NeoGeo CD optical drive replacement - SD card game loader
The company's CEO, a reclusive and enigmatic figure named Dr. Elara Vex, was tight-lipped about the FA00. When questioned about the chip, she would only smile and say that it was "still in development." But as time went on, whispers began to circulate that the FA00 was not just a product, but a gateway to something much larger.
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Just as she was about to investigate further, the lights in the room began to flicker, and the air was filled with the sound of footsteps. Dr. Vex appeared, a hint of a smile on her face. The company's CEO, a reclusive and enigmatic figure named Dr
"Welcome, Maya," she said. "I see you've discovered our little secret. The FA00 is indeed a special chip – one that has the potential to change the course of human history. But it's not just a product; it's a key to unlocking the true potential of the human mind." Maya's eyes widened as she approached the terminal
One stormy night, a young and ambitious journalist named Maya decided to investigate further. She had heard rumors of a secret laboratory hidden deep within the Alcor Micro building, where the FA00 was being tested. Determined to get to the bottom of the story, Maya snuck into the building, avoiding security guards and dodging through dimly lit corridors.
As Maya listened, Dr. Vex revealed that the FA00 was part of a much larger project – a neural interface that would allow humans to connect directly to computers, blurring the lines between man and machine. The FA00 was the first step towards making this vision a reality.
Rumors swirled among engineers and tech enthusiasts about the FA00's capabilities. Some claimed it was a revolutionary new processor, capable of speeds that would leave even the most advanced computers in the dust. Others whispered that it was more than just a chip – it was a key to unlocking new possibilities in artificial intelligence.
The Neo CD SD Loader could be called an ODE (Optical Drive Emulator) because the benefits are similar, but technically speaking it isn't really one. It doesn't simulate an optical drive. It provides the console with a direct interface to an SD card and patches the BIOS to load games from it instead. From an user standpoint though, the functionality is the same !
Front-loader |
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Top-loader |
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CD-Z |
 Maybe one day |
Installation requires some soldering, but nothing too hard except one delicate part (see instructions). There's no need to cut the plastic shell of the console.
If ever needed, the whole kit can be cleanly removed and the console restored to its original form.
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 really have any. However, some games implement copy-detection measures that may be triggered. Patched versions of the games do exist.
If you like indie games, please buy them :)
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.
No, except if a conversion exists. A few games have been converted by enthusiasts, 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.
No, however the loader's menu itself brings similar features such as cheats, region and DIP-switch settings.
The full NeoGeo CD library fits in a 64GB SD card. Speed (class) isn't important, any will do.
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 cards may work but are NOT tested.
Both can be updated by placing an update file on the SD card. Updates are provided for everyone and for free.
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 original BIOS. This means existing and future homebrew games can be loaded without having to update the firmware.
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.
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.
No. I only keep an anonymous list of the serial numbers of the kits I built. This is used to keep track of which hardware version is each kit to make customer service easier.
Yes, see https://github.com/furrtek/NeoCDSDLoader. Be sure to read the rules !