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Atari Introduces New Collectible Replica Arcade PCBs

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A NEW REVISION IN ARCADE CIRCUIT BOARD HISTORY

Ah Atari, they know exactly how to squeeze every ounce out of their IP with products that hit the nostalgic sweet spot!

This time around, good ole new Atari has partnered with Retro Arcade to create high-quality authentic replica arcade machine Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) for Black Widow, Gravitar and Major Havoc – iconic Atari arcade games prized for their advanced gameplay and relative rarity of their cabinets.

These reproductions are officially licensed 11.5 x 20.75 inch (29.2cm x 52.70cm) reproductions based on the original arcade board sets and are a new revision in the PCB history. The boards use the original bill of materials, follow the original schematics, and can be used to replace damaged original boards by using the original parts from these boards.

OK, we must admit, we are actually impressed with these replica/repro PCBs, even if the price (US$245) is a tad too much when taking into account the exchange rate.

Oh yeah, these are available in limited quantities at Atari.com.

PS: To sweeten this juicy deal, Atari is offering $10 off (code: “PCBOOPSIE“) on any one of the three Retro Arcade PCB boards (yeah, we know, boards is redundant in PCB boards) 😉

Major Havoc PCB: Revision D

Major Havoc challenges players with a journey through exciting gameplay styles, including Breakout-style mini games where a knowledgeable gamer can warp through different levels.

Gravitar PCB: Revision C

A multi-directional shooter with a reputation for difficulty, Gravitar is arguably also the first cave-flyer ever made.

Black Widow PCB: Revision A

The arcade classic Black Widow is one of the very first twin-stick shooters ever made.



PSA: Watch the Official PULP FICTION Pinball Livestream

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PSA – Pinball Service Announcement!

No need for too many words here – just to make you all aware that the official livestream of the PULP FICTION pinball machine will be on at 9:00am on Saturday, April 29th (Australian time!) on DeadFlip’s Twitch channel!

We are hyped!

PS: If you miss the livestream, you can always subscribe to DeadFlip’s YouTube channel so you can be notified when the VoD is available!

source: Raw Thrils, Inc.



FREE Video Games in May on Prime Gaming!

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This is more of a PSA (that’s Public Service Announcement) for PC gamers (with an Amazon Prime sub) out there!

The list of free titles during the awesome month of May reads like a who’s who of video games – from STAR WARS™: Rogue Squadron 3D (on May the 4th!), to the retro gaming splendour of NEO GEO titles like Last Resort, Super Sidekicks, King of the Monsters 2 and Robo Army to name just a few!

Better clear your diary, as you’ll be playing video games quite a bit.

List of free games on Prime Gaming during the month of May:

  • May 4: STAR WARS™: Rogue Squadron 3D — Save the Rebel Alliance from imperial onslaught in this thrilling flight simulation game where players take on the role of Luke Skywalker and assemble their Rogue Squadron team to fly into battle, engage in intense, fast-paced space and planetary missions to continue the fight for freedom.
  • May 4: Super Sidekicks — Dribble, pass and use a variety of techniques to compete against the best teams from around the world as players battle for the SNK Cup.
  • May 4: Samurai Shodown IV — Test your samurai skills using powerful attacks to wage intense battles and defeat Amakusa before he conquers the modern world.
  • May 11: Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition — Explore the planes, survive dangerous combat scenarios and solve mysterious puzzles in this story-rich, tactical role playing game set in the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse.
  • May 11: Lake — Take on the role of Meredith Weiss and take a break from the big city to decide how you want to experience the beautiful Providence Oaks, featuring its iconic lake and scenery.
  • May 11: Robo Army — Take on high-powered collisions in this beat ’em up title as players crush and destroy their enemies to restore peace from the robot corps known as Hell Jeed.
  • May 11: Last Resort — Save humanity’s first hotel on Mars by taking down hordes of aliens in this small co-op shooter game.
  • May 18: Kardboard Kings — Own the best card shop in town by earning a reputation with customers, beating your shop goals, unlocking new decorations and more!
  • May 18: The Almost Gone — Unlock intricate dioramas to experience the plethora of connections of your life in this narrative puzzle game about death, loss and mental health.
  • May 18: 3 Count Bout — Become the world’s strongest wrestler by learning the moves and winning hard fought battles to take the champion’s throne for yourself.
  • May 18: Alpha Mission 2 — Recapture the universe from the seven star alliance by utilizing 11 types of various power armor in this vertical scrolling arcade game.
  • May 25: Lila’s Sky Ark — Protect a psychedelic world from bizarre beasts and punishing bosses in this poetic mystery filled with secrets, puzzles and music.
  • May 25: Agatha Knife — Embark on a whimsically twisted adventure with Agatha, as players join her in exploring her love for eating meat and her friendships with animals.
  • May 25: King of the Monsters 2 — Become the undisputed king of the monsters as players take on earthshaking battles against a plethora of behemoths.
  • May 25: Kizuna Encounter — Engage in intense battles as players use both weapons and fists alike to win in single-round sudden death tag-team matches.



LEGO Teases The Addition of Donkey Kong to the LEGO Super Mario Series

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The LEGO Group social media team recently teased us all with a tweet introducing the addition of Donkey Kong to the world of LEGO Super Mario!

They might as well take our money right now!



New LEGO Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter

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“Red Five standing by”

As a LEGO sucker, I mean a fan, yeah, let’s go with a LEGO fan, this teaser video from LEGO that I found on Facebook of their new Ultimate Collector Series version of the T-65 X-Wing Starfighter is mind blowingly detailed – with updated and authentic wing and engine design along with a new cockpit interior. There is even a place for your R2-D2 droid figure in the socket behind the cockpit!

With 1949 LEGO bricks to build this detailed X-Wing, you better get onto it on May the 4th and blast off to fight for the Rebel Alliance!

NOTE: This new set will be released on May 4th (Star Wars Day) and will retail for AU$369.99

May the 4th Be With You – Happy Star Wars Day!



Nintendo Game Boy, NES & Zelda Teethers For Your Game Baby

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Lil ausretrogamer is a tad too old for these, but if she was still a little bubby, then these Bumkins Silicone Nintendo Game Boy, NES and Link (Zelda) teethers would be sitting on her high-chair right now!

Consider this a public service announcement for those of you that have babies in your household that require teethers right now 😉

image source: Amazon US – Bumkins

story source: technabob



Ann Arbor Pinball Show Is On In May!

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The good folks at Sparks Pinball Museum shared a tweet about the upcoming Ann Arbor Pinball Museum Show in Michigan, which only opens to the public once a year, so if you are nearby, then we’d say it is a must visit on May 6th and 7th, and for those that love tournaments, you’ll need to get there a day earlier on May 5th!

With over 500+ pinball machines from every era (check out the list here), every attendee is guaranteed to find one (or a plethora) of games to enjoy!

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LUSH x The Super Mario Bros. Movie Bath Products

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With the new The Super Mario Bros. movie out now in cinemas, of course there were going to be brands clamouring to license the world’s most famous plumber to use on their products!

A case in point is Lush, you know, the folks that make and sell those smelly soaps. Being a plumber and climbing in and out of sewer pipes, Mario gets a tad dirty on the job, so what better way to cleanse himself than to use the new Lush bath product line!

The Lush product line is of course inspired by the Super Mario Bros. film which includes a peach and pineapple-scented Princess Peach body spray, Mario (Cola) and Luigi (green apple) shower gels, Princess Peach (peach) and Bowser (cinnamon) shower jellies, a gold coin (honey) soap bar, and a question block bath bomb that includes one of six different power-up soaps inside!

So when heading to watch the movie, make sure you smell peachy by using these new Lush SMB film bath products!

story source: technabob



Custom Retro Gaming Action Figures

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Whoa, these unique action figures based on yesteryear’s gaming consoles are either awesomely cool or absolute nightmare fuel – you be the judge!

U.S. based eBay user shdurr0 has created some very quirky custom action figures based on vintage gaming systems from the 70s and 80s, just take a look them below! These may not be to the caliber of Dano Brown’s custom-made video game toys, but they are still worth a mention.

If you are inclined to take a peek and possibly grab one (or all) of these one-off creations, go and check them out.

PS: Love the ‘AGES 45 & UP‘ on some these – a nice touch indeed 😉

The Sega Master System Droid

Milton Bradley (MB) Vectrex Man (Glow In the Dark)

GCE Vectrex Man

K.C. Munckin / Magnavox Odyssey 2

Captain Atari (Glow in the dark)

image source: eBay



Taycan PONG Arcade Battle: Porsche X Atari

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Ready, Player One? Porsche Taycan Arcade Is Here!

Now here is a collaboration we never saw coming – Porsche and Atari! Say what?!

Porsche Cars Australia recently released a campaign featuring two Porsche Taycan electric sportscars playing an intense, high-speed, real-life version of Pong. In this life-sized adaptation of the 1970’s Atari classic, the paddles are two Porsche Taycan sportscars while the ball is a fast moving high-tech drone.


source: Porsche

Along with the video, Porsche Cars Australia have also created Taycan Arcade, an interactive web-based game inspired by Pong. Players can use their keyboard or mobile device to move their Taycan up and down on their side of the screen trying to deflect a fast moving ball towards their opponent. Get the ball past your opponents Taycan, and players score a point.

Porsche fans and PONG video game lovers can play Taycan Arcade here.