To the Neo Geo MVS savvy:

[katuuuz]

Hello again.  I've come a cross a Mini 2-slot Neo Geo MVS machine I am considering for purchase.  It's in great condition, (accept for a black CPO and unoriginal pushbutton colors:  a few hours should be all I need to get that back to normal).  I'm thinking of buying this, because cartridges are for sale all over ebay for around $30 a pop.  I just have a few questions.  

#1 - If I were to strip out the guts of this cabinet and install PC parts to emulate games, would I be able to still have functioning credit LEDs?
#2 - Is swapping MVS cartridges really just as easy as swapping Sega Genesis cartridges?
#3 - If and when the monitor craps out, can it be replaced with a PC monitor, or will I be forced to order a Wells Gardner?

Also, the guy wants $700 for it.  Too expensive?
Thanks in advance.

[Malenko]

Hello again.  I've come a cross a Mini 2-slot Neo Geo MVS machine I am considering for purchase.  It's in great condition, (accept for a black CPO and unoriginal pushbutton colors:  a few hours should be all I need to get that back to normal).  I'm thinking of buying this, because cartridges are for sale all over ebay for around $30 a pop.  I just have a few questions.  

#1 - If I were to strip out the guts of this cabinet and install PC parts to emulate games, would I be able to still have functioning credit LEDs?
#2 - Is swapping MVS cartridges really just as easy as swapping Sega Genesis cartridges?
#3 - If and when the monitor craps out, can it be replaced with a PC monitor, or will I be forced to order a Wells Gardner?

Also, the guy wants $700 for it.  Too expensive?
Thanks in advance.

1) not really. Theres a hack but it doesnt work the way you think it does
2) easier, cause they are bigger, lol Also, some games go for as little as $5 Youre not a collector, so dont worry about boot legs.
3) not a wells gardner , just an arcade monitor. But MVS boards can be hacked to output to a TV

Also, yes
You are welcome

[CheffoJeffo]

+1

I bought my MVS-2 (not a mini, so full 25" monitor) for C$325 back when prices were actually high (same machine would run about C$175 now).

Does the cab you are interested in line up to one of the minis shown here (is it genuine ?):

http://www.hardmvs.com/html/cabphotos.htm

FWIW, my NeoGeo has consistently seen more play than any MAME box I have had. I will never regret buying it.

 

[katuuuz]

Here is a link to cabinet I am looking for.  I thought it was a little expensive myself, but for the lack of being able to find one of these things, I may have no choice.  Maybe one of you guys can help in telling me if it is genuine or not.  Obviously the CPO was changed for some odd reason, as well as a few push buttons. 
http://cgi.ebay.com/Neo-Geo-Mini-red-2-slot-Arcade-System-Works-great_W0QQitemZ320446586719QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9c1adf5f

2) easier, cause they are bigger, lol Also, some games go for as little as $5 Youre not a collector, so dont worry about boot legs.

What do you mean don't worry about boot legs?  You can buy bootleg cartridges?  Plus, I have a feeling this will be the cherry popper.  I'm afraid I will soon become a collector once I refurbish this bad boy.

Also chef, what type of currency are you indicating when you say C$175?

[CheffoJeffo]

interesting ... I've never seen a mini MVS-2 like that. I recall somebody building one, but can't find the links right now. Someone also built a "maxi" MVS-2 a few years ago, but I can't find pictures of that either.

I'm pretty sure the seller is a member over at KLOV and has been selling there for quite a while (which is a feat ... KLOV folks are cheap!). Maybe some of the KLOV regulars who frequent here can provide more insight.

I wouldn't pay $700 for it -- mine is the full size (25" monitor) and I paid $325 in Canadian dollars back when the Canadian dollar was low and arcade game prices were high. The mini is a nice cab and likely one-of-a-kind, but $700 is a bit steep.

Having said that, the Neo Geo is a nice entry into the greater world of collecting -- you can get good quality games for reasonable prices (yes, there are bootleg NeoGeo carts, as well as multi-game carts ... I would check neo-geo.com for details if you are concerned) and the set up is pretty basic. If you run into trouble with anything NeoGeo, I recommend talking to BYOAC user ChannelManiac -- he's fixed more MVS boards than anybody I know.

[katuuuz]

interesting ... I've never seen a mini MVS-2 like that. I recall somebody building one, but can't find the links right now. Someone also built a "maxi" MVS-2 a few years ago, but I can't find pictures of that either.

I'm pretty sure the seller is a member over at KLOV and has been selling there for quite a while (which is a feat ... KLOV folks are cheap!). Maybe some of the KLOV regulars who frequent here can provide more insight.

I wouldn't pay $700 for it -- mine is the full size (25" monitor) and I paid $325 in Canadian dollars back when the Canadian dollar was low and arcade game prices were high. The mini is a nice cab and likely one-of-a-kind, but $700 is a bit steep.

Having said that, the Neo Geo is a nice entry into the greater world of collecting -- you can get good quality games for reasonable prices (yes, there are bootleg NeoGeo carts, as well as multi-game carts ... I would check neo-geo.com for details if you are concerned) and the set up is pretty basic. If you run into trouble with anything NeoGeo, I recommend talking to BYOAC user ChannelManiac -- he's fixed more MVS boards than anybody I know.

Thanks for the quick reply, Cheffo.  I emailed the seller and offered $300 + shipping.  We'll see what he says about it.  So, from looking at the pic would you say it was genuine?  I'd hate to start a possible collection off with a knock-off lol.  

I was also wondering where else besides ebay and craigslist I can look to buy arcade machines.  I guess the Connecticut crowd isn't into arcades since there are never any decent ones on craigslist.  Maybe I will check out this KLOV place you speak of.

**Edit..  Oh and also, will Japanese cartridges play in a US machine?

[Malenko]

MVS carts are "region free" they'll play in the language on the motherboard. and +1 to checking out neo-geo.com  Also, about bootlegs, some carts are hacked (especially puzzle bobble) or are just plain old counterfeit, you can usually look into the vents and see wires n stuff. The reason I said not to really worry is the games play pretty much just fine but aren't worth as much. That kinda thing bothers collectors not players


I paid $400 for my 4 slot machine with a 2 slot board but it came with like 11 games. I paid $150 for my 2 slot that eventually got MAMEd for a co-worker that came with 2 games. so yeah $700 is far more then Id be willing to pay, especially for one with a 13" monitor.

[katuuuz]

I paid $400 for my 4 slot machine with a 2 slot board but it came with like 11 games. I paid $150 for my 2 slot that eventually got MAMEd for a co-worker that came with 2 games. so yeah $700 is far more then Id be willing to pay, especially for one with a 13" monitor.

Yeah, I actually wrote to the guy selling it on ebay and told him I'd pay $300+shipping (which is still a lot) and that his cabinet wasn't worth the $700 he wanted.  He said "Thanks for letting me know of the price discrepancy."  So I went back to the Ebay page and clicked "Make an offer" and it appears this D.Bag has blocked me from the sale. Sucks for me I guess.  I guess I'll just have to keep an eye open for a MVS Cabaret cab.  Speaking of which, I tried to register at KLOV to post a thread in the Wanted section but it won't let me sign in.  Not sure what's going on there...

And to take this post in yet a third direction -sorry- I just got home from putting a deposit on an original Double Dragon cabinet.  The dude selling it just needs to swap out the monitor for a working one, then it's mine.  All together it will cost me $200, but it's all original... Marquee, CPO, side art.  (Needs a little TLC, but I thought it was a good buy).  I'll be starting a thread on it when I get it home.  First time original arcade owner, all of my experience lies within the emulated, self-built MAME cabs.  Something tells me the originals are funner.  Talk to you then.

-KAtuuz

[Malenko]

well show him this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180431464748
full sized 2 slot for 1/2 of what he wants for his cab. I mean dont get it wrong, his is very kawaii and neat but I'll take 25" rebuilt monitor and a full sized cab for $380 over 13" monitor in a mini cab for $700 any day of the week.

He could have just rejected your offer but I think he's just trying to cash in on the holiday season. I cant anticipate that cab going for more then maybe $400 if hes lucky and someone really wants it.

grats on the double dragon cab, I didnt think those had side art, just the wooden sides, same as the POW cab that most double dragons were converted to. Dont give up on Neo Geo, selling mine are my biggest regrets. I'd gladly trade my Namco Cyberlead Candy cab for a Neo Geo mini

[katuuuz]

well show him this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180431464748
full sized 2 slot for 1/2 of what he wants for his cab. I mean dont get it wrong, his is very kawaii and neat but I'll take 25" rebuilt monitor and a full sized cab for $380 over 13" monitor in a mini cab for $700 any day of the week.

He could have just rejected your offer but I think he's just trying to cash in on the holiday season. I cant anticipate that cab going for more then maybe $400 if hes lucky and someone really wants it.

grats on the double dragon cab, I didnt think those had side art, just the wooden sides, same as the POW cab that most double dragons were converted to. Dont give up on Neo Geo, selling mine are my biggest regrets. I'd gladly trade my Namco Cyberlead Candy cab for a Neo Geo mini

Just sent him the link.  Punk.  Anyhow, thanks, I am excited about the DD cabinet.  Here is a link to what the side art is like - http://www.thefunones.com/double_dragon_arcade_game.jpg -- just a generic Taito logo, but better than the wood grain IMO.  I think I just have to order a bezel which is decently priced on Mamemarquees.  The corners of the side art are peeling up a little, but hopefully I can get it as cosmetically fit as possible.  I'll trouble shoot that when I get it.

Rest assured, I won't stop looking for the MVS-2 Mini until it's under my roof.  Just sorted out my log in problems at KLOV and posted in the wanted area.  Fingers crossed.  Thanks Malenko  

[Malenko]

no biggie, if youre just lookin for an MVS 2 slot mobo, I have one, couple games too. I'd just hafta dig em out of storage

search the project section, some guy built an amazing little MVS mini

EDIT:
found it:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=81845.40
<3

[katuuuz]

no biggie, if youre just lookin for an MVS 2 slot mobo, I have one, couple games too. I'd just hafta dig em out of storage

search the project section, some guy built an amazing little MVS mini

EDIT:
found it:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=81845.40
<3

Thanks Malenko, I won't be needing the MOBO or games (yet anyway).  But it's nice to know you have them and are willing to part with them. 

That mini cab this guy built is amazing.  Am I mistaken, or does he have an LED credit light?  I thought that was undo-able.  I was going to just build myself a MVS-2 Mini as he did, but I couldn't find the plans for it.  Alls I could find were the MVS-4 (monster marquee) plans at Jakobud's.  I scaled those down for the hell of it, and at 4' high, the CP would be at perfect chair-height.  Also you'd just be able to squeeze 2 player joystick/buttons on the CP.  I may have to bite the bullet and try and build one, but I'd like to have an original with cartridges and all.  Thanks for showing me this though.

[Malenko]

the LED is just part of the CPO sticker, lol

[katuuuz]

the LED is just part of the CPO sticker, lol

Lol.  I'm exhausted.  As of right now there are no minis anywhere near me for sale as far as I know.  I've spent countless hours aimlessly searching.  I got an email response in the wanted section of KLOV, and rushed over thinking I may have struck gold.  Turns out it was the kid who owned the mini cab in the picture I used as a reference stating "hey that's a picture of my cab."  Sweet.

I did find a nice Punch-Out! and Toobin' for sale in my area I may pursue.  100% working waterfall on Toobin'! 

I also did some research on the Double Dragon machine.  The one I put the deposit on tonight was in fair shape cosmetically.  I played it and realized the P1 JUMP button didn't work, and the screen had a weird blue tint to it.  He said the buttons and screen would be fixed before he called me to pick it up.  Also a small panel on the back of the cabinet's corner was rotted out (quick fix - just have to cut a fresh piece of mdf and replace it).  I didn't realize there was a bottom drawer that encases the MOBO.  I'll have to further inspect that upon pickup.  Overall, a DD upright sold for about $250 last year on the KLOV forums in overall better condition than this one.  Should I try and make a counter offer, or just take it for the $200?  Also, if I wanted to totally clean this puppy up - sand, bondo, and repaint... is there a way to salvage the sideart, or should I work around it?  I'll be starting that thread when I get the game just wanted to brainstorm while I wait.  (I guess I'm just talking to you Malenko lol).         

[Malenko]

If the guy is gonna fix it, it'd be worth 200 if you like the game. buttons take 1 minute to replace and monitor adjustments are pretty straight forward, I'd ask him if the monitor has been recapped recently.  If you made it sound like you wanted the cab then I put in work to fix it THEN you tried to lower the price, I'd get pissed personally; but thats just me.

No real way to salvage the side art if your going go full on repair with the sides, but you can buy replacement side art from www.mamemarquees.com I think they have that in stock, I havent looked; or just work around it as best you can.

I'd pick up Punch out! before Toobin! waterfall or not I <3 me some punch out.

[bigster]

If you were to keep it an all-original, you could get one of those bootleg carts that has all the neogeo games on one cart.  That way you would never have to switch carts.  Some dude on KLOV had them last year for $110 shipped per cart.

[katuuuz]

If the guy is gonna fix it, it'd be worth 200 if you like the game. buttons take 1 minute to replace and monitor adjustments are pretty straight forward, I'd ask him if the monitor has been recapped recently.  If you made it sound like you wanted the cab then I put in work to fix it THEN you tried to lower the price, I'd get pissed personally; but thats just me.

No real way to salvage the side art if your going go full on repair with the sides, but you can buy replacement side art from www.mamemarquees.com I think they have that in stock, I havent looked; or just work around it as best you can.

I'd pick up Punch out! before Toobin! waterfall or not I <3 me some punch out.

Yeah, I know what you mean about the guy fixing it then me trying to drop the price.  Didn't think of it that way.  I checked mamemarquees and they didn't have the original Taito side art, just an aftermarket-looking orange one that is far from the Double Dragon style.  I can't remember just how bad the side art was peeling up... Mostly on the corners if memory serves me right.  It was definitely in great shape being over 20 years old, that's for definite sure.  Maybe I'll be able to think of something to make it look better once I have it in the flesh. 

I'm having a lot of trouble with people getting back to me.  I tried contacting a guy for a $300 Frogger machine two days ago on craigslist with no reply yet, the guy on KLOV with the Punch-Out! and Toobin' hasn't gotten back to me yet, and a dude from craigslist answered my "Wanted MVS-2 Mini" post asking me if I was looking for the Mini Red, or the Gold MVS, and he also hasn't gotten back to me since.  What bad luck I am having!   

[Malenko]

no need to quote me on every reply, but the Gold is pretty sweet. If memory serves its a 25" monitor but no upper marquee area and comes with a 2 slot set up, very nice.  You hard up for an MVS mini, Im just wondering why you don't get a full sized cab. Also, you hit the lottery or something? big buying streak for cabs 

[katuuuz]

Something about mini cabs really grabs me.  The mini pacman plans floating around have caught my interest.  I wanted to build a 75% scale replica of the ghouls n' ghosts cabinet (dynamo conversion kit that I actually found plans and a sketchup template for ((thanks to BYOC user Namco))) but couldn't find the CPO.  The are more space convenient, and just look cool I guess.  Why are phones and computers getting smaller?  I guess they are just more practical and convenient that way.

I built a mame cabinet off of Lucida's (i think that was his name) plans about 2 years ago, and it turned out great.  I've always been into arcade games.  From the early 90s until their demise.  I wasn't around for the old old school games like galaga and joust, but I have a heart felt appreciation for them, and regularly play emulated versions of them.  I started digging deeper and deeper here at BYOC and I've found a few restoration projects that are pretty easy enough for any average joe to do.  Why does a classic car guy buy a rusty 1960 continental body and restore it to showroom quality?  Just an individual interest.  It takes him back to a sweeter time in his life.  Granted the Double Dragon machine will be the first actual original cab I've owned, I feel like I should have been doing this for a long time.  I'm no stranger to Pc, Xbox, Ps2 mods either.  Just something I've always taken an interest in.  I see arcade restoration and collection as the grand scale of my interest.  I wonder why it has taken me so long to realize.  Having so many users involved and interested helps.  (Would have never even thought about it without BYOC and KLOV).  As far as winning the lotto, I have not.  Buying the DD cab, a $300 Frogger cab, and a Punch-Out! cab is not breaking my bank account by any means though.  Arcade parts I've looked up on average are $60USD or less.  Within 5 years, I could probably have 20 great looking/playing cabinets, no sweat.  (Granted I can find them).  My friend's step father owns a storage unit lot... I can probably store them cheap.  Eventually, and I know it has pretty much been riddled with 3 pages of horror stories... I want to open up an 80's theme arcade/bar.  Laugh if you must, warn me if you will, but I can see it now.  If not, I'll have a hell of a sweet game room in my basement.  Bottom line, this is what I'm going to be putting my money into, money I would either burn on big screen tvs, cars, or bar tabs anyway.  As I said, I have no real experience with arcade restoration or hardware, but that is the fun part.  ..And that is where this great community comes in.