• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shop

AUSRETROGAMER

The Pop-Culture E-Zine

  • Announcements
  • History
  • Retro Exploring
  • Retro Gaming Culture
  • Reviews
  • Modern Gaming
  • Podcasts
  • Pinball
You are here: Home / Archives for Retro Gaming Culture

Retro Gaming Culture

The Sega Saturn killer: The Atari PlayOne

March 12, 2017 By ausretrogamer

The Atari Jaguar didn’t stand a chance when it was released at the end of 1993. Coupled with hardware idiosyncrasies that made it difficult to program for and poor pricing and marketing from Atari, the Jaguar was already on the back foot. Once the onslaught of new consoles arrived from video gaming juggernauts Sega with their 32-bit Saturn and the new player in the industry, Sony with their PlayStation, the Jag’s fate was sealed.

But Atari’s black cat now enjoys a huge fanbase, with a shedload of homebrew hitting the market at a frenetic pace, a true testament to what the machine could have been back then if things didn’t turn pear shape. Now imagine if Atari had integrated the Jag console with the CD unit 24 years ago and then marketed it properly (Ed: JagDuo anyone?), the fifth generation console story may had been different. To gain an understanding of what this all-in-one Jaguar plus CD unit would have been like, German hardware modder 10p6 has created the Atari PlayOne prototype – a Jaguar and CD combo unit that we reckon would’ve given the Saturn and PlayStation a run for their money.

Atari Jaguar + Jaguar CD VS The All-In-One PlayOne

Oo’er, check out that rear!

The Atari PlayOne not only looks sexy as hell, but is crammed with cool stuff under the bonnet, like a proper integrated power supply (replacing the 2 separate power sources), a host of outputs and beefed up processing at an eye-watering (overclocked) 32MHz, compared to the stock 26MHz – which would have made it compete quite easily with the Saturn and PlayStation.

Before you get excited, the Atari PlayOne hasn’t seen the light of day, yet. If 10p6 ever decides to do a production run of the Atari PlayOne or the latter Atari PlayOne V2.0, we would be right at the front of the queue!


source: 10p6

 

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: 10p6, Atari JagDuo, Atari Jaguar, Atari Jaguar JS2, Atari Jaguar PlayOne, Atari Jaguar PlayOne 2.0, Atari PlayOne, JagDuo, Jaguar, Jaguar PlayOne

Retrogaming Designer Jewellery

March 9, 2017 By ausretrogamer

Are you a gaming nerd that is into their designer jewellery? If you are, then you’ve come to the right place.

We have seen many DIY gaming related jewellery on Etsy and other e-stores, which are pretty cool, but they don’t come close to the jewellery we have drooled over by Han Cholo.

With the Han Cholo collections (which there are many), there are designer and officially licensed products to choose from, like the official Sonic The Hedgehog 25th anniversary class ring and the awesome Sonic sneakers pendant!

Being gaming nerds and general pop culture geeks, we found ourselves trawling many of Han Cholo’s collections, from the cool Gamer stuff (hello Sega Mega Drive controller necklace) to the many Star Wars rings and Masters Of The Universe keychains and pendants. We just wish we had more than ten fingers and one neck!

The Sega Mega Drive / Genesis controller is close to our heart

Mario would be totally jelly of this ring!

If the Sonic ring is not your thing, then the Sonic sneakers pendant may tickle your fancy

The dark side of the force is strong with this ring!

Whoa, Daft Punk ring! No way!

Voltron!

We have the keys to our castle

By the power of Grayskull!

Battle Cat is fierce!

The perfect piece for the arcadians!
image source: Han Cholo


Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Geek, Geek jewellery, Han Cholo, Jewellery, Masters Of The Universe, MOTU, nerd, pop culture jewellery, retrogaming, sega, Sonic class ring, sonic sneakers pendant, videogames, videogames jewellery

The Atari PONG Coffee Table – It’s Not Just A Game

March 2, 2017 By ausretrogamer

UPDATE: Since this article was published, the Atari PONG coffee table crowdfunding campaign has been moved to Kickstarter (from IndieGoGo)!

Make way traditional coffee table, there is a new and fun coffee table in town!

If you are sick of the bland look and the one dimensional use of your current coffee table, then the retro futuristic Atari PONG game coffee table is for you.

Before you start casting aspersions, this is not your average DIY-Arcade-Cocktail-Table people make out of Ikea furniture (Ed: not that there is anything wrong with that!). This Atari PONG coffee table is WAY more than that – it is a physical implementation of the classic Atari video game! Think of it as a playable, mechanical homage to one of the first video games. The coffee table doesn’t just have an iconic game built in, it is totally multi-functional with four USB ports, Bluetooth for music streaming, clock and all of this in a great looking retro futuristic design.

Originally developed as a tribute to the iconic game, the plan of Table Pong Project was to bring back the same experiences you used to get when playing the digital version, with awesome retro sounds, bouncing lights and maintaining the same mechanics that stay true to the original gameplay. This coffee table won’t just be used for holding your books, laptops, drinks, food or your tired feet, no siree, this gorgeous thing will also reunite family and friends by stimulating social interactions, just like the old Atari VCS/2600 console did.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that this Atari PONG coffee table uses archaic technologies to bring it to life. Thanks to modern electronics, electric motors and magnetic fields, the Table Pong Project has managed to create a playable real-life coffee-pong table that is stylish and super fun!

With a smidge under 30 days left on the Kickstarter campaign, you still have a chance to grab yourself a piece of history which your family room will thank you for.

Hmm, there is a hard waste collection coming to our suburb, so it will be out with the old and in with the new (old). We definitely want to join the revolution! *wink*

 

source: Table Pong Project

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Atari coffee table pong, Atari Pong, Atari Pong table, coffee table pong, ff0000, Old School, real pong table, Table Pong Project

Pre-Order Your Neo Geo Pocket SD Flash Cart Now

March 1, 2017 By ausretrogamer

After the great response to our story on SainT’s Neo Geo Pocket SD Flash Cart project, we had been keeping a close eye on the genius hardware hacker’s progress on his highly anticipated piece of Neo Geo kit.

Well, it is time to pop the champagne! SainT has been keeping quite busy tinkering away on the device and we can now report that progress on this wondrous kit has reached a point where pre-orders are being taken. Hop to it now so you don’t miss out.

Check out SainT’s latest progress videos below and then make sure you pre-order your Neo Geo Pocket SD flash cart, as they will go quick!

The first video shows the functionality of the menu system and how the device will function from navigating the SD card contents to installing and running games.

This latest video from Retro HQ’s SainT shows that all issues have been resolved, including the running of 4MB games, like Metal Slug 2 – which works great! According to SainT, the hardware is now complete. Our excitement is set to maximum level!

source: Retro HQ

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: flash cart, Neo Geo, Neo Geo Flash Cartridge, Neo Geo Pocket Color, neo geo pocket SD flash cart, NeoGeo, ngp, NGPC, Retro HQ, retrogaming, SainT

Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia

February 27, 2017 By ausretrogamer

In 2015 when our fave plumber, Mario, celebrated the 30th anniversary of his Super Mario Bros. game, an epic book was released in Japan to coincide with this momentous occasion. The Encyclopedia Super Mario Bros., also known as Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia: Nintendo Official Guide Book was available to lucky Japanese gamers all the way back in October 2015.

Just like the good (Ed: or bad!) old days where we would wait two years for a western release of awesome Japanese gear, the wait is (almost) over! The Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia will be available (in Europe and North America) in June this year via Book Depository.

We can’t wait to wrap our hands around this tome!

image source: mariowiki

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Encyclopedia Super Mario Bros., nintendo, Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary, Super Mario Bros. Book, Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia, Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia: Nintendo Official Guide Book

The Ultimate NES – Now You’re Really Playing With Power

February 26, 2017 By ausretrogamer

Whoa, our socks have well and truly been blown off! From all of the console mods and superguns we’ve come across, Gamester’s Ultimate NES (UNES) is by far the most impressive!

Gamester’s UNES hybrid console supergun can play original NES carts, JAMMA boards and Neo Geo MVS carts – how awesome is that! The impressive feats just keeping coming – the UNES has dual video outputs, allowing two different games to be played simultaneously on two TV screens! Oh yeah, the addition of the Neo Geo controller ports, hidden under the flap above the NES controller ports is downright ingenuous.

Best part about this console mod is that it was not turned into some Frankenstein monster – if you look at it front on, you would swear that it was just an original NES console. No one can tell the power that lurks inside this beast! Gamester’s UNES is truly playing with some serious power.

Ultimate NES Specifications:

  • Base: 1985 Nintendo Entertainment System with new 72 pin connector
  • Power Supply: Astrodyne external triple output, 5V@10amps, 12V@3amps, -5V@1amp
  • Outputs: Composite Video, S-Video, Component Video and Stereo/Mono Audio
  • Inputs: JAMMA Connector, Neo-Geo controllers
  • Video Encoder: NeoBitz + JROK Sync Cleaner
  • Weight: 3lb 8oz / 1.6kg

Looks normal enough…
UNES, Gamester, Ultimate NES, JAMMA, MVS, Neo Geo

Wait a minute, what are these extra Neo Geo controller ports…
UNES, Gamester, Ultimate NES, JAMMA, MVS, Neo Geo

That is one sexy rear!
UNES, Gamester, Ultimate NES, JAMMA, MVS, Neo Geo

The power is within! Oh, great NES game inside too…
UNES internal, UNES, Gamester, Ultimate NES

source: Jamma Nation X – Gamester’s Ultimate NES

 

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Arcade, Console mod, Gamester, Gamester UNES, JAMMA, Jamma Nation X, Neo Geo MVS, NES, NES SuperGun, nintendo, Retro Gaming, Supergun, Ultimate NES, UNES

Donkey Kong Advanced

February 24, 2017 By ausretrogamer

Yep, you read that heading right – an advanced Windows version of the seminal Nintendo arcade classic, Donkey Kong. Take a bow on a job well done, Mr. Justin Bohemier!

When our very good friend Aaron Clement (from Press Play On Tape Podcast fame) gave us the heads up on this game, we thought we would do the same by sharing it with the rest of you. Before Ninty’s lawyers issue a cease and desist, make sure you grab your copy of Donkey Kong Advanced now!

So you may ask, what’s new in this version of Donkey Kong Advanced? Since you asked nicely, here you go:

  • Levels are different, some are completely new, while others have the same level structure with some differences
  • New switch, laser, and key system to save Pauline
  • Mario (Jumpman) can jump off high platforms and land without killing himself (yahoo!)
  • New heart bonus items are worth 2000 points but are tricky to get
  • Barrels rebound off the floor higher than before – so watch out
  • Hitting barrels with the hammer doesn’t pause the game during the explosion
  • Level 4 is icy – there is a special shoe item to pickup that makes it not slippery


source: Justin Bohemier

image source: Donkey Kong Advanced in itch.io

 

Filed Under: Modern Gaming, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: 2D platformer, 8-bit, DK, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Advanced, Donkey Kong on Windows, new Donkey Kong game, nintendo

Atari Flashback 7 Console Giveaway Winners

February 23, 2017 By ausretrogamer

Our Atari Flashback 7 console giveaway was a huge success! We were inundated with heaps of drool-worthy retro entries, making picking the winners all that more difficult!

We congratulate the winners, Tim Barnett and Daniel Cook for their great retro photo entries. Hope both Tim and Daniel enjoy their Atari Flashback 7 console prize!

If you want to see the other awesome retro pic entries, head on over here.

Winner 1: Tim Barnett:
“This blanket took 400 squares and 5 months for my wife to crochet. That’s retro love!”

Winner 2: Daniel Cook
“The summer of 89/90 – the greatest summer of my life. Where me and my bro would stay up all night spending hours and hours on my newly acquired and much loved Commodore 64. Ahhhh… retro gaming heaven”

“Meanwhile back in the 80s…where a young boy (with his tragic retro haircut) would dream of killing rapidly descending aliens in his sleep” – Daniel Cook

Thanks to our great friends at Five Star Games for supplying the Atari Flashback 7 console prizes!

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: 0000ff, Atari, Atari console, Atari Flashback, Atari Flashback 7, Atari Flashback 7 console, Five Star Games, Flashback 7

Contra: Celebrating 30 Years Of Awesomeness

February 20, 2017 By ausretrogamer

Contra, Gryzor or Probotector. No matter what name you know this classic Konami run and gun game by, you will definitely remember it as one tough mother of a game! Konami had an instant hit on their hands when they released the arcade machine on this day [February 20] in 1987. Happy 30th anniversary Contra, you irresistible force!

For those that have been away from Earth since early 1987, here is the lowdown on Contra:

Midnight, September 12 2631. The Marines catch sight of a small-sized meteorite that is fast approaching Earth. The meteorite plummets 20km north-east of New Zealand, at the Gal Mosquito Archipelago. The command keep watch of the meteorite.

Two years later, in December 2633, an intruder known as the Red Falcon is occupying the Gal Mosquito Archipelago and is planning the fall of mankind. Command orders confidential investigations at the enemy’s front base. The marine post orders for two “Contra” soldiers, Private First Class Bill “Mad Dog” Rizer and Private First Class Lance “Scorpion” Bean on a mission. The mission being: penetrate the insides of the enemy, destroy the front base and the entire centre of operation.

image source: GameFAQs

 

Filed Under: History, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Classic Games, Contra, Gryzor, Konami, Old School, Probotector, Retro Gaming, Video Games

PIper: Build Your First Real Computer

February 17, 2017 By ausretrogamer

You know you have created something special when you have Elon Musk’s kids playing and loving it, and Apple Co-Founder, Steve Wozniak espousing how great your product is for young minds.

Piper is a computer kit that kids assemble themselves! The Piper Computer Kit is aimed at youngsters, growing their confidence around being creators of technology instead of purely consumers.

Kids are quite inquisitive by nature – when they are given iPads, computers and smartphones, they don’t see how technology actually works.  Kids may actually think that technology works by magic, and later in life, when the opportunity to learn or build something tech-related comes up, they feel intimidated.

With LEGO and Minecraft on the other hand, you can get started right away. It’s easy. This ease leads to confidence, which in turn leads to incredible creations. The Piper Computer Kit allows kids to create with code and electronics as simply as placing LEGO bricks or craft a diamond helmet in Minecraft. Piper truly inspires the next generation of inventors and creators!

To find out more about this great computer kit, visit the Piper site.

Build it and they’ll come

Build a real computer from 100+ parts and an engineering diagram!

Create your next science project or invent a new smart home device!

Learn to build and program electronics with immediate results!

source: Piper Computer Kit

 

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Computer Kit, Minecraft, Piper, Piper Computer Kit, Piper Raspberry Pi, PiperUniverse, PlayPiper, Raspberry Pi

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 101
  • Page 102
  • Page 103
  • Page 104
  • Page 105
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 169
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

FacebookInstagramYoutTubeTumblrFollow Us on RSSFollow Us on MastodonFollow Us on BlueskyFollow Us on Threads

Search

Shout Us A Coffee!

Recent Posts

  • Pre-Ordered The NEO GEO AES+ Anniversary Edition – Who Else Is In?
  • PAX Aus 2026 Levels Up Cosplay Big Time
  • ‘Tracker’ Could Be a Fun Game
  • Finding My Sound Again: How Sonicware’s MEGA-SYNTH Reignited My Creative Spark
  • The Game Expo 2026: A Sunday Well Spent

Ad

Footer

© 2012 – 2026 – ausretrogamer (The Australian Retro Gamer E-Zine). All rights reserved. Where appropriate, all trademarks and copyrighted materials remain property of their respective owners.

Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer

Advertise | About | Contact | Links

Please see our Privacy Policy for details on how we treat your personal information.

Support This Site

If you like what we do, you can shout us a coffee on Ko-fi :-)

Copyright © 2026 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in