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Game Over Sale: 1UP Arcade’s Final Week!

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Following on from our previous post about Brisbane’s 1UP Arcade closing down this week (to the public), they have listed for sale quite a few of their arcade machines, with quite a few that are highly sought after! If only we were closer, we would have loved to have grabbed some of the below listed machines!

If you are keen on grabbing an arcade machine (or two), head on to 1UP Arcade to inspect (and buy) these machines. Just be sure to get there this week/weekend – their opening hours are:

  • Thu: 12-8pm
  • Friday: 12-10pm
  • Saturday: 10am-10pm
  • Sunday: 12-8pm

Oh yeah, 1UP Arcade is also hosting a GAME OVER event with delicious burgers and fries been served up by the FOOD BABY FOOD TRUCK!

PS: Love seeing MCA arcade joysticks being used – nothing beats them!

image source: 1UP Arcade via Facebook

 

C64: CLASSIC GAME INSIGHTS VOL 1

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🎮 Take a Byte Out of Gaming History! 🚀

Calling all retro gamers, C64 diehards, and pixel-pushing pioneers—Gracious Films is dropping an absolute must-watch for your collection:

📼 COMMODORE 64: CLASSIC GAME INSIGHTS VOL 1

This documentary is a deep dive into the golden age of home computing, celebrating the brilliance and legacy of the Commodore 64—the best-selling computer of all time. Get behind-the-scenes insights from developers, game designers, and industry legends who shaped the 8-bit revolution.

From legendary titles to forgotten gems, Volume 1 is packed with nostalgia, interviews, and rich context that brings the era back to life. Whether you lived it or just love discovering gaming’s roots, this one’s for you.

🎬 Ready to plug in, load up, and rewind time? 👉 Watch or grab your copy now

Press play. Stay retro. Level up your knowledge.

image source: Gracious Films LTD

Barrels of Fun Unveils Epic Second Pinball Game: Dune Pinball

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Barrels of Fun, the boutique pinball manufacturer behind the acclaimed Labyrinth machine, has officially unveiled its second release: a pinball adaptation of the iconic sci-fi franchise Dune. The announcement confirms long-standing rumors and marks a significant expansion for the Houston-based company.

The Dune pinball machine draws inspiration from the expansive universe of Frank Herbert’s novels and their cinematic adaptations. While specific gameplay features have yet to be detailed, the machine is expected to capture the essence of the Dune saga, immersing players in its rich narrative and distinctive aesthetics.

​Pre-orders for the Dune pinball machine are now open through authorised distributors, with pricing at USD$11,600, this is an increase of USD$1K over their maiden pinball game (AUD $21,990). The machine is available in multiple editions, each offering unique features and artwork to cater to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

With the Dune pinball machine, Barrels of Fun continues to solidify its reputation for creating immersive, story-driven pinball experiences. Fans and collectors eagerly await further details and the opportunity to explore the sands of Arrakis through this new interactive medium.

For more information and to place a pre-order, visit the Barrels of Fun official website.

image source: Barrels of Fun

Step Inside Game Worlds – A One-of-a-Kind Videogame Exhibition at ACMI!

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📅 18 September 2025 – 8 February 2026
🎮 Level up your gaming experience!

From pixel pioneers to modern masterpieces, ACMI’s Game Worlds takes you deep inside 30 legendary videogames that have shaped how we play. Explore iconic titles like World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment), The Sims (Electronic Arts), and Neopets (World of Neopia), plus get an exclusive first look at a highly anticipated Australian game set to launch in 2025!

This isn’t just an exhibition—it’s an immersive adventure. Get hands-on with exclusive game demos, rare concept art, and never-before-seen designs that reveal gaming’s evolution from the 1970s to today. Test your skills in world record-breaking speedrun challenges and experience games in ways you never have before!

image source: ACMI

Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, Game Worlds is your ultimate quest. Tickets go on sale in July! Get ready to press start and explore the magic of videogames like never before.

🔗 More info & first look

The Epyx Collection Handheld Landing on XBox and PC

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Seven Classic Lynx Games Arrive on Xbox and PC April 9th in ‘The Epyx Collection: Handheld’

Retro gaming fans, rejoice! Pixel Games UK and Imagine Software are making history with their first-ever release on Xbox consoles. Set to launch on April 9th for both Xbox and PC, ‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ brings seven legendary Atari Lynx games to a new generation of players.

Priced at £11.99 / US$14.99/ ~AU$23.99 / €14.49, this collection delivers a dose of late ‘80s and early ‘90s nostalgia with beloved classics, including:

  • California Games (1989): Experience extreme sports like skateboarding, BMX biking, surfing, and more in a vibrant, sun-soaked West Coast setting.
  • ElectroCop (1989): Step into the cybernetic boots of a futuristic police officer and battle crime in a dystopian cityscape.
  • Blue Lightning (1989): Engage in high-octane aerial combat and prove your piloting prowess in this arcade-style flight adventure.
  • Gates of Zendocon (1989): Navigate alien worlds, battle hostile creatures, and take down the sinister Zendocon in an intergalactic space odyssey.
  • Chip’s Challenge (1989): Solve over 140 mind-bending puzzles in this brain-twisting classic, now with additional Sega Mega Drive and SNES ports.
  • Todd’s Adventures in Slime World (1990): Explore a hazardous alien world filled with monstrous creatures and slimy traps.
  • Zarlor Mercenary (1990): Pilot a customisable spacecraft and defend the galaxy from waves of alien invaders in this action-packed shooter.


source: Imagine Software

Modern Enhancements for a Timeless Experience

Bringing these iconic titles to modern platforms isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about elevating the experience. ‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ includes:

  • Customisable Display Filters – Choose from a variety of filters, including an authentic 80s-style CRT mode.
  • Suspend Points – Save and restore up to four game states per title, ensuring you can pick up where you left off.
  • Live Rewind – Rewind up to five seconds of gameplay instantly to correct mistakes or retry difficult sections.

Additionally, the collection features an overhauled user interface, with interactive 3D-rendered box art and cartridges based on the original releases. Fans can also enjoy fully remastered instruction manuals, bringing even more historical detail to these retro gems.

A New Era for Pixel Games UK on Xbox

This marks the first retro release on Xbox for Pixel Games UK and Imagine Software, but it’s only the beginning. “We’re excited to bring the first collection of classic games to Xbox and PC,” says Nick Tiseo, Director of Imagine Software. “It’s been a goal of ours for a long time.”

As the world of retro gaming continues to thrive, ‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ is a must-have for both longtime fans and newcomers eager to discover these classic adventures. Don’t miss its worldwide release on April 9th via the Microsoft Store!

Alice Goes to Wonderland Pinball: A Kickstarter We (Reluctantly) Can’t Ignore

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At ausretrogamer, we’ve maintained a firm stance against featuring Kickstarter projects, aiming to shield our readers from the uncertainties that often accompany crowdfunded ventures. However, the upcoming “Alice Goes to Wonderland” pinball machine by Wonderland Amusements has managed to capture our attention, challenging our usual reservations.

A Bold Promise: Affordable, Mechanical Pinball for the Home

Wonderland Amusements pledges to deliver a fully mechanical pinball machine at 80% the size of a standard unit, all for under US$1,000. This proposition is undeniably enticing, especially for enthusiasts eager to bring the tactile joy of pinball into their homes without breaking the bank. The machine draws inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale, aiming to blend classic pinball mechanics with whimsical “Alice in Wonderland” themes. The company has showcased vibrant artwork and animations that promise an immersive experience.

The prototype AGtW is looking good!

The Team Behind the Vision

The leadership at Wonderland Amusements comprises industry veterans with impressive resumes. CEO and Creative Director Jerry Cummings brings over 35 years of product development experience, having collaborated with giants like Disney and Mattel. Product Development lead Andres Quiros boasts a background in entertainment and gaming, including pivotal roles at Arcade1Up and as the founder of New Wave Toys. Their combined expertise suggests a team capable of navigating the complexities of bringing such a product to market.


source: Wonderland Amusements on YouTube

A Cautious Enthusiasm

While the project is ambitious and the team experienced, it’s essential to approach this with measured optimism. The challenges of manufacturing a mechanical pinball machine at this price point are significant. Potential backers should weigh the excitement of the concept against the inherent risks of crowdfunding. As always, we advise thorough research and consideration before supporting such projects.

For those intrigued, Wonderland Amusements’ Kickstarter campaign is slated to launch in March 2025. You can sign up for notifications on their Kickstarter pre-launch page.

Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement of the project.

PSA: A Star Wars LEGO Exhibition is coming to Melbourne in 2025

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Another PSA for those of you that are into the dark (and/or light) side of the FORCE!

A huge Star Wars LEGO exhibition is coming to Melbourne next year!

Launching on May the Fourth, the galaxy-first exhibition at Melbourne Museum will feature more than 8 million LEGO bricks.

✨ WHAT: LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
💕 TICKETS: Tickets on sale early 2025
📍 WHERE: Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens (11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053)

Keep an eye out on the What’s On – City of Melbourne site for further details.

image source: What’s On Melbourne Facebook page

 

PSA: The PixelCrib Pop-Up Store Opens This Week!

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Level Up Your Collection at PixelCrib’s Epic Pop-Up Adventure! 🎮✨

Hey pop culture geeks and gaming aficionados! Ready to hit IRL level 99 in awesomeness? PixelCrib is bringing the ultimate treasure trove of gaming culture straight to South Melbourne!

🗓 When: November 20 – December 5 (It’s a speedrun, so don’t lag!)
📍 Where: 155 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, VIC
⏰ Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm | Sat 11am-4pm

From exclusive collectibles to retro gems and modern gaming artistry, this pop-up is a boss battle of coolness you don’t want to miss. Gather your party, grab your coins, and get here before it’s Game Over!

Need a quick respawn? Hit up the team at PixelCrib via [email protected] or call them on (03) 9041 5243.

TL;DR: A gamer’s paradise is popping up, but it’s gone faster than Mario on a star. Don’t wait—your ultimate loot awaits! 🎮🕹️

image source: PixelCrib

Tetris Forever on the Nintendo Switch – Launch Trailer

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Nothing lasts forever…except Tetris!

Yep, it’s another Tetris game! We have probably bought Tetris over a dozen times across many gaming formats, but who cares, it’s just an amazingly addictive and fun game! This time however, it’s to celebrate four decades of Tetris® magic, with Tetris Forever, now on the Nintendo Switch! This special edition is a nostalgic journey through the history of one of the most iconic puzzle games ever created.

A Tribute to 40 Years of Tetris®

Tetris Forever is a heartfelt tribute to the game that transcended borders and generations. From its humble beginnings behind the Iron Curtain to becoming a global phenomenon, Tetris has captivated players for 40 years. Now, you can experience this timeless classic in a whole new way.

Over 15 Classic Tetris Games

Dive into a treasure trove of Tetris history with more than 15 playable classic games. For the first time ever, many of these games are available outside Japan! Challenge your friends in the multiplayer favorite Tetris Battle Gaiden, unleash explosive fun in Super Bombliss, and travel back to 1984 with a faithful recreation of the original Tetris on the Electronika 60 computer.


source: Nintendo of America

New Game: Tetris Time Warp

As if that wasn’t enough, Tetris Forever introduces an all-new game: Tetris Time Warp. Up to four players can “warp” through different eras of Tetris in real time, experiencing a variety of classic graphic styles and gameplay mechanics. It’s a thrilling new way to enjoy the game you love!

Exclusive Documentary Featurettes

Tetris Forever is part of Digital Eclipse’s acclaimed Gold Master Series, and it includes over an hour of brand-new documentary featurettes. These videos explore the incredible friendship and creative partnership between Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov and The Tetris Company founder Henk Rogers. Discover the untold story of Tetris and how it became a cultural icon.

Tetris is Forever

In a world where games come and go, Tetris remains a beloved constant. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the game, Tetris Forever on Nintendo Switch is the ultimate celebration of this enduring classic. Get ready to relive the magic and create new memories with Tetris Forever!

So, are you excited to dive into the world of Tetris again?

Saying Goodbye to SEGA Classics: Delisting Marks the End of an Era for Retro Gamers

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Ending the day with some news we did not want to hear from SEGA

SEGA’s decision to delist a selection of its classic games from online stores (from December 6, 2024) has saddened fans (us included!) who treasure these beloved titles as part of gaming history.

For many, these retro games were more than just entertainment—they were formative experiences that brought joy, challenge, and nostalgia. With their removal, future generations may lose access to these cultural touchstones. While some versions may still exist in compilations or through remakes, the original versions’ disappearance marks the end of an era for devoted SEGA fans and retro game lovers alike.