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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.

A New Retro-Indie Fanmade Game: Mighty Final Fight Forever

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Mighty Final Fight Forever is a fanmade beat ’em up project following on from the original Mighty Final Fight game released by Capcom in 1993

Indie developers Bouncer Games are working on a new game called Mighty Final Fight Forever, a redesigned and a complete remake of Capcom‘s 1993 release on the 8-bit NES, Mighty Final Fight.

Ausretrogamer reader, Vasek T. had the chance to play the demo version and reckons it looks “really promising”. Being huge beat’em up fans (Double Dragon and Final Fight are our fave) and judging by the gameplay teaser below, we reckon this overhaul and remake of 1993’s Mighty Final Fight is definitely right up our alley!

To say we can’t wait for this to be released would be a huge understatement.

PS: The Free Demo (Windows) version can be found here.

Sega Mega Drive Under Siege: SACRED LINE 1 & 2

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Horror Games Invade The Sega Mega Drive / Genesis

Get your Sega Mega Drive / Genesis consoles out, cause Mega Cat Studios and Sasha Darko have released Sacred Line I & II for Sega’s 16-Bit wonder!

These surreal and horrifying choose-your-own-adventure titles for Sega’s 16-Bit beast feature haunting and treacherous locales to explore, brought to life with gorgeous yet unsettling 3D-rendered visuals, clever puzzles to solve, and deep stories centered around mature themes like war crimes, religious cults, and much, much more!

What are you waiting for, go and get horrified on your Sega Mega Drive / Genesis!!

Details:

  • Titles: Sacred Line 1 & Sacred Line 2
  • Price: US$39.99 (cart only) / US$49.99 (complete in box + manual) each
  • Availability: right now at Mega Cat Studios

 

image source: Mega Cat Studios

 

JAPAN: Retro Arcade Gaming In Osaka

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👾Retro arcade gaming at Retro Games Zarigani!👾

Ausretrogamer’s intrepid traveller, Brant Raven, found himself in Japan last month during the ever-popular Cherry Blossom season.

But Dr. Raven wasn’t there just to admire the Sakura, nosiree, he also found time to seek out some old school Japanese arcade parlours. He did find one in Osaka, the Retro Game Center Zarigani, located at the foot of Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai.

What Brant found was a treasure trove of classic arcade machines, including the Yu Suzuki designed SEGA favourites, OutRun and Afterburner – both in their Deluxe cabinets. To say we wish we were all there would be a gross understatement.

Check out all these precious machines!!!

image source: (c) Brant Raven for ausretrogamer.com

Book Review: The Unofficial N64: A Visual Compendium

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We’ll be honest with you all, prior to the Nintendo Switch, the N64 was by far our favourite (and most played) Nintendo gaming system in the late 90s. The N64 had an amazing array of games, some which we still play to this day on a regular basis, including Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007 and Wave Race 64 to name just a few.

Books like this Bitmap Books published “The Unofficial N64: A Visual Compendium” serve as a reminder how awesome the Nintendo 64 console was, and of course, it also induces a lot of nostalgia.

From the moment you crack open this book, you’re greeted with a feast for the eyes. Each page is meticulously crafted, featuring vibrant artwork, rare concept sketches, and behind-the-scenes insights that will transport you back to the days of cartridge-based gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer who grew up with the N64 or a newcomer eager to explore its rich history, there’s something here for everyone.

One of the most captivating aspects of this book is its visual presentation. Every aspect of the N64’s iconic games and hardware is lovingly showcased, from the sleek design of the console itself to the stunning landscapes of beloved titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The high-quality printing and attention to detail truly bring these games to life in a way that’s both nostalgic and inspiring.

But ‘The Unofficial N64: A Visual Compendium‘ is more than just a collection of pretty pictures. It’s also a treasure trove of information for fans and collectors alike. Each game is accompanied by fascinating tidbits of trivia, developer interviews, and historical context that shed light on the creative process behind some of the N64’s most beloved titles. Whether you’re interested in learning about the development of a particular game or simply want to appreciate the artistry that went into its creation, you’ll find plenty to sink your teeth into here.

Overall, ‘The Unofficial N64: A Visual Compendium‘ is a must-have for any fan of retro gaming. Its stunning visuals, insightful commentary, and nostalgic charm make it a true masterpiece that belongs on the shelf of every gaming enthusiast. Whether you’re reliving cherished memories or discovering new favourites, this book is sure to delight and inspire for years to come.

Where to buy/pre-order:
  • Title: The Unofficial N64: A Visual Compendium
  • Store: PixelCrib
  • Price: AU$69.99

image source: Alex Boz for ausretrogamer

Disclaimer: The Unofficial N64: A Visual Compendium book was kindly provided by PixelCrib for this review.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition

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Nintendo brings home White Knuckle Speedrun Competition with Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition

How quickly could you collect a roomful of coins in Super Mario Bros.? Or snag the sword at the start of The Legend of Zelda? Or clear the entire first course in Super Mario Bros. 3? Could you do it faster than your friends? OK — can you do it faster than the rest of the world? It’s time to find out.

On 18th July, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition kicks off its worldwide competition on Nintendo Switch in living rooms across the globe. To get a taste of exactly what the game has in store, and to rev up the nostalgia, take a crash course in all things Nintendo World Championships with the announcement trailer below.

Paying tribute to the unforgettable in-person Nintendo World Championships held in 1990, 2015 and 2017, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition challenges players to battle through byte-sized bits of classic blockbusters. Both old-school and new-school players can enjoy the rush of over 150 speedrun challenges taken from 13 classic NES games. Warm up by setting and beating your own best times in the single-player Speedrun Mode, unlocking new challenges and unique in-game pins along the way, then, up to eight players* can compete locally in Party Mode. Nintendo Switch Online members** can also enter World Championships Mode to submit their best times in five challenges that rotate each week and compete for a spot on the global leaderboard.

Test your mettle against speedrun challenges taken from these NES titles:

  • Balloon Fight
  • Donkey Kong
  • Excitebike
  • Ice Climber
  • Kid Icarus
  • Kirby’s Adventure
  • Metroid
  • Super Mario Bros.
  • Super Mario Bros. 2
  • Super Mario Bros. 3
  • Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels
  • The Legend of Zelda
  • Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

And for those whose NES roots run deep, prepare for the Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition – Deluxe Set, also available on 18th July exclusively via EB Games Australia and New Zealand. This special-edition bundle includes a physical version of the game, a set of 5 collectible pins, 13 art cards commemorating each of the featured NES classics, and a replica of the fabled gold-coloured NES Game Pak (for display only, stand included) to commemorate the original 1990 Nintendo World Championships event.

The Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition will be available for pre-purchase shortly on My Nintendo Store and at select retailers.