NeoGeo CD optical drive replacement - SD card game loader Quick links:

NEWS - Registration - Waiting list - Support

Features:

Load existing and future games from an SD or microSD card

Loading speed is 4 times faster on average (compared to 1x CD drive)

No more scratched CDs and dead lasers

Non-destructive installation

Menu with DIP-switch and region settings

Backup and restore saves to the SD card

Easy firmware updates

Can co-exist with the original CD drive

Debug your game without having to burn 100 CDs

Compatible models:

Front-loader



Not yet, planned Top-loader



All versions CD-Z



Not yet, maybe

Beautiful photos by Evan Amos

Ordering:

Price: 75.00€

Paypal and shipping fees excluded.

No pre-orders. Paypal payment will be requested only when kits are ready to ship.

Max 2 orders per address except if you provide installation services.

Visit this page to register to the waiting list.

Worldwide tracked shipping.

Without insurance: FR: 4.33€, rest of the world: 9.50€.

With insurance: FR: 4.95€, most of the EU: 12.55€, rest of the world: 24.85€.

Progress:

Visit this page.

Q&A:

How hard is it to install ?

Installation requires some soldering, but nothing too hard except one delicate part (see instructions). There's no need to cut the plastic shell or shielding in the console.

If needed, the whole kit can be cleanly removed and the console restored to its original form.

Can it run games I have downloaded ?

Yes, just like you could run them by burning CD-Rs. The loader doesn't circumvent any anti-piracy features since the NeoGeo CD doesn't have any. However, some games do implement copy-protection measures that may be triggered. Patches exist.

If you like indie games, please buy them :)

Can I keep the original CD drive ?

Yes. The original CD drive can be kept operational if needed but you will only be able to use microSD cards, not full-size ones.

Can it run AES/MVS games which didn't have a CD release ?

No, except if a conversion exists. A few games have been converted but not all.

The loader can't automatically split a cartridge game to add in loading screens. This is a very complex process which can't be done automatically.

Is it compatible with the Unibios ?

No, but maybe one day. It depends on how things can be worked out with Razoola.

The region and DIP-switch settings are already available in the loader menu.

What SD card do I need ?

The full NeoGeo CD library fits in a 64GB SD card. Speed (class) isn't important, any will do.

The slot is for a full size SD card, so you will need an adapter if you want to use a microSD one. Installs on which the CD drive is kept in place only allow microSD cards.

Only SDSC, SDHC and SDXC cards are supported. WiFi-capable and other weird SDIO SD cards may work but are NOT tested.

How is the firmware and menu updated ?

Both can be updated by placing an update file on the SD card. Updates are provided for everyone and for free.

Can it run the game I'm creating ? Other homebrew ?

Yes. If you burn it to a CD and it works on an un-modded console, then it will work with the loader.

No guarantees that it'll work perfectly if you only tried it in an emulator. Making it work on the real console is up to you !

The firmware doesn't rely on a list of known games. It will load any CD image as long as its file structure matches the one required by the console's BIOS. This means existing and future homebrew games can be loaded without having to update the firmware.

Does using an expensive SD card make loading even faster ?

Using an ultra-fast luxury SD card won't improve loading times. The speed is limited by the console's memory. Even my oldest and slowest 128MB card currently isn't maxed out.

Does this product something to do with existing ones for cartridge-based systems ?

No. The devices may serve a similar purpose (replacing a storage medium with a more modern one) but the companies and people involved are different. The NeoCD SD Loader only works on CD systems.

Is it serial-locked or are there any firmware DRM ?

No. I only keep an anonymous list of the serial numbers of the kits I build. This is used to keep track of which hardware version is each kit to make customer service easier.

Are the design files and source code available ?

Not yet. Everything will be published after I have sold enough kits to secure a minimum profit.

What if a game has problems ? How can I suggest improvements ?

Send me an e-mail: .

If a valid game/rip has problems loading or running, please indicate which one it is, where did you get it (ripped it yourself, what website...), and what is the problem (doesn't load, freezes, glitches...).

I will investigate and provide an update as soon as possible.

About improvements, depending on the usefulness and the effort needed to implement, I will try to include them in a future update.