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A Wall of Retro Memories – Curated by the One and Only Ms. Ausretrogamer!

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A Frame Full of Memories – A Gift from the Heart of Ms Ausretrogamer

Every now and then, something unexpectedly awesome happens in your retro-gaming life, and this time it came courtesy of my better half, Ms Ausretrogamer herself.

While I was busy diving into pixels, pinballs, and handheld nostalgia, she secretly gathered every pass, badge, lanyard, pin, medal, and random bits of retro-event paraphernalia I’ve collected over years of attending expos, conventions, tournaments, open days, and launch events. We’re talking the whole backlog of memories and nerd credentials.

And then she went full curator mode.

What I saw next absolutely blew me away:

  • All of it beautifully framed.
  • A museum-grade collage of my adventures across the retro-gaming universe.
  • A time capsule of joy, fandom, and button-mashing history – all now hanging proudly in our games room.

It stopped me in my tracks! It reminded me of all the amazing places we’ve been, the great people we’ve met, the tournaments we battled in, the arcades we rediscovered, and the endless good times that come with being part of this incredible community. It’s not just memorabilia – it’s a reminder that every event left a mark, and that she and I shared so many of those moments together.

Honestly… she nailed it.
The composition, the colours, the layering – chef’s kiss. This isn’t just a wall of frames; it’s a tribute wall to retro gaming culture and to the epic memories that keep the Ausretrogamer flame burning bright.

So here’s to Ms Ausretrogamer, the mastermind behind this unique and very special creation. The games room just levelled up, and so did my heart. ❤️

Inclusion, Accessibility, Safety and Diversity at PAX Aus 2025

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🌈 Needed a Breather? PAX Aus Had You Covered!

When PAX greets attendees with the glorious ‘Welcome Home’ sign, they really mean it! PAX Aus is a wonderfully inclusive and diverse event that welcomes everybody – neurodivergent folks, people with disability, LGBTQI+ communities, First Nations people, and many more.

In addition to our love for classic and retro gaming, we at ausretrogamer are also deeply passionate about disability inclusion. As a proudly neurodivergent family, we know how vital a sincere commitment to inclusion and accessibility is for creating a safe and fun atmosphere that everyone can enjoy together. In our experience, PAX is a real leader on this front.

PAX Aus 2025 had a lot going on, which was great! However, navigating the crowds, coping with sensory stimulation and lots of socialising took its toll and left us needing to press pause. Thankfully, there were a number of dedicated community spaces designed to foster connection, creativity, and inclusion.

The AFK (Away From Keyboard) Room was a low-sensory, relaxing space to recharge in. Run in partnership with Beyond Blue, the AFK area offered 3 different spaces. The first was a quiet, cozy room with dimmed lights and plenty of sensory tools/fidgets and mindful colouring sheets. The second had computer stations set up to contact the Beyond Blue counselling helpline. The third was a darkened room with beanbags for those who needed a very low stimulation environment to reset. The Enforcers and Beyond Blue staff we met in the AFK area were lovely and were so calm, supportive and professional. We were thoroughly impressed.

The PAX Together Lounge was still a chill space, but had a more fun, social vibe. PAX Together provided a safe, supportive space which  celebrated diversity. They had pronoun stickers, learn to play and networking sessions, community meetups and workshops – all focussed on games and groups celebrating diversity within the gaming community.

The Kirrip Wilam cultural hub (“Friend Home” in Woi Wurrung language), was another fantastic community space. The Kirrip Wilam Room celebrated First Nation creatives, games, and community. This ABC Gamer interview gives a great overview of this fantastic space:

So whether you needed a moment of quiet reflection, a place to connect with like-minded legends, or wanted to learn more about underrepresented voices in gaming, PAX Aus 2025 made sure no one ever felt alone in the crowd. 💜

Click the link for more information on safety and accessibility at PAX Aus.

image source / copyright: ausretrogamer.com

msausretrogamer

Ms. ausretrogamer
Co-founder, editor and writer at ausretrogamer. Lover of science fiction, fashion, books, movies and TV. Player of games, old and new.

PAX Aus 2025: The Fun Came, We Saw, We Played!

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From Gaming to Cosplay, PAX Aus 2025 Had It All!🎮✨

Can you believe it’s been a whole year since the last PAX Aus? Time really does fly when you’re having fun—and wow, did we have a lot of it this year!

From the moment the doors opened, PAX Aus 2025 was bursting with energy, excitement, and that unmistakable buzz of shared geekdom. Whether you were there for the blockbuster game reveals, epic cosplay, thought-provoking panels, or just to roll some dice and mash some buttons, there was something for everyone.

The Main Hall was a sensory overload (in the best possible way), filled with new gaming experiences, neon lights, and endless action. Meanwhile, the Tabletop and Freeplay areas became mini worlds of their own – where strangers became teammates, rivals, and friends over cards, boards, and controllers.

And of course, we can’t forget the heart and soul of the show (Ed: we are biased!) – our beloved Classic Gaming area. But don’t worry, we’re giving that its own spotlight soon (because it totally deserves it). Keep an eye out for that post if you’re craving a dose of retro nostalgia! 👾

For now, grab a snack, get comfy, and let your mouse wheel (or index finger) do the work—scroll on and soak up all the PAX Aus 2025 goodness!

image source / copyright: ausretrogamer.com

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

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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! 👀

🎬 Rewind Time at Video Land! 🎞️

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🎬 Step Into a Time Machine: Callum Preston’s ‘Video Land’ at Melbourne’s Immigration Museum!

Hey retro enthusiasts! If you’ve ever longed for the days of VHS tapes, neon signs, and the thrill of choosing the perfect Friday night flick, Callum Preston’s ‘Video Land’ is your dream come true. Nestled within the Immigration Museum’s ‘Joy’ exhibition, this immersive installation is a heartfelt homage to the iconic video stores of the 1990s

🛋️ A Nostalgic Dive into the 90s

‘Video Land’ isn’t just an art piece; it’s a full-scale replica of a 90s video rental store, complete with aisles of VHS tapes, genre-labelled shelves, and even a retro counter where you can pick up a mock membership card that’s delightfully oversized and utterly useless—just like the real thing! Every detail, from the intentionally imperfect lighting (think fake dead bugs in the fixtures) to the custom-designed busy carpet, it has all been meticulously crafted to transport you back in time.


source: Museums Victoria

🎞️ More Than Just a Pretty Façade

Beyond the visual nostalgia, ‘Video Land’ features a selection of VHS tapes from Preston’s personal collection, including gems like ‘Junior’, ‘Brewster’s Millions’, and ‘Grease’. There’s even a TV playing vintage-style commercials and anti-piracy ads created by Preston himself, adding layers of authenticity to the experience.

🎉 Part of the ‘Joy’ Exhibition

‘Video Land’ is one of several installations in the ‘Joy’ exhibition, where Victorian-based artists explore the concept of joy through various mediums. From interactive art to vibrant murals, the exhibition offers a diverse range of experiences designed to uplift and inspire.

📅 Don’t Miss Out!

This nostalgic journey is open until August 29, 2025, at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne. Whether you’re a retro everything aficionado, a film buff, or just someone looking to relive the magic of the 90s, ‘Video Land’ is a must-visit.

🎟️ Plan Your Visit

  • Location: Immigration Museum, Melbourne CBD

  • Dates: Now until August 29, 2025

  • Tickets: Included with museum entry ($15 for adults; free for children and members) – go here.

So grab your (imaginary) membership card, rewind your favourite memories, and step into ‘Video Land’—where the past is always ready to play!

Ausretrogamer’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

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The joy of giving (and receiving) awesome geeky gifts!

It’s that time of year folks, time to get hunting for some cool gifts for your loved ones and/or for yourself – you deserve it!

To help out, we have curated a list of gift ideas that will get hearts racing with excitement on Christmas morning. If we had to pick our top 3 from this list, they would be, the Atari 2600+ Console and Games Bundle which is 42% off, priced at $110.45 (Amazon AU), the must-have The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox book, which is now $53.77 (Amazon AU), and just in time for the Steam Deck release in Australia, the UGREEN Steam Deck dock at $48.96 (Amazon AU).

PS: As these prices are correct as at the published date of this post, don’t forget to take advantage of the Black Friday deals!

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard – C64 Edition ($159.96 via Amazon AU)

Super Pocket Atari Edition ($109.99 at PixelCrib)

LEGO® Super Mario™ Super Mario World™: Mario & Yoshi 71438 ($170 at Amazon AU)

Nintendo Switch OLED Model White Super Mario Bros. Wonder + NSO 12 Months Hardware Bundle ($499 at Amazon AU)

God of War Notebook – Collector’s Edition ($119.99 via PixelCrib)

Atari 2600+ & 10 Games in 1 Bundle ($110.45 via Amazon AU)

The400 Mini ($128.22 at Amazon AU)

8Bitdo Pocket-Sized Mini Controller Micro Bluetooth Gamepad ($35.26 via Amazon AU)

SEGA: Sonic Gaming Accessories Holder & Phone Holder for Most Controller (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch) & Phone ($60.00 at Amazon AU)

Star Wars Mandalorian The Child Gaming Accessories Holder & Phone Holder for Most Controller (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch) & Phone ($45.00 via Amazon AU)

Intecgaming Carrying Case for Atari 2600 plus, Large Capacity Storage Case ($116.62 via Amazon AU)

C64 Collection 2 – Evercade Cartridge ($35.99 via PixelCrib)

PAC-MAN 7″ PVC Statue ($129.99 via PixelCrib)

figma No. SP-162 Dead Space: Isaac Clarke ($144.55 via PlayAsia)

Samsung 256GB PRO Plus microSD ($34.00 at Amazon AU)

MINISFORUM Mini PC NAB6 ($539.98 via Amazon AU)

UGREEN Steam Deck Dock ($48.96 at Amazon AU)

The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox ($53.77 via Amazon AU)

NOTE: Prices correct as at publishing date!

TGX – The Game Expo Is Coming To Melbourne in 2023

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Melbourne will now have another big gaming and pop culture event, TGX (THE GAME EXPO) – March 11-12, 2023!

Move over PAX Aus, there is a new event for gaming, pop culture and tech, THE GAME EXPO, debuting March 2023 at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

From the press release below, we can see that TGX’s mission is to be an event that closely connects with the community, is focused on participation, through creativity and competitive events – as well as freeplay and heaps of fun activities! There will be something for everyone at TGX come March 2023!

The Game Expo (TGX) is dedicated to gamers, focused on the things gamers love to do, and the culture and creativity of gamers. The Game Expo is all about YOU, and everyone who loves games. This new home grown, Australian owned event will showcase gaming at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, putting gaming culture forward on Melbourne’s festive Moomba weekend, March 11-12, 2022.

You will get to dive into esports tournaments from beginner to pro level. You can show your creativity and meet creators showing wonderful cosplay, artwork, and meet Youtube or Twitch content creators. Relax and enjoy gaming of all kinds from tabletop and card gaming, to console freeplay and a massive BYOC PC LAN. And see the games from indie developers up to major publishers. Whatever you love in the gaming community, it’s at The Game Expo.

Each corner of the show is about games culture, and everywhere you look, there’s something to see and do. A show focused on gamers and gaming culture is about participation first. Guided by a concept of games culture with the three Cs:

  • Creativity
  • Competition
  • Community

Four themed zones of the event correspond to the coloured buttons on the Game Expo logo. These colours match floor plan and schedule so it’s easy to find your favourite activity. Each zone will have a feature area or stage to highlight the fun.

Red – Tournaments – Community and Competitive – esports, Console and PC Live tournaments, and stage events with prizes.

Yellow – Expo Hall – Tech and Gaming Brands – Explore new games and tech at exhibitor booths, try demos, and complete event quests.

Blue – Creative – Show your love of gaming – Meet your favourite streamers and content creators, witness amazing cosplay and live performances, and discover the talent of fantastic artists.

Green – Freeplay – Everyone is welcome to play – There’s fun freeplay all over the show, with special zones for console and PC play as well as a dedicated tabletop gaming zone where you can learn to play from the free library of board and card games, join tournaments, and more.

Stay tuned for guests, tournaments, and more announcements as the event nears!

The Game Expo:

  • DATES Sat 11th & Sun 12th March 2023
  • LOCATION Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
  • TICKETS www.thegameexpo.com

 



40 Years Of Masters Of The Universe

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40 Years of MOTU

We still remember the day when we visited Treasureway (defunct now) store in 1982 and seeing He-Man and Skeletor on the shelf for the first time – we were immediately drawn to the action figures and the MOTU universe in general. It would seem that Mattel knew exactly how to market these muscle-bound toys to kids. We begged to get one and after some incessant begging, we were told that we could choose one that day. It was a tough choice, but our very first MOTU action figure was He-Man! Our second one was Zodac, closely followed by Stratos. We didn’t get Skeletor till well after.


source: Masters Of The Universe on Facebook

Over the course of the early to mid 80s, we had a modest collection of MOTU action figures, so when we finally got Castle Grayskull for Christmas in 1984, we felt like we had completed our MOTU journey. Upon hearing that there was going to be a cartoon based on Masters Of The Universe, we couldn’t contain our excitement. The cartoon couldn’t come fast enough! Saturday mornings on the couch with the doona (duvet to our UK friends) over us, watching He-Man battle Skeletor and his evil minions was a perfect way to start our weekend!

40 years on and Treasureway may no longer exists, but we still have our collection of original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe action figures – long live MOTU!

Some of our original MOTU collection



Darth Vader: Artworks of the Dark Lord Of The Sith

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When it comes to villains, we reckon no one tops Darth Vader. He has been our fave antagonist from the first time we saw him wield his lightsaber and force choke his underlings.

The story of Darth Vader has evolved since we were kids in the late 70s and early 80s, but that doesn’t diminish our love for the character, on the contrary, the latest Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series cemented Lord Vader as our favourite villain of all time.

With that said, here are some awesome Lord Vader artwork!

image source: Star Wars Always (Facebook) – Stern Pinball Inc.- Fine Art America – Pinterest – myhotposters – comicbookmovie – Artsper – disneyartonmain – Robert Voisenni



Funny Japanese Stuff Without Context

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It has been a dream of ours to visit Japan since we can remember – one day we will visit this great land!

For now, we will just look at these funny and weird images that showcase the beautiful uniqueness of Japan. For those that want more, check out the Facebook page, Japanese Stuff Without Context

Here are some of our faves, but you can see more here!

image source: boredpanda