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Online Accounts Are The Key To Transitioning To Nintendo’s Next Console

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During Nintendo’s 83rd annual shareholders meeting, President and CEO Shuntaro Furukawa discussed the company’s plans for a seamless transition from the Switch to their upcoming but unannounced game console. Furukawa emphasized the importance of Nintendo Accounts in facilitating this generational shift.

Nintendo has previously acknowledged the significance of accounts in their future business strategies, as highlighted in a special report released at the end of 2021.

When asked by an investor about specific measures in place for the transition to a Switch successor, Furukawa acknowledged the challenge of transitioning customers from one console to another. He mentioned that in the past, the company had to rebuild its relationship with customers each time.

Furukawa highlighted that Nintendo Accounts, which have exceeded 290 million, are cross-platform and can be used for both console games and mobile apps. He concluded by assuring that Nintendo will strive to make the transition to their upcoming console as smooth as possible for customers.

Nintendo has been known for its delayed adoption of new technologies such as cloud saves and 4K gaming, and its online accounts have lagged behind. Unlike Microsoft and Sony, who have had persistent cross-generational accounts since the early 2000s, Nintendo has faced challenges in previous console transitions, like the complex process of transferring games from the Wii to the Wii U. It has been necessary for Nintendo to catch up for some time, and it’s encouraging to see that they are now recognizing this need.



story source: The Verge

Moon Dog Venue Coming To Footscray

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“Grand Sale, Grand Sale, where? In Foot-is-cray!” – Franco Cozzo

Why are we quoting Franco? Well, the old Franco Cozzo furniture store in Footstcray has shutdown and will now (pending planning approval) be the future location of Moon Dog Footscray!  Woohoo, this is some very welcome and good news!

The iconic site (at 54-58 Hopkins Street, Footscray) is prime real estate and in an excellent location, accessible only a few minutes from Footscray train station. As part of their planning permit, the Moon Dog folks will look to preserve the iconic building, which would be a great tribute to the legendary Franco Cozzo. This new site will have a 900 person capacity, which means (if approved) it will be far larger than the Moon Dog World in Preston, which is licensed for 725 people.

Footscray prime real estate!
image source: IL Globo

Since Moon Dog World in Preston opened in October 2019, it has remained quite popular with patrons and it even weathered the pandemic lockdowns, so let’s hope the same will happen with the new Moon Dog, where patrons can chill out (and also play some pinball). Speaking of pinball, we are hoping they follow the Preston model and ensure the Footscray venue includes some silverball action too – if they do, then we’ll definitely need to update our “Where to Play Pinball in Melbourne” article *fingers crossed*

The iconic Moon Dog World – Preston

Pinball action in the shipping container (Moon Dog World – Preston). Let’s hope they include pinball at their new venue!

The ever popular Moon Dog World – Preston
image source: Moon Dog on Facebook



HALO KART: The Incredible Halo x Mario Kart Mashup

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Ah geez there are some keen and very very clever peeps out there!

This Cursed Halo Kart mashup of Halo and Mario Kart is based on the Cursed Halo Again mod created by modder and Steam user InfernoPlus.

Just like in Mario Kart, players race around the track in their Halo modded vehicles, trying to win by all means, including shooting each other! This is our kind of Mario Kart game 😉

story source: technabob



Atari Introduces New Collectible Replica Arcade PCBs

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A NEW REVISION IN ARCADE CIRCUIT BOARD HISTORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Major Havoc PCB: Revision D

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

Gravitar PCB: Revision C

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

Black Widow PCB: Revision A

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



FREE Video Games in May on Prime Gaming!

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

image source: Amazon US – Bumkins

story source: technabob



Ann Arbor Pinball Show Is On In May!

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

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

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LUSH x The Super Mario Bros. Movie Bath Products

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

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

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

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

story source: technabob



Taycan PONG Arcade Battle: Porsche X Atari

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Ready, Player One? Porsche Taycan Arcade Is Here!

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

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


source: Porsche

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

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



Hijinx Hotel – The Best Place to Play, Not Stay

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Now this is something different and quite cool – the Hijinx Hotel has now opened in Chadstone’s The Social Quarter – their new entertainment precinct.

So what is Hijinx Hotel then? Well, rather than us paraphrasing, here it is from the horses mouth:

Hijinx Hotel is an immersive interactive game experience housed within the theme, wonder and theatre of a quirky New York style hotel where the rooms are reimagined into quick play, challenge rooms. Leave the suitcases at home – these are rooms where you play, not stay.

Each of the hotel wings home highly fun & experiential, game-afied rooms made up of 5 different collaborative games. Hijinx is perfect for the young and the young at heart, for groups, on a date or just out with a mate.

As lovers of escape rooms, we are very intrigued by this take on the hotel game-fueled concept which drips a lot of nostalgia. The company behind the Hijinx Hotel is Funlab, who also operate Strike, Holey Moley and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, so they know a thing or two on how to create fun for adults!

If you are intrigued, like us, then check out the Hijinx Hotel website to see what you can experience at this very unique hotel.

image source: Hijinx Hotel