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GnGeo
What it is
GnGeo is a Linux emulator for NeoGeo ROM sets. Games can be launched by their MAME name; the listed example uses `gngeo mslug` for Metal Slug. Command-line settings include home, arcade, and unibios modes, alongside display options such as fullscreen, scaling, interpolation, raster interrupts, blitters, and effects. Sound, joystick input, player controls, and hotkeys can also be configured.
Settings may be supplied on the command line or in user and per-game configuration files. The project README describes graphical frontends with options including game previews and configuration controls. GnGeo requires SDL 1.2.x, libz, and a NeoGeo BIOS; NASM 0.98 is optional for i386 assembly optimization. Games must be ZIP files, while the BIOS must not be, and the default search location is `$prefix/share/gngeo/`. The README describes a source build using `./configure`, `make`, and `make install`. The repository lists no releases. Its licensing notes state that commercial use of GnGeo as a whole is forbidden because of included MAME code and licensing.
For and against
For
- Offers home, arcade, and unibios modes.
- Display, sound, joystick, and hotkey settings are configurable.
- Supports user and per-game configuration files.
- Graphical frontends are described, including game-preview options.
- Save states are listed as supported.
Against
- Available platform listed is Linux.
- Requires SDL 1.2.x, libz, and a NeoGeo BIOS.
- Repository lists no releases.
- Commercial use of GnGeo as a whole is forbidden.
The verdict
GnGeo provides configurable NeoGeo emulation for Linux, with command-line settings and described frontend options. Its dependencies, absence of listed releases, and licensing restriction are important considerations.
Who it suits
GnGeo suits Linux users who want to run NeoGeo ROM sets and configure display, sound, and controls. It requires the listed libraries and BIOS, and users should review its commercial-use restriction.
Plans and prices
GnGeo
Requires SDL 1.2.x, libz, and a NeoGeo BIOS · License notes that commercial use of GnGeo as a whole is forbidden
Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Build
- The README gives `./configure && make` as the installation build steps, followed by `make install` as root.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Configuration
- Configuration can be set in `$HOME/.gngeo/gngeorc` or on the command line, and per-game configuration is supported in `$HOME/.gngeo/game.rc`.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Controls
- The command-line options include joystick support and per-player control and hotkey configuration.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- CPU cores
- It can use Cyclone, Starscream, or Gen68k for the 68k core and DrZ80, Raze, or MAME Z80 for the Z80 core, with defaults depending on the target.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- It requires SDL 1.2.x, libz, and a NeoGeo BIOS; NASM 0.98 is optional for i386 assembly optimization.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Display and sound
- Options include fullscreen, hardware screen surface, interpolation, selectable blitters and effects, resolution scaling, sample rate, and sound.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Emulation target
- It emulates NeoGeo ROM sets, which can be started using a game’s MAME name.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Frontends
- The README describes GGF, XGngeo, and gngeogui frontends, listing game previews and various descriptions, options, or configuration features.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Game files
- By default, GnGeo searches for BIOS and games under `$prefix/share/gngeo/`; games must be ZIP files and the BIOS must not be.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- License
- The README says the original code is GPLv2 with a special linking exception and warns that commercial use of GnGeo as a whole is forbidden because of MAME code licensing.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- License and commercial use
- The README says the original code is GPLv2 with a linking exception and says commercial use of GnGeo as a whole is forbidden because of included code and licenses.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- GnGeo is a NeoGeo emulator for Linux and possibly other Unix systems.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Release availability
- The GitHub releases page states that there are no releases in the repository.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Repository activity
- The GitHub repository page shows no listed releases and describes the project as a Linux NeoGeo emulator.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The README lists SDL 1.2.x, libz, and a NeoGeo BIOS as requirements; NASM 0.98 is optional for i386 assembly optimization.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- ROM support
- It emulates NeoGeo ROMs identified by ROMSET, with the example command `gngeo mslug` for Metal Slug.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The repository page shows no security advisories and does not describe a security or compliance program.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Sound and controls
- The emulator has sound and joystick options, player control settings, and configurable hotkeys.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026