available at this time, ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 9 is judged to be a recommended title leaning toward “masterpiece.” However, the final evaluation will depend on details of the port (such as input lag, bugs, and whether online features are included) and on how much personal attachment each player has to the included titles.