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Australian Video Game History Documentary Seeks Community Support

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Australia’s video game development history is set to take centre stage in Region Locked, an upcoming documentary series aiming to explore the untold stories behind Australian-developed video games and the people who created them.

According to the project’s creators, the documentary will delve into the rise of Australia’s game development scene during the 1980s and 1990s, featuring stories from developers, publishers and industry pioneers who helped put Australian-made games on the global map.

The team behind Region Locked says interviews are planned with creators connected to classic titles including The Hobbit and Way of the Exploding Fist, alongside a broader look at the challenges, innovations and successes that shaped the local industry. The documentary also intends to highlight the role of Australian studios such as Beam Software during a formative period of gaming history.

To help bring the project to life, the creators have launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign and are seeking support from the Australian gaming community.

For retro gaming enthusiasts, preservation of gaming history is an important part of ensuring the stories behind the games are not lost to time. A documentary focused on Australia’s contribution to video game development could provide an interesting look back at a significant chapter of our local gaming heritage.

Interested readers can learn more about the project and its crowdfunding campaign via the project’s Kickstarter page:

👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/regionlocked-doco/region-locked/

Disclaimer

Ausretrogamer has not been involved in the production, development, or funding of Region Locked and cannot independently verify all claims made by the project’s creators. This article is provided for informational purposes only. As with any crowdfunding campaign, readers should conduct their own research and carefully consider the risks before making a financial contribution.

LEGO Brings Donkey Kong’s Arcade Legacy to Life in Stunning New Retro Set

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Retro gaming and LEGO fans, prepare your wallets.

A brand-new LEGO x Nintendo collaboration has surfaced, and this time it celebrates one of gaming’s most iconic arcade machines – Donkey Kong. While LEGO has yet to make an official announcement, leaked images and reports have revealed what appears to be an impressive brick-built recreation of the legendary 1981 arcade cabinet

A Retro Gaming Icon Reimagined

The leaked set recreates the classic Donkey Kong arcade cabinet, complete with the instantly recognisable red-and-blue cabinet design, large marquee branding, pixel-inspired artwork and familiar gameplay elements. The build pays tribute to the game that introduced the world to Jumpman, the character who would later become Nintendo’s famous mascot, Mario.

According to the packaging visible in the leaked images, the set carries the name Donkey Kong Arcade and is targeted at adult builders aged 18+. The set reportedly contains 1,367 pieces, making it one of the larger Nintendo-themed LEGO releases to date.

More Than Just a Display Piece

The Donkey Kong Arcade appears to be more than a static display model. Promotional images suggest interactive features may be built into the cabinet, including a movable joystick and jump button that appear to control Jumpman as he navigates platforms and dodges barrels. Leaked images also hint at a mechanism that allows barrels to move through the playfield, recreating the famous challenge from the original arcade game.

If these features make it into the final retail version, the set could become one of the most interactive retro gaming LEGO builds released so far.

A Perfect Match for Retro Gaming Fans

Nintendo and LEGO have enjoyed a successful partnership over the last few years, delivering sets based on Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and other beloved franchises. The addition of a dedicated Donkey Kong arcade cabinet feels like a natural next step, especially given the character’s importance in gaming history.

For retro gamers, this set represents more than just another licensed collectible. The original Donkey Kong arcade machine helped define the golden age of arcades and remains one of the most influential video games ever created. Seeing it recreated brick-by-brick is sure to trigger plenty of nostalgia for players who spent countless hours dodging barrels and climbing ladders in search of a high score.

image source: r/Legoleak via reddit

Release Date and Price Still Unknown

At the time of writing, LEGO has not officially announced the Donkey Kong Arcade set, meaning there is currently no confirmed release date or pricing information. However, given the size and piece count, early speculation suggests the set could retail around the US$199.99 mark.

With leaked images now widely circulating online and reports of some shoppers allegedly spotting the set on retail shelves ahead of schedule, an official reveal from LEGO may not be far away.

Ausretrogamer Thoughts

As lifelong fans of retro gaming, we absolutely love this reveal. The LEGO designers appear to have captured the look and spirit of the original arcade cabinet beautifully, right down to the pixel-art style details and colourful cabinet artwork. If the interactive features live up to expectations, this could become one of the most desirable gaming-themed LEGO sets ever released.

For now, we’ll be keeping a close eye on LEGO and Nintendo for the official announcement.

Story Source: VICE Gaming [vice.com]

FLIPOUT 2026 Returns to Melbourne This October – Bigger, Better, and All for Charity!

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Melbourne’s biggest charity pinball celebration is back!

FLIPOUT Pinball Show 2026 will take over the Sandown Park Hotel in Noble Park from October 2 – 4, 2026, bringing together pinball enthusiasts, collectors, families, vendors, and gamers for an action-packed weekend of silverball fun – all while raising funds for an incredible cause.

Organised by Mr Pinball Australia, Steel Tiger Pinball, and Reality Games Australia, the annual event will once again donate all profits to Very Special Kids (VSK), helping support children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

A Weekend of Pinball, Community and Fun

Whether you’re chasing high scores on classic machines, discovering the latest pinball releases, meeting fellow enthusiasts, or introducing the family to the hobby, FLIPOUT 2026 promises something for everyone.

This year’s event will feature multiple play sessions spread across three days, including dedicated family sessions and adults-only evening events.

Event Schedule

Friday, October 2
  • 3:00pm – 6:00pm: Media, Vendors & VIP Ticket Holders
  • 7:00pm – 11:00pm: Session 1 (Adults Only)
Saturday, October 3
  • 10:00am – 2:00pm: Session 2
  • 3:00pm – 7:00pm: Session 3
  • 8:00pm – Midnight: Session 4 (Adults Only)
Sunday, October 4 – Family Day
  • 10:00am – 1:00pm: Session 5
  • 2:00pm – 5:00pm: Session 6

Venue

Sandown Park Hotel
Corner Corrigan Road & Princes Highway
Noble Park, Victoria 3174

🎟️ Tickets On Sale in July

Tickets will be available from the first week of July, with session entry prices starting from just $25.

Given the popularity of previous FLIPOUT events, attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early once sales open.

❤️ Supporting Very Special Kids

More than just a pinball show, FLIPOUT has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most community-focused gaming events.

Every game played, every ticket purchased, and every donation made helps support Very Special Kids, making this a weekend where fun truly makes a difference.

🤝 Want to Get Involved?

The organisers are currently seeking:

  • Pinball machine donations/loans for the event
  • Volunteers to assist throughout the weekend

Owners who donate a machine for the event will receive a free event T-shirt and a weekend pass.

Exclusive Event Artwork

The official FLIPOUT 2026 event T-shirt and poster artwork has been created by the legendary Brian Allen of Flyland Designs, promising another eye-catching collectible for attendees.

Stay Connected

Website: www.flipoutpinball.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flipoutpinball/

Media Partner: @ausretrogamer <- That’s us!

As the official media partner, Ausretrogamer is honoured to be part of FLIPOUT 2026. We’ll be there covering the sights, sounds, silverballs, and inevitable high-score bragging rights throughout the weekend. Most importantly, we’re proud to support an event that combines the joy of pinball with raising funds for the incredible team at Very Special Kids.

Mark your calendars, polish those flipper skills, and prepare for an unforgettable weekend of pinball madness. FLIPOUT 2026 is ready to flip Melbourne upside down for a great cause!

image source: FlipOut Pinball

 

Go Fast or Go Home! Rumours Swirl Around Sonic The Hedgehog Pinball by JJP

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Go Fast or Go Home! Rumours Swirl Around Sonic The Hedgehog Pinball by JJP

Strong rumours, along with a few cheeky teaser morsels – are beginning to surface that Jersey Jack Pinball’s next machine could be something very special. Word on the street is that Steve Ritchie’s upcoming JJP design may be based on none other than SEGA’s legendary speedster… Sonic The Hedgehog!

Now, just take a second to imagine that.

The Sonic Pinball Machine That Never Was!

Sonic and pinball are practically made for each other. Both thrive on lightning-fast gameplay, split-second reactions, and heart-pumping action. Looping ramps? Check. Blazing ball speeds? Absolutely. Chaotic multi-ball madness? You bet your chilli dogs!

If these rumours turn out to be true, a Sonic-themed table could be an absolute dream pairing, a fusion of high-speed video game chaos with Steve Ritchie’s signature pinball design philosophy. For those unfamiliar, Ritchie is known for crafting some of the fastest, most adrenaline-fuelled tables in pinball history, making Sonic feel like a perfect thematic match.

Ryan McQuaid’s (aka:McSquid) homebrew Sonic The Hedgehog Spinball

Adding even more intrigue, Jersey Jack Pinball has been known to drop subtle hints and teasers leading up to major announcements. Whether it’s artwork, sound bites, or cryptic social media activity, the breadcrumbs are often there… if you know where to look.

For now, nothing has been officially confirmed – but that hasn’t stopped the speculation machine from going into overdrive.

We’ll be keeping our ears firmly to the ground and our eyes glued to JJP’s social channels for any confirmation (or denial!) of this supersonic rumour – we won’t have long to wait, as June is only around he corner!

In the meantime… Would you be excited to see Sonic The Hedgehog brought to life as a pinball machine?

Because honestly – if this thing is real… it’s going to need to be played fast.

Go fast, or go home 😉

The Master of Flow - Steve Ritchie
The Master of Flow – Steve Ritchie

image source: Jersey Jack Pinball

 

Roll Out! Stern’s Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Pinball Machine Is an ’80s Fan’s Dream Come True

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Stern Pinball has officially “rolled out” its latest cornerstone release, and it’s one that will hit Aussie retro gamers square in the nostalgia core – Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye. Announced on May 20, 2026, the new machine brings the iconic Autobot vs Decepticon war to life under glass, blending classic ‘80s vibes with Stern’s latest pinball tech.

Back to Cybertron (and the ’80s)

Unlike Stern’s earlier Transformers table (which leaned into the Michael Bay films), this new release proudly taps into the original 1984 animated series and The Transformers: The Movie. That means familiar story arcs, authentic video clips, and a heavy dose of Gen 1 flavour woven directly into gameplay.

Players step into the role of the Autobots, teaming up with Optimus Prime to stop Megatron from harvesting Earth’s energy, conquering Cybertron, and ultimately dominating the universe – classic Saturday morning stakes, now played out through silverball action.


source: Stern Pinball via YouTube

More Than Meets the Eye… Literally

True to its name, this machine is packed with mechanical wizardry. Stern is pushing boundaries here with standout toys and features that elevate the experience beyond a standard licensed table:

  • Animatronic Megatron complete with a rotating fusion cannon that can fire balls back at the player
  • Soundwave cassette deck ball lock that captures and launches balls into play
  • Optimus Prime bash toy standing ready for battle on the playfield

Add to that Energon Cube power-ups, Dinobot team-ups, Tech Spec card collecting, and mission-based gameplay, and you’ve got a table that feels like a playable episode of the cartoon.

Soundtrack of a Generation

Stern hasn’t skimped on audio nostalgia either. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie, the game features the iconic power ballad “The Touch” by Stan Bush, alongside original music and custom callouts from legendary voice actors Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron, Soundwave).

Yep — this one is basically engineered to trigger goosebumps.

Cutting-Edge Pinball Tech

Under the hood, More Than Meets the Eye runs on Stern’s SPIKE 3 system, delivering enhanced visuals, audio, and rule depth. The game also integrates the company’s Insider Connected platform, introducing a new Cyber Coin wallet system that lets players unlock extra modes and challenges.

There’s even talk of a unique simultaneous two-player mode, where competitors can go head-to-head in real time – a rare twist that could shake up competitive pinball sessions.

Three Models, One Epic Battle

As expected, Stern is offering the full range of trims:

  • Pro Edition – AUD $11,950 (ETA August 2026)
  • Premium Edition – AUD $15,500 (ETA September 2026)
  • Limited Edition (LE) – limited run of 750 units – AUD $$20,500 (ETA September 2026)

Each version scales up in toys, visual flair, and gameplay complexity – with the Premium and LE packing in the headline features like the animatronic Megatron.

Limited Edition

The Verdict: A Cornerstone Worth Rolling Out For

With Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye, Stern has delivered a love letter to fans who grew up in the golden age of cartoons, toys, and arcade grit. It’s loud, flashy, packed with fan service, and – importantly, pushes mechanical innovation forward in a way that keeps modern pinball exciting.

For Aussie collectors and location hunters, this could be one of the standout releases of 2026. Whether you’re chasing high scores, reliving childhood battles, or just keen to hear Optimus Prime bark orders while you flip, this machine looks primed to deliver.

Autobots… flip out!

image source: Stern Pinball, Inc.

 

PAX Aus 2026 Levels Up Cosplay Big Time

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Cosplay fans, costume crafters and con-goers – PAX Aus 2026 is shaping up to be an absolute banger for the cosplay community.

PAX Aus has officially confirmed the return of the Cosplay Central Crown Championship for its fifth consecutive year, and it’s bringing some exciting new upgrades along for the ride — including the launch of an all-new Cosplay Land.

If you’ve ever marvelled at the incredible talent roaming the show floor, or dreamed of stepping onto a global cosplay stage yourself, this is one announcement worth getting hyped about.

🏆 Cosplay Central Crown Championship Returns

The Cosplay Central Crown Championship has become one of the standout events at PAX Aus, celebrating the craftsmanship, creativity and performance of Australia’s cosplay scene — and 2026 continues that legacy.

Once again, competitors will battle it out for:

  • One overall winner
  • One runner-up

The ultimate prize? The overall winner will earn the honour of representing Australia at the Cosplay Central Crown Championship Global Final at MCM London Comic Con in 2027 – putting Aussie cosplay talent on the international stage.

🌍 A World-Class Judging Panel

Raising the stakes even further, the 2026 championship will be judged by an internationally renowned panel of cosplay and creative industry experts:

  • Cinderys – A Paris-based professional cosplayer and concept/3D artist, Cinderys is known for her breathtaking, award-winning work and collaborations with studios like Blizzard, Capcom and Bungie.
  • Soylent Cosplay – Sydney’s own professional cosplayer and special FX makeup artist, celebrated for her transformative character builds and work with BioWare, Blizzard ANZ and PlayStation ANZ.
  • Spicythaidesign – A globally recognised cosplayer and costumer at Wētā Workshop, with film credits including Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Avatar: The Way of Water.

That’s a seriously stacked lineup – and a massive nod to the growing respect for cosplay as both art and craft.

🎤 The Gem Cosplay Returns as Host

Back on hosting duties is The Gem Cosplay, a Melbourne-based professional cosplayer, esports caster and all-round creative powerhouse.

Known for their inventive wigs, expressive makeup and strong characterisation, Gem has been part of the cosplay scene since 2009. As host, they’ll once again help competitors feel at ease while guiding audiences through the artistry on display – acting as the perfect bridge between creators and crowd.

🧵 Welcome to Cosplay Land

Perhaps the biggest new reveal for 2026 is Cosplay Land – a brand-new, dedicated space designed specifically for the cosplay community.

Located on the mezzanine level near the Clarendon Street entrance at MCEC, Cosplay Land will be accessible via both stairs and lift, and aims to be a true hub for cosplayers of all experience levels.

Expect:

  • A dedicated theatre hosting cosplay panels
  • Repair stations and change rooms (because cosplay emergencies happen)
  • A media wall featuring Australian cosplay photographers
  • A walk-up community media wall
  • Hands-on workshops by Lumin’s Workshop
  • Lounge seating, community meet-ups and trading opportunities

Lumin’s Workshop shared their excitement about returning, saying they’re thrilled to bring workshops back to PAX Aus and to welcome international talent like Cinderys to Australia.

🎮 One for the Calendar

With more details on Cosplay Land programming and Championship entry information still to come, PAX Aus 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most cosplay-friendly shows yet.

Whether you’re competing, crafting, photographing, or just love soaking in the creativity, there’s never been a better time to dive headfirst into cosplay at PAX Aus.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on future announcements – because if this is the early hype, 2026 is going to be spectacular. 🎭✨

image source: ausretrogamer @ PAX Aus

Virtual Boy is BACK (of all things)!

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🎮 Virtual Boy is BACK! Are You Ready For Some Headaches?🎮

Nintendo has officially dusted off one of its most infamous pieces of hardware – the Virtual Boy – and is bringing it back into the spotlight in 2026. Yep, that 90s red-tinted headset that gave everyone a weird mix of wonder and eye strain is getting a second life… on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2!

🗓️ Launch Date: 17th February 2026

Whether you loved it, mocked it, or just remember it as that red thing, the Virtual Boy is returning in a modern form. Starting February 17, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers will be able to play the Virtual Boy classics under the banner Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics.

To actually play them, you’ll need:

  • A Nintendo Switch or Switch 2
  • An active Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership
  • And the special Virtual Boy accessory (more on that below)

🧠 The Games You Can Play at Launch

Nintendo is kicking things off with seven throwback titles that highlight both the quirky and the genuinely good stuff from the original 1995 library:

🎯 Launch Line-Up (17 Feb)

  • Teleroboxer
  • Galactic Pinball
  • RED ALARM
  • Virtual Boy Wario Land
  • 3-D TETRIS
  • GOLF
  • Innsmouth no Yakata (aka: The Mansion of Innsmouth)

This is a way better start than anyone expected. especially Wario Land and 3-D Tetris, which are genuinely fun even beyond the nostalgia factor.

🎁 More Games Coming Later in 2026

And here’s where it gets spicy: Nintendo isn’t stopping at the basics. Throughout 2026, more titles will roll out, including some classics and even games that never officially released back in the 90s!

🚀 Confirmed Incoming Titles

  • Mario Clash
  • Mario’s Tennis
  • Jack Bros.
  • Space Invaders Virtual Collection
  • Virtual Bowling
  • Virtual Force
  • V-Tetris

🔥 Unreleased Classics Making Their Debut

  • Zero Racers – a cancelled F-Zero spin-off originally meant for the Virtual Boy 30 years ago.
  • D-Hopper (Dragon Hopper) – another lost Virtual Boy adventure finally seeing the light of day.

That’s right — Nintendo’s pulling stuff out of the vault that never made it to retailers. Retro archaeologists are going to have a field day. 🦖

🥽 So What’s This Accessory You Keep Talking About?

To recreate that vintage stereoscopic 3D feel, Nintendo’s releasing a Virtual Boy accessory that you attach your Switch into — basically a modern take on the original headset.

They’ve teased:

  • A premium plastic version (harder wearing, classic vibe) – pre-order price: AUD$139.95
  • A cardboard version (budget Labo-style energy) – pre-order price: AUD$29.95

Both plug into your system and let you fire up these retro titles as intended.

🎮 Quality-of-Life Additions

Unlike the 90s original, this service isn’t just about emulating old binaries — Nintendo is including modern comforts like:

✅ Save states & rewind
✅ Control remapping
✅ …and possibly even colour options beyond red later in the year 👀

So even if the original gave you headaches, this version might be actually enjoyable — and worth dusting off that Switch. 😉

🧠 Wrapping Up

Is this a nostalgic gag? A genuine retro renaissance? Or just Nintendo poking fun at history? Probably a mix of all three — and we’re here for it.

Mark your calendars:
📅 17th February 2026 – Virtual Boy classics land on Switch Online.
👾 Retro fans, preppers, and weird 3D enthusiasts unite.

Stay tuned to Ausretrogamer for hands-on impressions once this bizarre comeback lands Down Under!🔥

image source: Nintendo

ROGUEish Brings Dungeon-Delving Delight to the Commodore 64

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🧙‍♂️ Calling all C64 adventurers!

Paul Nicholls – better known to the retro community as Syntax Error Software, is back with another Commodore 64 gem: ROGUEish, a brand-new roguelike inspired by the cult favourites Rogue 64 (C64) and Roguecraft (Amiga).

If you’re a sucker for pixel-perfect dungeon crawling, randomised loot, and that sweet “just one more run” feeling, then ROGUEish is right up your retro alley. It’s got everything we love about old-school roguelikes – challenging exploration, permadeath tension, and heaps of charm, all neatly packed into glorious 8-bit form.

Developed for real C64 hardware (and emulators, of course), ROGUEish captures that classic balance between frustration and reward – with every run feeling fresh, every mistake feeling like your own, and every treasure chest might just be your last.

🕹️ Why you’ll love it:

  • Gorgeous C64 visuals that ooze nostalgia.
  • Procedurally generated dungeons to keep you guessing.
  • A soundtrack that’ll make your SID chip sing.
  • Homage to the golden age of roguelikes – built by a dev who gets it.

So whether you’re a die-hard C64 owner or just someone who loves seeing new life breathed into old hardware, ROGUEish deserves a spot on your floppy (or SD card!).


source: Syntax Error Software

🎮 Ready to descend into the dungeon?

Head over to Paul’s itch.io page to grab ROGUEish now:

Then let us know how long you survive before the dungeon gets the better of you — because in the world of ROGUEish, every run is a story waiting to be told.

Stern Pinball Revives the Undead: The Walking Dead Remastered Rises Again!

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The Walking Dead Lives Again – Stern’s New Remaster Bites Back! 🧟‍♂️

Ah, timing is everything! Just a few days after Halloween, Stern Pinball has dropped a monster announcement – their second remastered pinball machine, and this one’s a true undead legend. That’s right, the 2014 masterpiece The Walking Dead has been resurrected for a new generation of players!

Back when it first shambled onto the scene, The Walking Dead was a breakout hit – John Borg’s chaotic, fast-flowing design and Lyman Sheats Jr.’s brilliant, tension-filled code made it one of Stern’s most atmospheric and addictive titles ever. It captured the grim, relentless fight for survival perfectly, blending strategy, horror, and adrenaline in a way few machines could match.

Now, more than a decade later, The Walking Dead Remastered brings the apocalypse back to life – bigger, bloodier, and more technologically advanced than ever before. Powered by Stern’s new SPIKE 3 system, this modern reanimation features a gorgeous 18.5” full-HD display, immersive high-fidelity audio, wireless headphone support, enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, and a new lighting system that lets players bathe in all that zombie-fighting glow.


source: Stern Pinball

The playfield? It’s a loving update to Borg’s original design, complete with enhanced versions of the fan-favourite “Cell Block C” Prison building, the gruesome Well Walker toy, the infamous Bicycle Girl ramp, and that glorious crossbow that fires pinballs across the playfield – now re-engineered for even smoother, more precise mayhem. Players can expect dynamic new RGB lighting, illuminated zombie heads on the slingshots, and a remastered rule set that builds on Lyman Sheats Jr.’s legendary original coding, keeping the “risk vs reward” gameplay alive and kicking.

The visuals have been fully overhauled, blending painterly new art and high-quality video elements that tie into iconic moments from AMC’s hit series. Even better, The Walking Dead Remastered includes fresh custom audio callouts from the show’s stars Michael Rooker (Merle) and Danai Gurira (Michonne), adding even more atmosphere to the carnage.

Of course, Stern’s Insider Connected platform is built right in — letting players track achievements, join global leaderboards, and participate in exclusive challenges. Survive the Prison, fight through the CDC, wade through the Blood Bath, and see if you can outlast the Horde to become the Last Man Standing!


source: Stern Pinball

Collectors will want to hunt down the Limited Edition – capped at just 500 units worldwide. The LE packs in Stern’s Expression Lighting System and matching Speaker Lighting System with Walking Dead-themed effects, a stunning mirrored backglass, exclusive armour and decals, designer-autographed bottom arch, shaker motor, anti-reflection glass, and even a signed certificate of authenticity. It’s the ultimate prize for any fan of the series, or anyone who knows a true zombie classic when they see one.

The Walking Dead Remastered is available now in Premium and Limited Edition models, with accessories on the way. It’s a fitting tribute to both the franchise and the late Lyman Sheats Jr., whose work continues to define modern pinball excellence.

So grab your crossbow, load up on pinballs, and prepare to fight the dead — and fear the living. Stern’s The Walking Dead Remastered proves that even in pinball, some legends refuse to stay buried.

We may have to upgrade our beloved 2014 TWD Pro machine 😉

Pokémon GO City Safari is coming to Sydney this December

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Pokémon GO City Safari Is Coming to Sydney – Catch ‘Em All in the Harbour City!

Pokémon Trainers, get ready to dust off your Poké Balls and charge your phones – because Pokémon GO City Safari is making its Australian debut in Sydney this December! Whether you’re a seasoned Trainer or a nostalgic fan who remembers the glory days of Red and Blue, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

What’s Happening?

On December 13 and 14, 2025, Sydney will transform into a real-life Pokémon playground for Australia’s very first City Safari. From the sparkling waters of Darling Harbour to the leafy paths of Centennial Park, you’ll be able to explore iconic landmarks, discover hidden gems, and encounter Pokémon in the wild – all while meeting fellow fans and soaking up the city’s summer vibes.

Event Details

  • When: Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. AEDT
  • Where: All across Sydney!
  • Tickets: $19 AUD for a single day, or $33 AUD for both days (with the Extra Day Add-On). Tickets are limited and non-refundable, so don’t snooze!
  • How to Buy: Head to the official City Safari website or grab your ticket in the Pokémon GO app (Main Menu → Events).

Explore Sydney with the GO Stamp Rally

The City Safari isn’t just about catching Pokémon – it’s about exploring Sydney like never before! Take part in the Pokémon GO Stamp Rally by visiting famous spots like:

  • Darling Harbour
  • Sydney City Centre
  • Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Circular Quay
  • Milsons Point
  • Manly Beach
  • Centennial Park

Spin the Photo Discs at participating PokéStops to collect up to eight unique stamps each day. Each stamp earns you an encounter with Eevee wearing an adorable explorer hat – and the stamp design changes depending on how long you “press,” so every stamp is a little different!

Special Pokémon Encounters

Sydney’s streets will be teeming with event-themed Pokémon, including Mudbray (the Donkey Pokémon), which is exclusive to City Safari 2025 events. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Shiny Pokémon or two!

Exclusive Giveaways & Bonuses

Swing by the City Safari booth in Darling Harbour (under the Pier Street Underpass near Darling Square) to score a Pikachu sun visor – the ultimate summer accessory for Trainers on the go.

Ticket holders also get some sweet in-game bonuses:

  • 4-hour Lure Module duration (excluding Golden Lures)
  • Up to 5 Special Trades per day
  • 50% Stardust discount on trades
  • Your Buddy Pokémon might find a City Safari–exclusive Tiny Compass souvenir

Power Up Your Adventure with Add-Ons

Want to level up your experience? Add-ons are $9 AUD each and work across both days:

  • Raid Lover: Up to 12 daily Raid Passes, bonus XP, and extra Candy for raid catches
  • Egg-thusiast: 1/2 Egg Hatch Distance, double Stardust, XP, and Hatch Candy
  • Extra Day Add-On ($14 AUD): Play both days with boosted bonuses and a higher chance of finding Shiny Pokémon

How to Get Tickets

  • Open Pokémon GO, tap Main Menu → Events
  • Select Pokémon GO City Safari: Sydney
  • Choose your date, add-ons, or gift tickets to friends (must be Great Friends or higher)
  • Complete payment and keep your confirmation email handy

Ready to Safari?

Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, Pokémon GO City Safari is your ticket to rediscovering Sydney, making new friends, and catching ‘em all in style. Mark your calendars, Trainers – Sydney’s about to get wild!

image source: supplied