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AUSRETROGAMER

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Modern Gaming

Voice Acting in the ‘Arkham Trilogy’

November 10, 2025 By David Cutler

By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

The voice work by various actors and actresses in the “Batman: Arkham Trilogy” is iconic. The performances by Mark Hamill as the Joker and John Noble as the voice of the Scarecrow are on the Mount Rushmore of video game voice acting.

As I was watching the recent film “The Long Walk,” where Mark Hamill portrays the Major, the sinister overseer of the deadly walking contest, I couldn’t help but think how Hamill has given us so many memorable performances on film, on television, and in video games. The Major was so interesting in “The Long Walk,” I wish he had more screen time. His voice acting as the Joker in the “Arkham Trilogy” is the industry standard of what an outstanding actor can do with a video game role. He’s been highly praised for his work as the Joker, going all the way back to “Batman: The Animated Series.”

Scarecrow, the primary antagonist of 2015’s “Batman: Arkham Knight,” is voiced by the Australian actor John Noble. Noble has a face that’s instantly recognisable. I remember him from Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. He’s an actor when I see him, I say, “Oh, I like him.” He seems to always give an absorbing, restraint performance. But there is nothing about his voice acting as the Scarecrow that’s restraint. The Scarecrow is extremely menacing in “Batman: Arkham Knight,” and that’s because of Noble’s acting.

image source: vg247.com

The touch of distortion in the Scarecrow’s voice adds to the danger of the character. In “Arkham Knight” Noble as the Scarecrow sounds a little like Vincent Price. I loved that. I’m a big Price fan, and I watched many of his classic horror films this year, leading to Halloween. The Scarecrow seems like he wins at the end of “Knight” when Batman and he have their final confrontation.

In any Batman video game, the villains always heighten the ominous tension throughout the Cape Crusader’s journey.

Tara Strong’s vocal performance as Harley Quinn in “Batman: Arkham City” was outstanding.

 

Filed Under: Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Batman, Batman: Arkham City, David Cutler, DC Cutler, gamer, gaming, Harley Quinn, John Noble, Mark Hamill, Scarecrow, The Joker, Video Games, Voice Acting

Level Up Your October — Big Games Night Out 2025 Hits Fed Square!

September 30, 2025 By ausretrogamer

🎮 Big Games Night Out 2025 Hits Fed Square!

Gamers, nerds, nostalgia-seekers — mark your calendars! This October, Federation Square transforms into Australia’s biggest free celebration of games culture with Big Games Night Out 2025. From retro arcades to tabletop showdowns, family raves to Marvel clashes, this year’s lineup promises to be a pixel-packed party you won’t want to miss.

So slip on your fingerless gloves, polish your high scores, and let’s explore what’s coming to Fed Square.


What & When

  • Main event (Big Games Night Out / BGNO): Thursday 9 October 2025, from about 3 pm until late

  • Electric Arcadia: Vintage Amusement Plaza: runs 3–9 October, daily 12 pm–7 pm (with extended hours on BGNO night)

  • Little Games Night Out (kids / family pre-show): roughly 3:30–6 pm on the main BGNO day, with games, music, face-painting and more

Everything is free to play — no coins needed.


Why This Is Retro Gamer Heaven

🎯 Electric Arcadia: Your Time Machine to the Arcade Past

This is the star attraction. Designed by Melbourne creatives Callum Preston (Video Land) and Louie Roots, Electric Arcadia is a nostalgic, immersive arcade “plaza” that blends 80s adventure-film vibes with futuristic 90s techno flair.

Expect upright arcade cabinets, nostalgic lighting and atmosphere, and a mix of classic and indie games to try — all playable and shareable.

This year, Mixtape (from Melbourne studio Beethoven & Dinosaur) gets its first playable showing here. Other titles include Jupiter Junkworks, Bones: Wandering Soul, Pro Jank Footy, My Arms Are Longer Now, Donkey Kong, Pacman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more.

Also note: it’s open every day of the week leading up to BGNO, so you can beat the crowds (or just soak in the vibes).


Other Highlights You Can’t Miss

👾 Over 100 Free-to-Play Game Activations

Arcade classics, indie gems, esports, digital experiences — you name it.

🎲 Tabletop Takeover & Roleplay

The “Melbourne Meeples Tabletop Takeover” brings new and classic board games, giant playable installations, and a marketplace for game makers.

Indiginerd also hosts an 80s-themed Dungeons & Dragons experience at Koorie Heritage Trust inside a Stranger Things–styled set.

🦸 Marvel Rivals All-Star Showdown

At 6pm on BGNO night, content creators, streamers and cosplayers form teams and battle it out live on the main stage. Expect spectacle, cosplay runway action and surprises.

🌟 Late-Night ACMI & Game Worlds

After dark, ACMI opens up with special programming including Game Worlds (featuring big titles and behind-the-scenes dev content).

Other late-night events include dance battles (Power Move: Cypher Quest), DJ sets, synth tours, live music and roving performances.

🧒 Little Games Night Out

Before the big evening kicks off, there’s a family-friendly session. Dress up, douse yourself in face paint, boogie at the family rave, play casual games (like Crossy Road, Just Dance), enjoy bubbleman Dr Hubble and more.


Tips to Make the Most of Your Night

  1. Arrive early. Electric Arcadia runs from noon daily before the main event, so you can get your retro fix before the rush.

  2. Plan your zones. With multiple activations across Fed Square, The Edge, ACMI, KHT, it pays to check the Maps & Timetables in advance.

  3. Bring comfy shoes. You’ll be traipsing between arcade zones, stages and food stalls.

  4. Charge up. Your phone (for snaps) and maybe backup power — you’ll want to capture moments.

  5. Join the cosplay. Whether you go full 8-bit hero, 90s sci-fi zealot or indie game icon — there’s a runway and community for you.

  6. Check out developer booths. Local indie projects are on display; if you like seeing under-the-hood, chat with devs.

  7. Late-night bonus: Take advantage of the after-dark programming at ACMI and in roaming stages.


Why It Matters (Beyond Fun)

Big Games Night Out isn’t just a street party — it’s a spotlight on Melbourne and Victoria’s thriving games scene. Backed by Creative Victoria and part of Melbourne International Games Week, it celebrates the artistry, community, and industry behind games.

For longtime retro gamers, it’s a love letter to the arcade era — and for new heads, it’s a chance to see how far we’ve come. It bridges eras: pixel to polygon, board to console, nostalgia to next-gen.


Final Word

If you remember the hum of coin-op cabinets, or just love immersing yourself in game culture — Big Games Night Out 2025 is your must-attend event this October. Bring your friends, family, and inner joystick jockey — Fed Square is turning into Game Central, and everyone’s invited.

We’ll see you among the neon glow and surround sound of arcade bliss. 🎆🎯

image source: Big Games Night Out 2025

Filed Under: Announcements, Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: acmi, BGNO, Big Games Night Out, Big Games Night Out 2025, Callum Preston, Cosplay, Electric Arcadia, Fed Square, Federation Square, Free Games Fun, Game Worlds, gamers, Geek, Little Games Night Out, Mixtape, Old School, Retro Gaming, retrogaming, Video Games, Video Land

It’s the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.!

September 25, 2025 By ausretrogamer

“It’s-a me, forty years later!”

Reflecting on 2025 as the 40th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros.

This year, 2025, we mark a very special milestone: four decades since Super Mario Bros. first sprang to life in 1985. It’s hard to believe that a pixelated plumber jumping over Goombas and rescuing a princess has endured not only in pop culture, but in our hearts—and in our living rooms—for forty years. Yet here we are, still playing, still cheering “1-UP,” still chasing that flagpole.

Timeless fun: how the Mario games have endured

What is it about Mario that still feels so fresh, so playable, so right? Here are a few thoughts:

  • Simplicity + polish – The original Super Mario Bros. was elegant in its design. Jumping, running, block-bopping, enemies with predictable patterns—but the level layouts, pacing, and hidden secrets all combined to make something endlessly replayable. That core gameplay philosophy has carried through to every new Mario game.

  • Sense of wonder & discovery – Even now, revisiting those early levels, you can still delight in uncovering a warp pipe, a secret 1-up block, or figuring out a shortcut. The magic of discovery is baked in.

  • Balancing nostalgia and innovation – Over the years, Nintendo has added new mechanics (power-ups, new character abilities, 3D movement, creative level design) while always respecting the roots. The result: Mario games that feel familiar and new simultaneously.

  • Cross-generation appeal – Kids who played Super Mario Bros. in the 80s now share Nintendo Switches with their children or grandchildren. That bridging of generations gives Mario an enduring place in both retro and modern contexts.

  • Memorable worlds & characters – The Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser’s castles, Yoshi, Luigi, Toad, Princess Peach, and all the quirky denizens give the series a personality and continuity that invite revisiting—not just for the mechanics, but for the world.

In short: yes, those old Mario levels are still fun. When you boot up Super Mario World or Super Mario Bros. 3 or even Super Mario Galaxy, the joy of exploration, the timing of jumps, the “aha” moments still land. That’s the proof that Nintendo built something more than a game—they built a lasting playground.

What Nintendo is doing to celebrate the 40th

Nintendo isn’t letting this anniversary pass quietly. They’ve rolled out a number of exciting celebrations and announcements tied to Mario’s 40th year:
(And yes, the official Mario site at mario.nintendo.com is the central hub for this celebration.)

Here are some highlights:

  • Classic game re-releases – Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are coming to Switch on October 2, 2025, complete with enhanced UI, new storybook content, and a free 4K resolution update for Switch 2 owners.

  • New titles & editions –
      • Mario Tennis Fever is set for February 12, 2026, for the Switch 2 platform.
      • A Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is in the works, with added content (e.g. Meetup in Bellabel Park) for spring 2026.
      • Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a brand-new side-scrolling adventure starring Yoshi inside the pages of a living encyclopedia, is coming in spring 2026.
      • A Talking Flower (from Mario Bros. Wonder) will also see a physical form that occasionally speaks lines from the game.

  • Nintendo Museum in Kyoto / special exhibits
      • The Nintendo Museum is joining the fun with a limited-time 40th anniversary ticket design (valid through about September 2026) replacing the usual Mii design.
      • From December 2025 through April 2026, the museum will also host special lighting displays, running nightly from 4 PM to closing, along with a Warp Pipe photo spot and the 40th anniversary logo installation.
      • Beyond the museum, Nintendo is showcasing Mario—pixel art, illustrations, and nostalgic visuals—to trace Mario’s evolution.

  • Film & media tie-ins
      Nintendo unveiled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the sequel to the 2023 Mario film, set for global release on April 3, 2026. This new film draws inspiration from the Galaxy games while weaving in characters across Mario’s history.

  • Special bundles / merch / celebrations
      There will be merchandise, collectible items, amiibo, and hopefully regional events and popups around the world (watch the official site for local announcements).

  • Community & nostalgia moments
      Nintendo used the September 12, 2025 Direct to formally kick off the anniversary and rolled out Mario timeline retrospectives, celebration montages, and homage moments across social channels.

All of these events and launches mean that 2025–2026 isn’t just a time to look back fondly; it’s a moment to dive in again.

A personal note (and invitation)

When I boot up Super Mario Bros. or Super Mario World or Galaxy, I still feel that thrill of “just one more level, just one more try.” The power of nostalgia is real—but so is the simple fun of precision jumps and unexpected discoveries.

If you’re reading this and you haven’t played some of the older Mario titles in a while (or at all), now’s the perfect moment. Dust off your console/emulator, grab a friend, and jump into that warp pipe. Mario is waiting after all these years, ready to remind you why he became a legend.

And for those of you who love to celebrate in person or online: keep an eye on mario.nintendo.com, Nintendo’s official Social accounts, and local gaming shops. There will likely be anniversary popups, community events, special merch drops, and online challenges. Share your memories and your high scores—let’s make this 40th anniversary one to remember.

After all, forty years later, Mario still knows how to bring the fun. Let’s-a go! 🎉🍄

Filed Under: Announcements, Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Classic Video Games, gaming nostalgia, Mario 40th anniversary, Mario celebration, Mario events, Mario games, Mario history, Mario merchandise, Mario Timeline, nintendo, Nintendo Switch, Retro Gaming, super mario, Super Mario Bros, video game anniversary

Game Worlds now open at ACMI

September 18, 2025 By ausretrogamer

🎮 Game Worlds Exhibition Now Open at ACMI – A Playable Journey Through Gaming History

Melbourne’s ACMI (the Australian Centre for the Moving Image) has officially launched its latest blockbuster exhibition, Game Worlds — a must-visit for gamers, retro enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the evolution of interactive entertainment.

Spanning over 50 years of video game history, Game Worlds invites visitors to explore more than 30 iconic titles through 44 playable moments, original builds, rare design materials, and hands-on prototypes. This is not just a showcase — it’s a fully immersive experience.

🕹️ What You’ll Play and See

From pixelated farms to sprawling online realms, Game Worlds features a curated selection of genre-defining games, including:

  • Minecraft
  • Final Fantasy XIV Online
  • The Elder Scrolls Online
  • SimCity
  • Stardew Valley
  • World of Warcraft
  • The Sims
  • Neopets

And for fans of Aussie game development, the exhibition includes a spotlight on the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the next chapter of Team Cherry’s beloved franchise.

image source: ACMI

🛍️ Exclusive Loot for Collectors

No exhibition is complete without merch — and Game Worlds delivers. ACMI is offering limited-edition collectibles from Neopets, Stardew Valley, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, alongside ACMI-produced books that dive deep into the stories behind your favourite games.

Whether you’re a retro gamer, MMO veteran, or indie game aficionado, Game Worlds is a celebration of the creativity, community, and culture that define gaming.


📍 Location: ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne
🎟️ Tickets & Info: Visit ACMI’s website for details

 

Filed Under: Announcements, History, Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: acmi, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Australian game development, Elder Scrolls Online, Final Fantasy XIV, Game Worlds, gaming collectibles, gaming history, gaming merch, Hollow Knight Silksong, interactive exhibition, Melbourne events, Minecraft, Neopets, playable games, Retro Gaming, SimCity, Stardew Valley, The Sims, video game exhibition, World of Warcraft

Gaming Giants Assemble: PAX Aus 2025 Exhibitors Announced

September 17, 2025 By ausretrogamer

PAX Aus 2025: Gaming’s Biggest Party is Back in Melbourne!

Dust off your controllers, sharpen your pinball flippers, and charge those power banks — because PAX Aus 2025 is almost here, and it’s shaping up to be the ultimate celebration of gaming culture! With less than a month to go, the exhibitor line-up has just been revealed, and trust us, it’s packed with enough gaming goodness to keep your thumbs twitching well into next year.

From console giants to cult indies, esports mayhem to quirky activations, here’s a taste of what’s waiting on the Expo Floor this October.


Nintendo Brings the Big Guns

Nintendo Australia is going all-in with an epic booth showing off the Nintendo Switch 2 and fan-favourite Switch titles. For the first time in Australia, you can wander Lumiose City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Switch 2 Edition) ahead of its October 16 launch.

But that’s not all:

  • Kirby Air Riders is speeding onto the scene (Nov 20 release).

  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond lets you try Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.

  • Demos for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades II and more round out the booth.

Basically: if you’re a Nintendo fan, clear your calendar.


Xbox Turns It Up to 11

Xbox is dropping a massive rig at PAX with THIS IS AN XBOX — an immersive booth stuffed with must-play moments. You’ll be able to get hands-on with the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, slice and dice in Ninja Gaiden 4, and uncover plenty of Easter eggs for those willing to explore.

Pro tip: bring your camera, because the booth is loaded with photo ops.


The Sims Goes Camping

Who says gaming can’t be outdoorsy? The Sims is bringing Camp Gibbi Gibbi to PAX, complete with its new Adventure Awaits expansion. Expect campfire vibes, bug-catching, and some very collectible Sims merch. FreePlay is joining the fun too, showing off an in-game campground lot for mobile players.


Devolver Digital & Massive Monster – Cult Vibes

Lamb cultists, rejoice! The first hands-on with the new Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven DLC is happening at PAX. Alongside gameplay and merch, you’ll also be able to snap photos with The Lamb in the Temple. A must-stop for anyone who loves Devolver’s quirky chaos.


Bethesda Brings the Wasteland

Step into Fallout IRL at Bethesda’s Red Rocket diner and Vault-Tec cafeteria setups. With props, prizes, and photo ops galore, you’ll feel right at home in the Wasteland. Plus:

  • Meet ESO Game Director Rich Lambert.

  • Pose with DOOM: The Dark Ages props.

  • Nab an exclusive Fallout 76 Pinny Arcade pin.

Collectors, consider this your side quest.


Borderlands 4 Lands at Gearbox

Vault Hunters, PAX Aus is where you’ll first hear the dirt on Borderlands 4. Expect developer insights, never-before-heard stories, and a chance to chill at Moxxi’s Bar with themed drinks, giveaways, and fellow fans. Chaos guaranteed.


Ubisoft: 10 Years of Siege & Just Dance Vibes

Ubisoft is bringing the big guns with a Rainbow Six Siege 10th Anniversary Esports Showdown. The best APAC teams will fight for a slot at the Munich Major, plus fans can groove to the latest Just Dance tracks on the show floor.


Aftershock Powers the Party

Custom PCs, daily giveaways, streamer battles, flight sim setups, a claw machine (!), and even live carving by Broxh — Aftershock is pulling out all the stops. Expect SteelSeries, Clevergear, and Ultralabs hardware launches, plus exclusive merch for the lucky few.


Retro Collecting Meets Modern Gaming

It’s not just about new titles. eBay’s Passport Adventure will have a collectors’ playground, including:

  • A museum wall of iconic gaming collectibles.

  • Vintage arcade games (yes please!).

  • Exclusive prizes for quest-goers.

For collectors, this booth is a holy grail.


Extra Goodies Worth Checking Out

  • ÆRTHLINGS mystery figs drop daily in Queue Hall, tying into the brand-new ÆRTH game.

  • Red Bull Tetris® brings a competitive twist, with a shot at the World Finals in Dubai.

  • Australian Esports League showcases the best school & uni talent across Rocket League, Siege, and Valorant.

  • CODE spotlights Kiwi game dev creativity, and Crunchyroll brings the anime hype.

Oh, and hardware fans? Brands like MSI, Thermaltake, Turtle Beach, Sony InZone, and Keychron will have the latest tech ready for you to try.


Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Whether you’re chasing new game demos, geeking out over collectibles, or just want to be surrounded by thousands of like-minded gamers, PAX Aus 2025 looks set to deliver on all fronts. From Pokémon firsts to Fallout photo ops, esports madness to indie darlings, this is the gaming event of the year.

Mark your calendars: PAX Aus 2025 hits Melbourne next month (October)!


Filed Under: Announcements, Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Bethesda, Cosplay, gamers, gaming, indie, nintendo, PAX, PAX Aus, PAX Australia, PAXAus, PAXAus 2025, red bull, The Sims, Ubisoft, Video Games, Xbox

Book Review: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World

September 11, 2025 By ausretrogamer

🎮  Pixel-Powered Love Letter to Indie Greatness!

Bitmap Books has done it again, folks! If you thought their previous tomes were retro gold, wait till you get your hands on 50 Indie Games That Changed the World. This isn’t just a book — it’s a celebration, a tribute, and a beautifully bound time capsule of the indie gaming revolution that reshaped the industry.

From the moment you crack open the cover, you’re greeted with Bitmap’s signature high-quality design: hardcover, vibrant full-colour pages, and that oh-so-satisfying tactile feel that makes you want to flick through every page like it’s a collectible card deck. But this isn’t just eye candy — it’s brain candy too.

🕹️ Indie Games: The Unsung Heroes of Gaming

Curated by Kirk McKeand, the book dives deep into 50 indie titles that didn’t just entertain — they changed the game. We’re talking about the likes of Braid, Undertale, Celeste, Papers, Please, and Stardew Valley — each one a testament to creativity, risk-taking, and the power of small teams with big dreams.

Each entry is packed with:

  • Insightful commentary on the game’s impact
  • Behind-the-scenes stories of development struggles and triumphs
  • Gorgeous visuals that make you want to replay every title
  • And yes, that warm fuzzy feeling of “I remember playing this!”

🧠 More Than Just a List — It’s a Cultural Chronicle

What sets this book apart is its thoughtful curation. It’s not just about popularity — it’s about influence. These games pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and gave voice to new ideas. Whether it’s Gone Home redefining narrative storytelling or Superhot bending time and perception, each game is a milestone in its own right.

And let’s not forget the diversity of genres and styles — from pixel art platformers to experimental puzzlers, the book showcases the sheer breadth of what indie devs have brought to the table.

📚 A Must-Have for Gamers, Collectors, and Dreamers

Whether you’re a retro aficionado, a modern indie fan, or just someone who appreciates the artistry of game design, 50 Indie Games That Changed the World is a must-have. It’s the kind of book you leave on your coffee table and end up discussing with friends for hours.

Bitmap Books continues to prove that gaming history deserves to be preserved with style, substance, and a whole lot of love. This book is a celebration of the underdogs — the games that dared to be different and ended up changing everything.


Final Verdict: A pixel-perfect tribute to the indie spirit.

So go on, grab a copy, fire up your favourite indie title, and bask in the glory of gaming’s most revolutionary gems. And remember — sometimes the smallest games make the biggest impact.

Disclosure: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World was provided by PixelCrib for this review.

Filed Under: Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture, Reviews Tagged With: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World, Bitmap Books, Book, Book Review, Book Review: 50 Indie Games that Changed the World, Books, gamer, gamers, gaming, gaming book, PixelCrib, Video Games

PixelCrib Giveaway – Win an Analogue Pocket!

August 18, 2025 By ausretrogamer

Another PixelCrib Giveaway – you could win the OpenFPGA beauty, the Analogue Pocket!

After their incredible response to last month’s Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle giveaway, we knew PixelCrib would keep the good vibes rolling. For this month, PixleCrib is giving away something truly special: the Analogue Pocket!

🕹️ Why the Analogue Pocket?
Because it’s a retro gaming dream come true! This sleek handheld plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges (and many, many more!) with pixel-perfect accuracy thanks to its powerful FPGA hardware. If you’re a fan of classic gaming, this is the ultimate collector’s piece. The Analogue Pocket is indeed the best thing since sliced bread!

📦 How to Enter:
From 16–31 August 2025, every order of an in-stock item gets you an automatic entry into the draw.
✅ Shop online or visit PixelCrib in-store
✅ Each order = one entry (yep, multiple orders = multiple chances!)
🚫 Pre-orders aren’t eligible, so make sure your item is ready to ship!

🌍 This giveaway is open to everyone — whether you’re in Australia or anywhere else in the world!

Have we told you how much we love our Analogue Pockets?!

 

📅 Winner Announcement:
PixelCrib will randomly draw the winner on Monday, 1 September 2025 and reach out via email or phone.


🎮 Ready to win the ultimate retro handheld?
Head to PixelCrib.com.au, grab something awesome, and you’re in the running. Good luck, gamers — may the pixels be ever in your favour!

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Analogue Pocket, Cosplayers, FPGA, Game Boy, gamers, GBA, Geeks, Giveaway, OpenFPGA, PixelCrib, PixelCrib Giveaway, PixelCrib Giveaway - win an Analogue Pocket, Retrogamer, retrogaming, Video Games, Vinly

PixelCrib Giveaway – Win a Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle!

July 1, 2025 By ausretrogamer

If you’ve been dreaming of getting your hands on the next generation of Nintendo magic, now’s your chance—PixelCrib is making July very exciting for Aussie retro and modern gamers alike!

To celebrate their amazing community, PixelCrib is running an exclusive giveaway for Australian customers throughout July 2025. And the prize? Oh, just a little something called the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle! 🏎️💨

🎮 What You Could Win

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 paired with Mario Kart World—a combo that promises countless hours of fun whether you’re gaming solo, with mates, or going head-to-head online. If you’re a Nintendo fan, this is the holy grail.

🛒 How to Enter

Getting in on this giveaway is as simple as placing an order:

  • 📅 Order any in-stock item between July 1 and July 31, 2025

  • 🛍️ Purchase online via PixelCrib’s website or in person at their store

  • ✅ Each eligible order = one entry (the more orders, the more entries!)

  • 🚫 Pre-order items are not eligible

  • 🌏 Entry is open to Australian residents only

No forms to fill out. No codes to enter. Just shop and you’re in!

🎯 Winner Announcement

  • 🗓️ The draw takes place on Monday, August 4th, 2025

  • 📧 The lucky winner will be contacted via email and/or phone (don’t forget to check your spam folder!)

Full terms and conditions will be available on the PixelCrib website closer to the draw date.


So whether you’re adding to your retro setup, grabbing that gaming book you’ve had your eye on, or just browsing for gaming (and all other matter of pop culture geekery) goodness—now’s the perfect time to make a purchase.

Big shoutout to PixelCrib for continuing to support the local gaming scene with awesome giveaways like this. Best of luck, and may the odds (and red shells) be ever in your favour! 🍄

Let us know if you enter—or better yet, if you win! 👀

Filed Under: Announcements, Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: AusGamers, gamers, Giveaway, Mario Kart World, Nintendo Switch 2, PixelCrib, Pop culture, retrogaming, Support Local Gaming

Grand Theft Auto VI’s Second Trailer

June 27, 2025 By David Cutler

By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

I’m an enormous fan of the “Grand Theft Auto” franchise and I’m looking forward to the release of “GTA VI,” but I must be honest…I wasn’t that impressed by the newest “GTA VI” trailer that was released a month ago.

There are some on the internet who have some absurd conspiracy theories about what happens in the next installment of “GTA.” I’ve heard one about car keys that made me laugh. I was told one about the pregnant woman that appears in the trailer that was absolutely ridiculous. “GTA VI” is the biggest video game in the world. Predictions and theories are going to be all over the map, but some are senseless.

I think there will be a lot more role-playing mechanics added to the game from the previous versions. There were 31 million views of the second trailer in 8 hours. Rockstar released it on a random Tuesday to please curious fans. I like the first trailer for “GTA VI” more. The use of music in “GTA” trailers has been terrific, especially for “Vice City” with “I Ran” by the band A Flock of Seagulls. That trailer for “Vice City” made me want to play that game the moment I watched it.


source: Rockstar Games

The visuals look amazing in the new trailer. The details of what characters are wearing look incredible. There’s a moment in a club where our principal characters (perhaps) dance and it looks like a scene out of a film. I paused the trailer and watched that moment again. The shiny, party dress that our lead female protagonist is wearing looks so real.

I don’t think any gaming company has ever had a more ace-in-the-hole than Rockstar has with the “GTA VI” release. Maybe in all of entertainment. Everyone knew Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” would be a smash hit. “GTA VI” has that level of anticipation for a piece of entertainment.

 

Filed Under: Modern Gaming Tagged With: David Cutler, DC Cutler, gamer, gaming, Grand Theft Auto VI, GTA VI, GTA VI 2nd trailer, Modern Gaming, Rockstar Games, Video Games

We Want The Nintendo Switch 2 So Baaaad!

June 6, 2025 By ausretrogamer

This ain’t a retro gaming related post, but damn, that Nintendo Switch 2 looks so darn sweet!

Lil ausretrogamer has taken a shine to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the original Switch, pumping thousands of hours on it – she is quite good at it and kicks my ar$e every time I race her! So the question remains, should we trade up to the NS2 and Mario Kart World, or stay on the OG Switch and milk it till it dies a slow (but fun) death? What a dilemma!

As the Borg collective famously said, “Resistance is futile”. So, did any of you guys pick up the Switch 2 (and Mario Kart World)? If so, what are your thoughts? Oh yeah, how is the free roaming on MKW? Oh mannnn, so many questions! Hit us up in the comments on FB over here to tell us your thoughts.


source: Nintendo of America

Filed Under: Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: gamer, gamers, gaming, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Kart World, MKW, nintendo, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, NS2, super mario, Switch 2, Video Games, Zelda

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