What Made the Neo-Geo Stand Out Compared to the Sega Genesis or SNES?

[killamch89]

The Neo-Geo was often considered the gold standard in arcade-quality gaming, but what specifically made it so special compared to consoles like the Sega Genesis or Super Nintendo? Was it the superior hardware, the arcade-perfect ports, or something else? Given its high price point and limited library, did it offer something unique that made it worth the investment for hardcore gamers?