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Dive into the Arcade Era: A Journey Back in Time

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The golden age of arcade videogames was a magical time of groundbreaking innovation that gave birth to some of the most iconic franchises in gaming history. Think of classics like SPACE INVADERS, PAC-MAN, DONKEY KONG (featuring the debut of the legendary Mario), GALAGA and ASTEROIDS. These games weren’t just about pressing buttons and joystick maneuvers; they were about embarking on epic adventures and chasing high scores.

More Than Just Gaming

Arcades were much more than gaming hubs. They were vibrant social hotspots where friends gathered under the neon glow. It was here that players navigated mazes, jumped over barrels, and dodged alien lasers, all in the heroic pursuit of a high score. The camaraderie and competition forged friendships and created memories that lasted a lifetime.


Source: ACMI – The Story of the Moving Image – Videogames

The Lasting Impact

The influence of the arcade era is still felt today. These pixelated pioneers and their synth-laden soundtracks continue to be celebrated and revisited, serving as the beating heart of the 80s nostalgia. Whether it’s through modern reboots, retro gaming events, or pop culture references, the spirit of the arcade lives on.

So, next time you find yourself reminiscing about the good old days or watching a movie with a killer 80s soundtrack, remember the arcade. It was a place where heroes were made, high scores were chased, and friendships were forged. The arcade era might be a thing of the past, but its legacy continues to inspire and entertain.

The Nintendo Power Glove: A Blast from the Past

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I love the Power Glove. It’s so bad

Ah, the 1980s. A time of big hair, neon colors, and the birth of some of the most iconic video games and gadgets. Among these was the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which captured the hearts of gamers everywhere. But let’s not forget one of the quirkiest and most ambitious peripherals of its time: the Power Glove.

A Revolution in Gaming

In 1989, the Power Glove hit the market, promising to revolutionize the way we played games. It was a bold statement in the gaming world, offering players a taste of the future with its motion-sensing technology. This wasn’t just a controller; it was a way to physically interact with your favorite games.

The design was straight out of a sci-fi movie, with its sleek black and grey exterior, and buttons spread across the forearm. Strapping on the Power Glove felt like gearing up for an epic adventure. The idea was simple: wear the glove, move your hand, and your in-game character would mimic your movements. It was the stuff of dreams for any young gamer.

The Reality Check

However, the reality didn’t quite match the hype. The Power Glove’s motion controls were far from perfect, often leading to frustration rather than seamless gameplay. The calibration process was complicated, and the games that were compatible with the glove didn’t always provide the best experience.

Despite its shortcomings, the Power Glove became a cult classic. Its appearance in the 1989 film “The Wizard” cemented its place in pop culture history. The scene where the character Lucas Barton declares, “I love the Power Glove. It’s so bad,” is iconic and resonates with fans to this day.

Why the Power Glove Matters

The Power Glove might not have been the game-changing device it set out to be, but its impact on the gaming world is undeniable. It paved the way for future innovations in motion-sensing technology, inspiring the development of devices like the Nintendo Wii Remote and VR controllers.

Looking back, the Power Glove represents a time of experimentation and bold ideas in the gaming industry. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how important it is to dream big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

A Collector’s Treasure

Today, the Power Glove is a sought-after collector’s item. Its legacy lives on as a symbol of innovation and the 80s’ fearless approach to new technology. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or just a lover of all things nostalgic, the Power Glove is a fascinating piece of gaming history.

So, next time you’re reminiscing about the good old days of gaming, don’t forget to give a nod to the Power Glove. It’s quirky, it’s iconic, and it’s a testament to the imaginative spirit that continues to drive the gaming industry forward.

The Power Glove: it may not have been perfect, but it was undeniably cool. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.

“Go ahead, make my day”

Introducing the Wooden Game Boy – No Injection Moulding Here

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What does one do when they acquire a CNC router? Well, they put it to good use and create a wooden Game Boy, based on the OG case!

Physicist, coder and creative, Sebastian Staacks did exactly that with his newly procured machine, making a Game Boy out of walnut wood – thank fully based on the OG Game Boy from 1989. Sebastian has painstakingly documented the entire process on his site here and has also provided links to design files on Github – so if you have the itch to create something cool, then hop to it!

We gotta say it, this is one darn cool creation that we are in absolute awe of! Take a bow Dr. Sebastian Staacks.



Parasol Stars Is Coming To Modern Consoles

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🌈The Iconic Sequel To Rainbow Islands Is Coming To Modern Consoles on July 11th!

In 1991, TAITO released the third entry in its enduring Bubble Bobble series: Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III. Originally released on the PC Engine, the game followed the success of its predecessors, building on the foundations Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands laid down and continuing the story from where they left off. It quickly became a hit, later being ported to Atari ST, Amiga, Game Boy, and even NES, gaining huge popularity and its own dedicated fandom.

Some thirty-three years later, this iconic platformer is ready to land on modern consoles on July 11th for only €9.99 and can be pre-ordered for Nintendo Switch as of now. Xbox pre-orders will start on 19.06.2024. Both offers an additional 10% pre-order bonus until release! Hurry up! PlayStation®4/PlayStation®5 versions will also be out on the 11th of July 2024.

Game Features:

  • An enigmatic ensemble of enemies, each with unique abilities (and charm);
  • 2-player mode: double the fun with Bubby and Bobby!
  • Dazzling parasols with magical powers;
  • Power-ups galore;
  • 8 worlds to save, plus 2 unlockable ones!

And some quality-of-life options, such as save states and the ability to rewind gameplay – woohoo!

 

Play A Huge Pinball Machine In The Centre of London Courtesy Of PlayStation UK

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A giant PlayStation pinball machine you can play in the middle of London 👀

PlayStation UK has teamed up with the UEFA Champions League Festival to bring lucky Londoners a huge interactive Astro Bot pinball machine!

This is all in celebration of this weekend’s UCL Final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.

Whatever you do, do not rage tilt this thing!

 

Introducing Evercade Alpha – The First Evercade-Compatible Bartop Arcade

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It’s time to change the game – literally.

Attention all gamers and retro enthusiasts: the Evercade Alpha is coming later this year, and it’s going to revolutionise your home arcade experience! This sleek, bartop-sized arcade machine is the latest addition to the Evercade family and is packed with features that will transport you back to the golden age of gaming. The standout feature? Full compatibility with the extensive Evercade cartridge ecosystem.

Endless Gaming Fun with Evercade Cartridges

The Evercade Alpha doesn’t just come with a few built-in games—it opens the door to over 50 physical Evercade cartridge collections, offering a staggering 500+ games. From legendary arcade hits to home console classics and vintage home computer gems, the Evercade Alpha ensures your gaming adventures will be never-ending.

Special Pre-Order Pricing

Starting June 4th, the Evercade Alpha will be available for pre-order at a special price of £199.99 / $229.99 / €229.99, a significant discount from its regular retail price of £229.99 / $249.99 / €249.99. This offer is valid until November 2024, so act fast to secure this deal from any Evercade retailer worldwide.

Choose Your Adventure: Street Fighter or Mega Man Editions

The Evercade Alpha comes in two exciting versions, each featuring unique built-in games and officially licensed designs from the legendary Japanese publisher Capcom:

Evercade Alpha Street Fighter Arcade

Features six iconic titles from the Street Fighter™ franchise, including the never-before-released Street Fighter™ Alpha series.

– Street Fighter™ II’ Champion Edition
– Super Street Fighter™ II Turbo
– Street Fighter™ Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams
– Street Fighter™ Alpha 2
– Street Fighter™ Alpha 3
– Super Puzzle Fighter™ II Turbo

Evercade Alpha Mega Man Arcade

Boasts two arcade-exclusive games from the famous Mega Man™ franchise, alongside a selection of Capcom’s classic arcade titles.

– Mega Man™: The Power Battle
– Mega Man™ 2: The Power Fighters
– Final Fight™
– Knights of the Round™
– Carrier Air Wing™
– Strider™

Premium Features and Design

Each Evercade Alpha unit is pre-assembled and packed with top-notch features for an unparalleled gaming experience:

  • Dual Evercade Cartridge Slots: Designed to mimic a coin tray, these slots support the entire Evercade cartridge ecosystem.
  • Authentic Arcade Controls: Competition-grade controls ensure you get the response and feel of a real arcade machine.
  • High-Resolution Screen: An 8″ IPS screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio delivers sharp, vibrant visuals.
  • Light-Up Marquee: Includes three interchangeable backlit marquee panels, with more available for purchase.
  • Additional Ports and Controls: Volume control, stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack, and two USB ports for external controllers.
  • Power and Connectivity: Powered by a USB-C connector, with an international mains plug included.

Expand Your Gaming Library

One of the most exciting features of the Evercade Alpha is its dual Evercade cartridge slots. This means you’re not limited to the pre-installed games. You can expand your game library with any physical Evercade cartridge collection, encompassing games from five decades of gaming history. Whether you prefer indie games, classic Japanese titles, or hidden gems, the Evercade Alpha has something for everyone.

Instant Access to Over 500 Games

With Evercade cartridges, there are no downloads, no setup, and no fuss—just plug in and play! Enjoy a seamless gaming experience with physical cartridges that include a box and manual, just like the good old days. Plus, your save games are supported across all Evercade devices.

Don’t miss out on the chance to bring the arcade experience home with Evercade Alpha. Pre-order now and get ready to dive into a world of classic gaming fun!

LEGO Ideas: ’80s-Themed Sets Winners To Be Announced This September

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LEGO Fans Rejoice: It’s A Second 80s-Themed Fan Vote!

Get ready to turn back the clock with LEGO Ideas’ latest fan vote! From May 20th to May 27th, 2024, LEGO enthusiasts were able to cast their votes for one of five nostalgic ’80s-inspired submissions. The winning design will become an official LEGO Ideas set in collaboration with Target (US).

This exciting lineup includes:

  1. Gizmo by terauma
  2. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial by Jimmi-DK
  3. Golden Girls by Martin_Studio
  4. Beetlejuice: Sandworm House by Jupe71345
  5. Big by Julientheclownofthebrick

Since voting has concluded, the results will be announced by September 1st, 2024!

PS: More info and pics here!

Beetlejuice: Sandworm House

Golden Girls
image source: Lego Ideas

 

Nintendo Live 2024 Is Coming To Sydney

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AN EVENT CELEBRATING NINTENDO FUN FOR ALL AGES!
The two-day Nintendo Live event is coming to Sydney on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September!

Nintendo Live is coming to Sydney in 2024! First debuted in Japan, this in-person event is a new way for fans of all ages to experience the games and worlds of Nintendo. In addition to Nintendo Switch gameplay, photo ops with costume characters like Mario and Luigi, a pop-up My Nintendo Store with merchandise and additional family-friendly activities, Nintendo Live 2024 SYDNEY will also host live stage events including daily special appearances from Mario Ambassador, Charles Martinet.

Held at the International Convention Centre Sydney on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September, Nintendo Live 2024 Sydney is designed for families and people of all ages and gaming experience, whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo fan or new to the world of Nintendo.

“Nintendo Live has brought smiles to people of all ages in Japan, the United States, and other countries since its debut, and we’re excited to now bring this unique event to Australia”, said Nintendo Australia Managing Director, Takuro Horie. “We look forward to welcoming family, friends and the wider Nintendo community to Nintendo Live 2024 SYDNEY, to share in and experience the unique games, characters and worlds of Nintendo Switch.”

source: supplied

For those interested in attending Nintendo Live 2024 SYDNEY, here’s what you need to know:

How To Register:

  • First, visit the Nintendo Live website and register for an opportunity to be randomly selected to receive free tickets. The registration period starts on 17th June at 9:00am AEST and will remain open until 30th June at 11:59pm AEST.
  • Eligible Nintendo Account holders who are at least 18 years old can register for the drawing. You can easily sign up for an account here if you don’t already have one.
  • For groups of two or more, each attendee with their own Nintendo Account must be linked to the same free Nintendo Account Family Group. This ensures that all parties in the same group can attend together and on the same day.
  • If selected, attendance will be for one event day. More details about registering for and visiting Nintendo Live 2024 SYDNEY can be found on the Nintendo Live website.

Nintendo Live 2024 SYDNEY will also host the finals of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: AU/NZ Championship 2024, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: AU/NZ Championship 2024 and Splatoon 3: AU/NZ Championship 2024 tournaments! The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: AU/NZ Championship 2024 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: AU/NZ Championship 2024 finals will be held on Saturday 31st August, with the Splatoon 3: AU/NZ Championship 2024 final held on Sunday 1st September.

Online qualifiers for these tournaments will begin from 9th June with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where the top competitors will secure their tickets to Nintendo Live 2024 SYDNEY and the opportunity to compete against the best on the big stage. For more details, head to https://www.nintendo.com/au/tournaments/

Nintendo Live 2024 SYDNEY will take place on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September from 10:00am to 6:00pm AEST in Halls 3 and 4 of the International Convention Centre Sydney. For more information about Nintendo Live 2024 SYDNEY, visit https://www.nintendo.com/au/nintendo-live-2024-sydney/

 

Mr Pinball Australia Teases Pinball Show Later This Year

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A New Pinball Show Is Coming In November!

Having absolutely enjoyed the heck out of the FlipOut Pinball event before the pandemic hit, it was darn awesome to see this teaser (and somewhat cryptic) post from Mr Pinball Australia about an upcoming pinball show!

We have now locked in November 29 – 30 in our diary as we do not want to miss out on some pinball goodness. We may even see if Mr Pinball Australia will give us a hint where (venue?) this pinball show will be held (or any other little morsel of info to keep us going till then) 😉

FunHouse’s Rudy will be there, so lock in the dates pinball peeps!

source: Mr Pinball Australia via Facebook

 

Long-Awaited Nintendo Museum Opening In Japan Later This Year

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Japan to Open Long-Awaited Nintendo Museum This Autumn (northern hemisphere)

Nintendo enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the highly anticipated Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, is set to open its doors this spring (or autumn if you like in the northern hemisphere).

Originally slated for a 2021 opening, the museum’s completion has been confirmed in a recent financial earnings report. The final preparations are underway, with an official grand opening expected later this year. The museum promises to be a landmark destination for fans of the iconic video game company.

This will be another venue to add to the already growing “This to do and see in Japan” bucket list! For more details, visit the TimeOut article here.