GnGeo
github.com
What it is
GnGeo is a free NeoGeo emulator for Linux, with the project also describing possible support for other Unix systems. It runs NeoGeo ROM sets identified by their MAME names; the listed example starts Metal Slug with `gngeo mslug`. Command-line options include home, arcade, and unibios modes, as well as fullscreen display, scaling, interpolation, raster interrupts, blitters, and visual effects. Sound and joystick support, player controls, and hotkeys are configurable. Settings can be supplied on the command line or in user and per-game configuration files. The project describes graphical frontends with features such as game previews and configuration options. 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 `$prefix/share/gngeo/`. The README describes a source build using `./configure`, `make`, and `make install`. The repository lists no releases, and its licensing notes forbid commercial use of GnGeo as a whole because of included code and licensing.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- GnGeo is a NeoGeo emulator for Linux and possibly other Unix systems.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The README says the original code is GPLv2 with a special linking exception and warns that commercial use of GnGeo as a whole is forbidden because of MAME code licensing.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Build
- The README gives `./configure && make` as the installation build steps, followed by `make install` as root.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Configuration
- Configuration can be set in `$HOME/.gngeo/gngeorc` or on the command line, and per-game configuration is supported in `$HOME/.gngeo/game.rc`.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Controls
- The command-line options include joystick support and per-player control and hotkey configuration.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- CPU cores
- It can use Cyclone, Starscream, or Gen68k for the 68k core and DrZ80, Raze, or MAME Z80 for the Z80 core, with defaults depending on the target.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Dependencies
- It requires SDL 1.2.x, libz, and a NeoGeo BIOS; NASM 0.98 is optional for i386 assembly optimization.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Display and sound
- Options include fullscreen, hardware screen surface, interpolation, selectable blitters and effects, resolution scaling, sample rate, and sound.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Emulation target
- It emulates NeoGeo ROM sets, which can be started using a game’s MAME name.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Frontends
- The README describes GGF, XGngeo, and gngeogui frontends, listing game previews and various descriptions, options, or configuration features.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Game files
- By default, GnGeo searches for BIOS and games under `$prefix/share/gngeo/`; games must be ZIP files and the BIOS must not be.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- 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.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Release availability
- The GitHub releases page states that there are no releases in the repository.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Repository activity
- The GitHub repository page shows no listed releases and describes the project as a Linux NeoGeo emulator.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Requirements
- The README lists SDL 1.2.x, libz, and a NeoGeo BIOS as requirements; NASM 0.98 is optional for i386 assembly optimization.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- ROM support
- It emulates NeoGeo ROMs identified by ROMSET, with the example command `gngeo mslug` for Metal Slug.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Security and compliance
- The repository page shows no security advisories and does not describe a security or compliance program.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Sound and controls
- The emulator has sound and joystick options, player control settings, and configurable hotkeys.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- System modes
- The command line offers home, arcade, and unibios system settings.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Video options
- Options include fullscreen, screen scaling, interpolation, raster interrupts, and selectable blitters and effects.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
GnGeo Free 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
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Supports home, arcade, and unibios modes.
- Offers configurable controls and hotkeys.
- Settings can be stored per game.
- Includes graphical frontend options.
Limits
- Requires SDL 1.2.x, libz, and a NeoGeo BIOS.
- Repository lists no releases.
- Commercial use of GnGeo as a whole is forbidden.
Who it suits
It suits Linux users seeking to run NeoGeo ROM sets and configure display, sound, and controls. Users need to provide the listed dependencies and build from source.
Verdict
GnGeo offers configurable NeoGeo emulation on Linux, but setup depends on external requirements and a source build. Its licensing notes rule out commercial use of the emulator as a whole.
Where Specifiction places it
- Neo Geo Emulators#1 of 188.3
