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Weeping At Another Video Rental Store Closing

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Another Australian video rental store bites the proverbial dust!

We reported back in 2019 when the last Australian Blockbuster was closing its doors, and this time it’s no different, which we are sad to report that the independent family run video rental store in Kambalda, a mining town in the WA Goldfields, is closing its doors one last time after 40 years in business.

Run by the Assaad family since 1983, the video rental store has succumbed to FIFO (fly in, fly out) – where mining workers no longer reside in the town and are instead flown in and out. The steady decline has been a long time coming, with patronage almost nil which left the Assaad’s with no other option than to close this once thriving video rental store.

We wonder if there are other video rental stores still about in Australia? If you know of any, please let us know!

story and image source: ABC



Operation Switch: Arcade1Up Pinball Mod

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Performing essential surgery on our Arcade1Up Pinball machine

The Arcade1Up Pinball machines have recently received a new lease of life with community enhancements, like Team Encoder’s brilliant A1Pinner software, which allowed owners of these machines to install other Arcade1Up pinball packs (Marvel, Star Wars and Williams) and the Pinball Arcade and Zen Pinball applications (Android versions) with their plethora of pinball tables. Team Encoder went as far as creating a custom launcher and the ability to change the display to 1080p, which was a bit of a hit or miss due to the limited hardware spec inside these pinball machines.

We came across IntecGaming’s Nintendo Switch DIY Pinball kit about a year ago and have been eagerly awaiting its release. Once IntecGaming had this kit up for pre-order, we immediately jumped on it. The improvement is great value with this low cost kit, and of course, playing video games, especially the pinball (and shoot’em ups) variety in 1080p is exactly what this machine should have had from the start.

The IntecGaming Switch DIY Pinball kit is a physical modification to the Arcade1Up Pinball Machine, so we had to get our hand dirty so to speak. With no soldering required, this was as easy as unplugging the old and replacing them with the new! Of course the control panel with its ball-top joystick provides the arcade experience we were missing when playing Switch games.

Without further ado, here are the steps (with photos) that we took to operate and modify our A1Up Attack From Mars pinball machine:

Time to commence Operation Switch!

Unboxing the contents of the IntecGaming Switch DIY Pinball Kit: We need to replace 3 boards (marked A, B and C)

One last look at the machine before we start operating

Popping the hood

Popping the rear to get to the smaller (DMD) screen

Following the instructions to unplug the controller wiring from the old board and connect them to the new (A) board

Board A attached and controller connectors rerouted to plug into the new board

Next, is the sound and solenoid driver board (board B)

Second board is totally removed from the A1Up and replaced by IntecGaming’s Board B

The metal casing is replaced with a breathable plastic cover for Board B

The main board hiding in its metal casing attached to the LCD

Last of the board updates – replace the main board with IntecGaming’s Board C

The original main board is unplugged

Got to follow the instructions carefully here, as any wrong move will render the machine an expensive doorstop!

Wiring up the replacement main board (Board C) and putting it back in the casing. Having two HDMI out ports is a godsend!

With the boards replaced and connections all plugged in, it’s the control panel that the last thing to add 

The new replacement lockdown bar is beefier than the original!

All modifications completed!

Instructions to sync the control panel and kit to the Switch

The plastic stand is perfect to keep the Switch and dock tucked away

Switch is docked, 3.5mm sound jack & HDMI are plugged in too

Success! All powered up and ready to go! The DMD LCD acts as our selection screen

First game we boot up, Zen’s Pinball FX 3!

Going to put the original boards & other parts in a safe place



The Flipside Barcade: Adelaide’s Cool New Pinball Bar

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If you are visiting Adelaide (or live in the great state of South Australia), then checking out The Flipside Barcade in Daw Park (about 7km south of the Adelaide CBD) should be at the top of your “must check out” list!

Infused with an American-style menu, craft beers to quench your hard-earned thirst and nostalgia inducing arcade and pinball machines, The Flipside Barcade is the hottest destination in the Festival State! The mix of food, drinks and amusement action is exactly what the doctor ordered. Oh yeah, if you are feeling competitive, then Flipside has plenty of pinball and arcade gaming tournaments on offer!

The important details:

  • Venue: The Flipside Barcade
  • Address: 538 Goodwood Road, Daw Park South Australia 5041

image source: The Flipside Barcade



Celebrating Jerry Lawson: The Father of the Videogame Cartridge

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Thanks to Google and the Lawson family, we can all celebrate what would have been Jerry Lawson’s 82nd birthday.

Gerald “Jerry” Lawson passed away in 2011 aged 70, but his legacy as the father of the videogame cartridge while he worked on the Fairchild Channel F console as a Computer Engineer lives on and will always be celebrated.

If you haven’t already, check out the Jerry Lawson Google Doodle here and enjoy the awesomely cute pixel games and find out more about this incredible man.

Behind-the-scenes of the Jerry Lawson Google Doodle!

Courtesy of the Google Doodle team & Lawson family:

Today’s interactive game Doodle celebrates the 82nd birthday of Gerald “Jerry” Lawson, one of the fathers of modern gaming who led the team that developed the first home video gaming system with interchangeable game cartridges. The Doodle features games designed by three American guest artists and game designers: Davionne Gooden, Lauren Brown, and Momo Pixel.

Lawson was born in Brooklyn, New York on this day in 1940. He tinkered with electronics from an early age, repairing televisions around his neighborhood and creating his own radio station using recycled parts. He attended Queens College and City College of New York before departing early to start his career in Palo Alto, California. At the time, the city and its surrounding region had become known as “Silicon Valley” due to the explosion of new, innovative tech companies starting up in the area.

Upon arriving in California, Lawson joined Fairchild Semiconductor as an engineering consultant. A few years later, Lawson was promoted to Director of Engineering and Marketing of Fairchild’s video game department where he led the development of the Fairchild Channel F system (the “F” stood for fun!). This was the first home video game system console that featured interchangeable game cartridges, an 8-way digital joystick and a pause menu. The Channel F paved the way for future gaming systems like the Atari, SNES, Dreamcast and more.

In 1980, Lawson left Fairchild to start his own company, VideoSoft—one of the earliest Black-owned video game development companies. The company created software for the Atari 2600, which popularized the cartridge Lawson and his team developed. Although they closed five years later, Lawson had solidified himself as a pioneer in the industry and continued to consult multiple engineering and video game companies throughout the rest of his career.

In 2011, the International Game Developers Association recognized Lawson as an industry trailblazer for his contributions to gaming. The University of Southern California also created the Gerald A. Lawson Fund to support underrepresented students who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in game design or computer science. Lawson’s achievements are memorialized at the World Video Game Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York.

Here’s to you, Jerry!

Special thanks to Jerry Lawson’s children, Anderson and Karen Lawson, for their collaboration on this project. Below they share their thoughts on today’s Doodle and their father’s legacy.

Gerald Anderson Lawson was an engineer, always curious, critical in his thinking, and logical in how he solved problems. He challenged us to extend beyond our limits and encouraged young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

As a child in the 1940’s, he was inspired by George Washington Carver. That inspiration provided the spark that ignited his desire to pursue a career in electronics. He loved what he did and did what he loved.  Considering the obvious challenges for African-Americans at the time, his professional achievements were quite remarkable.

Due to a crash in the video game market, our father’s story became a footnote in video-game history.  However, over the past few years, there have been numerous awards, scholarships, and media that have recognized him. Our family is eternally grateful to those who have worked tirelessly to bring his story to the public.

Today, we celebrate what would’ve been Dad’s 82nd birthday with the world.  We would like to thank Google for working with us to share our father’s story in this Doodle. May his story continue to inspire numerous young people around the globe to achieve something remarkable.

Dad, you were our provider, motivator, teacher, inventor, mentor and friend. We are incredibly proud of you and miss you.  The planet knows your story and you will never be forgotten!

Happy Birthday, Pop! We love you!



Aldi 80s Special Buys

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Aldi (Australia) sure knows how to cash in on the retro craze!

Starting next Wednesday (November 30), Aldi will stock some sweet 80s special buys, from retro tech to fashion and leisure items which they are calling Retro Entertainment.

So what kind of stuff will Aldi have up for grabs on November 30? We are glad you asked! Take a gander at these:

Our picks are the retro skateboard, Stack Hat, the micro arcades and that hot boombox! Better get that DeLorean ready to head back to the 80s!


source: Aldi – YouTube



Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration – Steelbook Edition

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We are late to Atari’s 50th Anniversary party, but we are glad that we are!

We waited to see what everyone thought of the compilation before pulling the trigger, and it has been overwhelmingly positive – which was great to see! With 100 games, surely you’d find several absolute gems.

Since we wanted the Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration in physical format, we inadvertently stumbled upon the JB Hi-Fi exclusive Steelbook Edition pre-order, which will be available on November 25th. Well, without hesitation, we put in our pre-order and can’t wait for this Friday to roll around!

Anyone else grabbing the Steelbook Edition for the Nintendo Switch?

image source: Five Star Games



Numskull Designs Launches Space Invaders Quarter Arcades

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Whoa, what a way to finish off the week! Numskull Designs have launched their new entrants in the Quarter Arcades series, Space Invaders and Space Invaders Part II!

With Space Invaders celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2023, Numskull Designs are releasing the iconic and influential masterpieces in the form of two new quarter scale arcade cabinets –Space Invaders & Space Invaders Part II. Pre-orders are now open via the Numskull Designs site right here.

Space Invaders originally burst in the scene in the golden era of arcade gaming and set the bar for those that followed. Since its release in 1978, it has gone on to become a global pop-culture phenomenon. Developed by Tomohiro Nishikado, the game has been cited as revolutionising the arcade industry as well as having an influence on many famous video game designs since.

Quarter Arcades -Special Editions:

Commemorating the 45th anniversary of the iconic SPACE INVADERS franchise, its creator – the legendary Mr. Tomohiro Nishikado has kindly signed 78 x SPACE INVADERS cabinets to celebrate the release date of 1978, and 79 x SPACE INVADERS PART II cabinets to celebrate the release date of 1979.These are strictly limited edition cabinets, perfect for you to play or display in your home for the most authentic experience of the classic arcade game available on the market. STRICTLY LIMITED TO 78 x SPACE INVADERS AND 79 x SPACE INVADERS PART II WORLDWIDE.

Oh yeah, you can start drooling now with their official announcement trailer below 😉

image source: Numskull Designs



Playing NES’ ‘Championship Bowling’ was Educational

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

Did Nintendo’s “Championship Bowling” make me a prodigy?

When I was ten, I played Nintendo’s “Championship Bowling” after school and on the weekends with an intense focus and delight. Through the 1989 game, I learned exactly which lane arrows to throw the bowling ball between. I’d put a slight right or left hook on the ball when needed. The results were usually a strike or spare. My highest score on “Championship Bowling” was a 261. I still remember.

I always found the soundtrack annoying. It sounded like a hodgepodge of instruments all being played at the same time with a violin bow at a frenetic energy. The baton twirlers on the lane were a bit odd.

After months of playing NES “Championship Bowling,” I talked my mother into letting me join a junior bowling league. I implemented the same techniques that made me successful playing the game, during Saturdays on my bowling team. I lined up on the arrows that I would line up on when I played the game; usually, three arrows over from the right gutter, and I’d give the ball a small hook.

I regularly began winning tournaments and team events on the weekends. I would see a trophy before a tournament and say to myself, “I’m going to win that.” It was thrilling to be exceptional at something new.

Once, after a state tournament, Charles, the man who ran my junior league, called me “a bowling prodigy.” I didn’t know what that word meant. I looked it up in the dictionary when I got home. I’ll throw modesty to the side for a sentence: I was sort of a prodigy.

The definition of a prodigy: a person, especially a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities. I took my scores seriously, so much so that I would bowl later with my Nintendo to figure out what I had done wrong during a tournament or league play. I was obsessed with the game for about three years. Then, I became fanatical about other great things in my life.

Now, when I bowl with Nintendo Switch Sports, it feels bittersweet. Bowling with my Switch is more physical and more realistic but playing “Championship Bowling” was more thrilling. Perhaps, because I was younger, and bowling was this brand-new, exciting sport that I had just discovered by accident through a gaming system.

I bet there’s a kid out there that’s thinking about asking their parents to join a junior bowling league because they love playing the game on their Switch as much as I loved playing “Championship Bowling.”



Hands On With The AYANEO AIR

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We have now had our Ayaneo Air (Standard) for almost two months, so we thought it’s a good time to tell you all about it – the good and the bad!

As already mentioned, this is a hands on and a first impressions article on our Ayaneo Air. Reason for this not being a full review is that our Air unit has been returned to Ayaneo for repairs, so once it arrives back, we will provide our final thoughts – wrapping up the review. However, please don’t get discouraged by us returning our Air for repairs, as Ayaneo’s support and service team has been nothing short of exemplary, with prompt responses and eagerness to resolve the issues encountered.

Specifications of our Ayaneo Air device:

  • Model: Ayaneo Air Standard
  • Colour: Polar Black
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5560U
  • Memory: 16GB LPDDR4X 4266
  • Storage: 256GB NVMe (expandable via MicroSD)
  • Display: 5.5″ AMOLED Touchscreen (1920×1080)
  • Battery: 28W 7350mAh
  • Dimensions (LxWxD): 8.8” x 3.5” x 0.7” inches
  • Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
  • I/O: 2 x USB Type-C (top and bottom), 3.5mm audio combo jack
  • Security: Fingerprint Scanner
  • OS: Windows 11 Home
  • Price: US$629.00

Anyway, we know that over time we will discover new things to like and enjoy (or perhaps dislike) about our Ayaneo Air, so the more time we spend with it, we’ll be in a better position to provide our final thoughts. In the last two or so months we have had this device, we have set it up to play contemporary PC games (on Steam, Epic Games, GoG and Amazon Games) and of course, games from yesteryear using RetroBat – an awesome all-in-one emulation system for Windows.

Before we get to the gaming and setup side, we thought we’d start with the physical aspects, like the build quality of the Ayaneo Air and it’s packaging. With that said, the Ayaneo Air is all premium, with no corners cut, from the analogue Hall sticks (with no dead zones!) to the face buttons and shoulder Hall triggers, the integration of all the controls on the Air have been very carefully and meticulously considered for us gamers. The Air feels great in hand as it is light, meaning you won’t fatigue your hands and arms by holding a brick, like the Steam Deck.

The 5.5″ AMOLED touchscreen is an absolute game changer, with eye popping clarity and crispness that has to be seen to be believed – we just wish it was a tad bigger, like 6.5 or even 7″, then it would have been perfect, albeit heavier! By having a smaller screen, it means that Ayaneo were able to keep the Air’s size, weight/thickness and portability to a minimum – it’s 398g and 18mm thick)! The trade off it being slimline is that the battery doesn’t hold charge for long gaming sessions. Unfortunately, we could only manage about 2 hours or so on balanced TDP to play our games. If you do increase the TDP to play the heftier games, then expect a lot less battery time. If you are a gamer that expects at least 4+ hours on one battery charge, then you may need a juiced up powerbank to help you play longer – or go up to the Air Pro model.

Aside from the screen size and small-ish battery capacity, we are still quite impressed with it, as it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. Oh yeah, we are also using the Ayaneo Air as our primary PC to do mundane stuff like spreadsheets, answering emails and writing this article 😉

Before we forget, the packaging is top notch too, with the Air device and its peripherals all tucked in nicely and securely in foam, with the outer box feeling like it’s for the Apple iPad – it is that good!

Make your AIR look like a Steam Deck!

On the usability and software side, the Air can be summed up by saying that it’s all-round features and capabilities provide a lightweight and ergonomic device running Window 11 without an issue, but with some performance sacrifices to make it more portable than something like the Steam Deck. The AYA Space companion operating software is a novel addition, but it is still in beta, so tread carefully. The good news is, Ayaneo are constantly updating the AYA Space software and adding new and improved features (and stamping out bugs with each new update) – we can’t wait to see how this matures.

Nintendo Switch VS Ayaneo Air

We had no issues with setting up our games from Steam, Epic, EA, GoG and even Xbox (GamePass Ultimate) on the Air. Our library isn’t too extensive, so for the games we tested, they played well, with the controls feeling like second nature. The aforementioned TDP could be bumped up for the games requiring more CPU grunt, however, we haven’t tested this extensively as yet. The biggest test for us was how the Ayaneo Air would fare with emulation, from 8-bit classic systems all the way up to and including the Wii and Switch. Well, we are happy to report that we found no issues, no lag, stuttering or cropping, bar from a few high end PS2 and Game Cube games. We even got to play Ricky Carmichael MX 2002 on the Xbox core within RetroBat.

Speaking of RetroBat, it was our final choice when it came to a complete emulation system. We threw everything at it, and it worked almost immediately! We did have to tweak some configs to get TeknoParrot, Future Pinball and Yuzu (Nintendo Switch emulator) going, but these were quite simple, with plenty of online help to get you through it.

The Ayaneo Air is for the gamer that wants flexibility in their gaming device, unlike the limitations imposed by Nintendo with their closed system Switch. The Air allows its user to set it up exactly to their liking. But be mindful that this flexibility is a double-edged sword, as Windows is inherently difficult to get stuff configured on and working right, so if you don’t want to tinker too much, then you’ll just be playing the standard PC games on it.

This device is a good option for gamers who like to play their Steam library (and other PC gaming platforms) with enhanced and rich visuals – the Ayaneo Air’s ultra wide angle AMOLED screen provides amazing visuals no matter the viewing angle! If you are after a high quality Windows/PC and retro gaming handheld, then look no further, as the Ayaneo Air ticks all of the boxes!

The dreaded white screen (not of death) – our Air will be repaired by Ayaneo

NOTE: As mentioned earlier in this article, our Air is currently in transit to Ayaneo for them to check and repair the intermittent white screen we get on boot up (see photo below). Ayaneo had arranged DHL to pick it up and will also use DHL to deliver it back once fixed. Ayaneo has assured us that they are aware of the issue and can resolve it. We will keep you informed of how this repair transpires, so stay tuned!



The Commodordion: The C64 SID Piano Accordion

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It’s great to have friends that look out for you that bring stuff to your attention when you may have missed while being bombarded with stuff on social media.

Our very good friend Cam informed us of this rather cool C64 piano accordion creation, dubbed cleverly as The Commodordion, which turns two Commodore 64 computers into a single darn awesome instrument! But wait, there is more! The bellows are made out of floppy disks! Ok, our mind has well and truly been blown – wow!

image source: Linus Åkesson

Just listen to the gorgeous SID chiptune coming out of that acoustic aerophone! Forget about folksy music, this is our kind of piano accordion.

PS: Learn more about the project: https://linusakesson.net/commodordion/index.php


source: lftkryo