The Neo Geo is a fourth-generation home video game console released on April 26, 1990 by Japanese company SNK Corporation. It was originally launched as a coin-operated arcade machine, called Multi Video System (MVS), with the distinction of having the games stored on self-contained cartridges which made it easy to switch between them in the cabinets. A home console version was also released, called Advanced Entertainment System (AES), originally solely as a rental console and later on sale as a luxury console, the most expensive ever. The AES had identical hardware to the MVS, allowing home users to enjoy the same arcade experience, and it was the most powerful system of the time, being the first 24-bit. Production of the Neo Geo hardware lasted seven years, being discontinued in 1997, while production of the gaming software lasted until 2004, making this the longest-supported system of all time. In 2009, the Neo Geo was ranked one of the best video game consoles of all time.