Neo Geo CD

Background
The Neo Geo CD is a video game console launched by SNK in 1994. Being part of the Neo Geo console line, it was targeted as a more cost-effective counterpart for the AES system with multiple games - mainly Neo Geo ports - being released on compact discs. The console was met with limited success, however, due in part to its slow CD-ROM drive.

1st Logo (September 9, 1994-1997)


Visuals: On a black background, we see a CD in the middle. "NEO-GEO CD", in gray, and with "CD" in a gold outline, spins around the CD, then when it settles to the bottom, the letters clump together toward the left and stretch out. The CD then flips to reveal two orange half-octagons, one smiling and one in shock (similar in concept to comedy and drama masks), resembling the faces of the Neo Geo logo.

Technique: Sprite animation.

Audio: A futuristic whoosh sound, then a synth chime.

Availability: Seen when a front-loader Neo Geo CD (only released in Japan) is turned on.

2nd Logo (1995-1997)


Visuals: We see a CD against a shooting space background. "NEO-GEO CD", this time in orange for "NEO-GEO", and an orange outline for "CD", flies all around the CD. The words then shoot forward as the shooting space background turns black and the CD flips up to reveal the same half-octagons from the first logo, this time colored black for the smiling octagon, with a silver outline, and colored silver for the shocked octagon. Sparkles are seen on the octagons when "NEO-GEO CD" turns silver, and then, we fade out.

Technique: Sprite animation.

Audio: Two "whooshes" that sound like a jet taking off, then a downward majestic synth sounder.

Availability: Seen when a top-loader Neo Geo CD is turned on. The games are rare, so you may want to check eBay or Amazon to find them.