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Go Fast or Go Home! Rumours Swirl Around Sonic The Hedgehog Pinball by JJP

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Go Fast or Go Home! Rumours Swirl Around Sonic The Hedgehog Pinball by JJP

Strong rumours, along with a few cheeky teaser morsels – are beginning to surface that Jersey Jack Pinball’s next machine could be something very special. Word on the street is that Steve Ritchie’s upcoming JJP design may be based on none other than SEGA’s legendary speedster… Sonic The Hedgehog!

Now, just take a second to imagine that.

The Sonic Pinball Machine That Never Was!

Sonic and pinball are practically made for each other. Both thrive on lightning-fast gameplay, split-second reactions, and heart-pumping action. Looping ramps? Check. Blazing ball speeds? Absolutely. Chaotic multi-ball madness? You bet your chilli dogs!

If these rumours turn out to be true, a Sonic-themed table could be an absolute dream pairing, a fusion of high-speed video game chaos with Steve Ritchie’s signature pinball design philosophy. For those unfamiliar, Ritchie is known for crafting some of the fastest, most adrenaline-fuelled tables in pinball history, making Sonic feel like a perfect thematic match.

Ryan McQuaid’s (aka:McSquid) homebrew Sonic The Hedgehog Spinball

Adding even more intrigue, Jersey Jack Pinball has been known to drop subtle hints and teasers leading up to major announcements. Whether it’s artwork, sound bites, or cryptic social media activity, the breadcrumbs are often there… if you know where to look.

For now, nothing has been officially confirmed – but that hasn’t stopped the speculation machine from going into overdrive.

We’ll be keeping our ears firmly to the ground and our eyes glued to JJP’s social channels for any confirmation (or denial!) of this supersonic rumour – we won’t have long to wait, as June is only around he corner!

In the meantime… Would you be excited to see Sonic The Hedgehog brought to life as a pinball machine?

Because honestly – if this thing is real… it’s going to need to be played fast.

Go fast, or go home 😉

The Master of Flow - Steve Ritchie
The Master of Flow – Steve Ritchie

image source: Jersey Jack Pinball

 

8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller Review

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8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller used with Nintendo Switch N64 games showing Wave Race 64 gameplay

A Classic Controller, Reimagined for Today

The Nintendo 64 controller is one of gaming’s most iconic, and let’s be honest – most controversial designs. That wild three-pronged layout divided players back in the day, but somehow, it just worked.

So when 8BitDo announced a modern take on this retro legend, excitement levels went through the roof. And after spending time with the 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller, it’s safe to say… they absolutely nailed it.

Familiar DNA, Modern Comfort

At first glance, everything you love about the N64 controller is here:

  • That unmistakable button layout
  • The legendary C-buttons
  • A design that screams late ‘90s Nintendo

But 8BitDo has made one very smart move, they’ve refined the ergonomics.

Gone is the awkward “which prong do I hold?” dilemma. The analogue stick now sits in a more natural, modern position, making the controller far more comfortable for extended play sessions.

It still feels like an N64 controller… just without the hand gymnastics.

8BitDo 64 controller compared to classic Nintendo 64 controller

Wireless Freedom (Welcome to the Future, N64 Fans)

Let’s talk about the biggest upgrade: Bluetooth connectivity.

No cables. No restrictions. No sitting awkwardly close to the TV like it’s 1998.

This controller works seamlessly across multiple platforms, including:

  • 🎮 Nintendo Switch (especially playing N64 – Nintendo Classics)
  • 🕹️ Analogue 3D
  • 💻 Windows PCs (perfect for emulation)
  • 📱 Android devices

That flexibility alone makes it a standout – this isn’t just a nostalgia piece, it’s a daily driver for retro gaming setups.

Switch + N64 Classics = Pure Magic

Pair this controller with the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library on Switch, and everything just clicks.

The experience feels right in a way modern controllers can’t quite replicate. Muscle memory kicks in instantly:

  • Drifting corners in Wave Race 64
  • Precision moves in Super Mario 64
  • Tight control in your favourite N64 classics

And when you cross that finish line in Wave Race 64… you already know what’s coming – “Bonsai!”. 

Pure nostalgia. Pure joy.

Another photo of the 8BitDo 64 controller compared to classic Nintendo 64 controller

Quality-of-Life Upgrades That Matter

8BitDo hasn’t just stopped at wireless convenience – they’ve improved the entire experience:

  • Responsive, modern analogue stick
  • Rechargeable battery (no more AA hunts!)
  • Reliable Bluetooth performance
  • Multi-device compatibility

It’s everything you wish the original N64 controller could have been, without losing its soul.

Final Thoughts

The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller is more than a tribute, it’s an evolution.

It respects the quirks and charm of the original N64 controller while smoothing out its rough edges for modern gamers. Whether you’re reliving classics on the Switch, firing up an emulator, or pairing it with new retro hardware like the Analogue 3D, this controller delivers in every way that matters.

For diehard N64 fans and retro enthusiasts alike, this is an easy recommendation.

⭐ Verdict: Retro Perfection (With a Modern Twist)

If you’ve ever loved the N64, this controller belongs in your hands.

Final Rating: 🎮🎮🎮🎮🎮
Fun Factor: Bonsai!

8BitDo 64 wireless controller for Nintendo 64 games on Switch

Flick the rear switch to S for Switch mode, or D for any other consoles

Modern 8BitDo N64 controller with Bluetooth connectivity in use

Disclaimer: The 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth Controller was kindly provided by Rocket Comms for this review. No payment was received, and all opinions expressed are our own.

 

Happy MAR10 Day 2026!

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Happy MAR10 Day! 🍄🎉

Today, March 10 – MAR10 Day – we celebrate the plumber who leapt out of our CRT televisions and straight into gaming history. From the moment Super Mario Bros. transformed living rooms into side‑scrolling adventures, Mario became more than a mascot; he became a shared language for gamers everywhere. As we mark MAR10 Day 2026, it also feels like the opening lap for Super Mario’s 41st‑anniversary celebrations, a milestone that reminds us just how long this red‑capped hero has been jumping on Goombas and redefining what games can be.

For retro gamers who were there from the beginning, Mario isn’t nostalgia — he’s memory. He’s blowing into NES cartridges to make them work, learning pixel‑perfect jumps by trial and error, and discovering secret warp zones through playground whispers rather than patch notes. Mario grew up with us: from the tight precision of Super Mario Bros. to the jaw‑dropping leap into 3D with Super Mario 64, and beyond. Each generation of hardware brought reinvention, but the soul stayed the same – joyful, accessible, and endlessly replayable.

MAR10 Day isn’t just about celebrating a character; it’s about celebrating where we came from as gamers. It’s a reminder that simple mechanics, tight design, and pure fun can stand the test of time. Forty (plus) years on, Mario still matters – not because he’s modern, but because he’s timeless. So today, whether you’re dusting off an NES, firing up a Super Famicom / SNES, or just humming the underground theme, take a moment to appreciate the plumber who helped define our hobby. Happy MAR10 Day – and here’s to the next extra life. ⭐


source: Nintendo Australia

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. ❤️

All Aboard the Retro Express: Krank­enwagen Collectible Toys in Tassie

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All Aboard the Retro Express: Krank­enwagen Collectible Toys Retro Hunt in Tassie 🚂🎮

There’s retro hunting, and then there’s retro hunting on an old train carriage—and I can confidently tell you, the latter wins in pure novelty factor, hands down.

Last week, the Ausretrogamer crew piled into a hire car (real-world, not pixelated), braved Tassie’s weather, and made our pilgrimage to Krankenwagen Collectible Toys in Margate, Tasmania. The journey, the finds, the vibes — it was everything a retro nerds like us dreams of. Grab your favourite drink, tune up your nostalgia receptors, and come along for the ride.

Setting the Scene: Margate + Krankenwagen

Margate is the kind of beach-side small town that feels like it whispers secrets of simpler times. You know — the kind of place where a store like Krankenwagen feels like it belongs. The moment we stepped inside, it felt like walking into a time capsule: shelves groaning with collectible cards, boxed Star Wars action figures with that faint whiff of “classics,” and cases of vintage toys waiting to be rediscovered.

If you peek at their Insta feed (@krankenwagen_toys), you’ll see exactly what we’re talking about — a glorious mix of old school toys, retro display cases, quirky memorabilia, and enough charm to make you forget whether you’re in 1989 or 2025.

Choo-Choo: The Train-Carriage Factor

Now, here’s the kicker: parts of the shop (or the shopping experience) are housed in an old train carriage. Yes. A literal carriage. Can’t get more novel than that.

That mix of tactile-old-world infrastructure and fuzzy nostalgia from retro games is just electric. As you step from platform to “aisle,” your brain does a little flip: “Am I boarding a steam train or browsing Sega cartridges?” It’s a juxtaposition that works so well — the rails, the wood, the creaks — they all add character to the hunt. It feels less like a shop, and more like treasure-hunting in a bygone era.

The Thrill of the Hunt

One of my favourite games is always “Spot the Holy Grail.” At Krankenwagen, we played it hard.

  • Vintage toys and figurines cheekily interspersed between gaming gear — making you pause and look twice.

The staff (who clearly eat, sleep, and breathe nostalgia) were generous with their time and stories. They told us about how certain pieces arrived (trades, collections, forgotten stashes), and that sense of curatorial care just elevated the whole vibe. These aren’t mere goods — these are pieces of our collective childhood, curated and preserved.

Highlights & Personal Best Finds

Here are a few standouts from my haul (and pictures):

  • OG Masters Of The Universe and She-Ra — oh how these take us back to the 80s!

  • Aliens action figures — hard to find action figures from the awesome Aliens movie – let’s rock!

  • Mini display diorama — a little corner shelf where toys and games blended in such a perfect “museum of the everyday” way.

  • Train-themed retro decor — small signage, rails motifs, old crates — it all tied back to that train-carriage charm.

Why This Place Matters (More Than Just Coolness)

Beyond “cool store in a train carriage,” Krankenwagen embodies something deeper that resonates with us retro gamers:

  1. Preservation of Play
    When consoles and old toys get dusty and labels fade, stores like this keep the flame alive. They give us a place to touch, test, and remember.

  2. Community Roots
    It’s not about flipping retro stuff for profit (though they do business). It’s about connecting collectors, nurturing nostalgia, and welcoming new enthusiasts into the fold.

  3. Local Connection
    In Tasmania, having a shop like this isn’t just nice — it’s vital. You don’t have to rely purely on online auctions or interstate postage. You can walk in, chat, test, hold — and form a memory.

  4. Experience over Transaction
    The train carriage, the layout, the smell, the conversations — these aren’t extras. They are central to why you’ll remember this place years later.

Tips for Future Retro Hunters in Tassie

  • Go before lunch — you’ll beat the crowd, get better pickings, and soak in the ambiance unhurried.

  • Bring all your spare cash (or credit card) — some gems might not be bargained to ship.

  • Ask questions — staff often know backstories and hidden corners.

  • Don’t be shy — pick up, inspect, open boxes (ask first if allowed).

  • Time it with surroundings — Margate and nearby spots make for great side adventures (coffee, pancakes, coastal walks, vintage shops).

Final Thoughts

Our trek to Krankenwagen in Margate was more than “just another store stop.” It was a time-warped adventure, with laughter, wide eyes, and that familiar throb of nostalgia. Combining retro hunting with the novelty of browsing in a train carriage elevated it from “fun day out” to something we’ll talk about among our collector friends for years.

So if you’re ever in Tasmania and your retro senses start tingling, get yourself to Margate. Let that carriage creak beneath your steps, let your fingers brush over faded labels, and indulge — just a little — in the magic of retro.

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

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🎮 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

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

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“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! 🎉🍄

Game Worlds now open at ACMI

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🎮 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

 

From Pixels to Perfume: Retro Gaming Scents You Didn’t Know You Needed

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Eau de nostalgia

Just when you thought retro gaming couldn’t get any cooler (or weirder), Andrews UK drops a surprise that’s equal parts nostalgic and nose-tingling: a collection of premium fragrances inspired by classic home computers. Yep, you read that right — retro gaming perfumes are officially a thing, and we’re absolutely here for it.

Launching just in time for Christmas 2025, the Retro Gaming Fragrance Collection features four unique scents that pay tribute to the legendary machines that shaped our pixelated childhoods: THEC64, The Spectrum, ZX80, and ZX81.

🕹️ The Lineup: Smell Like a Legend

Here’s what’s in the olfactory lineup:

  • THEC64 Fragrance Pour Homme
    Bold, sophisticated, and just a little bit mysterious — think citrus, florals, and a rich patchouli-musk base. It’s the scent equivalent of booting up your C64 and hearing that SID chip sing.
  • The Spectrum Fragrance Pour Homme
    A vibrant blend of bergamot, woody warmth, and musky depth. It’s like loading Jet Set Willy on a rainy afternoon — comforting, chaotic, and unmistakably British.
  • ZX80 Eau de Parfum
    Feminine, elegant, and sparkling with florals, soft fruits, and creamy vanilla musk. A scent that’s as graceful as the ZX80 was groundbreaking.
  • ZX81 Pour Homme
    Refined and masculine, with lavender, leather, and aromatic freshness. It’s the kind of fragrance that says, “Yes, I coded in BASIC — and I smelled great doing it.”

🧴 More Than Just a Scent — It’s a Collectible

Each 100ml bottle comes in packaging that nods to the iconic design of its namesake computer. These aren’t just fragrances — they’re wearable collectibles for the retro gaming elite. Whether you’re heading to a gaming expo or just want to smell like your favourite 8-bit machine, this collection has you covered.

And let’s be honest — they really missed a trick not bottling that hot C64 PSU smell. Imagine a cologne called “Thermal Drift” — notes of melting plastic, ozone, and the faint whiff of a CRT monitor warming up. Eau de nostalgia!

🎁 Pre-Order Now for Christmas 2025

The Retro Gaming Fragrance Collection is available for pre-order now via AUK Direct. Whether you’re buying for a retro gaming fanatic or just want to spice up your shelf with something truly unique, this is one gift that’ll raise eyebrows — and maybe a few pulses.

 

The Pioneer LaserActive Lives Again: A Retro Resurrection 16 Years in the Making

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If you’ve ever looked at the Pioneer LaserActive (CLD-A100) and thought, “Surely someone’s emulated that beast by now,” you weren’t alone. But until recently, the answer was a surprising no. Despite its wild hybrid of LaserDisc movies, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive and PC-Engine games, and CD-ROM add-ons, the LaserActive remained one of the last major vintage consoles left out in the cold of the emulation world.

That is—until now.

After 16 years of effort, setbacks, and sheer stubbornness, the LaserActive is finally playable via emulation, thanks to the tireless work of developer: Nemesis, a long-time figure in the retro scene—and yes, he’s proudly Australian.

What Made the LaserActive So Weird (and Wonderful)?

Released in 1993, the LaserActive was a Frankenstein’s monster of media formats. It could play LaserDiscs (yes, those dinner-plate-sized video discs), Sega Genesis/Mega Drive cartridges, CD-ROMs and even Mega LD games —if you had the right expansion module (called a PAC). It was expensive, niche, and undeniably cool in that “only in the ’90s” kind of way.

But its complexity made it a nightmare for emulation. Unlike most consoles, the LaserActive wasn’t just one system—it was several, stitched together with proprietary hardware and obscure formats. That meant emulating it wasn’t just about dumping ROMs; it was about decoding a whole multimedia ecosystem.

Enter Nemesis: The Aussie Who Wouldn’t Quit

Nemesis, known in the emulation world for his earlier work on Exodus, a cycle-accurate Mega Drive emulator, began his LaserActive journey back in 2009. What started as a curiosity turned into a full-blown mission: to bring the Mega-LD experience to modern systems.

Over the years, he reverse-engineered hardware, tackled the quirks of LaserDisc data, and even helped pioneer a new file format (.mmi) to preserve the analogue video, audio, and digital content in one playable package. His work culminated in the latest version of the Ares emulator, which now supports LaserActive’s Sega PAC games.

Why It Matters

For retro gaming fans, this isn’t just about playing Triad Stone or Pyramid Patrol on your PC. It’s about preservation. The LaserActive was a bold experiment in multimedia gaming, and now, for the first time, it’s accessible to everyone—not just collectors with deep pockets and working LaserDisc players.

It also marks a symbolic milestone: one of the last major consoles of the pre-2000s era has finally been emulated. That’s a huge win for game history, digital preservation, and anyone who ever dreamed of playing LaserDisc Karaoke without shelling out a small fortune.

What’s Next?

With the LaserActive finally joining the emulation club, the retro community can turn its attention to even more obscure oddities. But for now, let’s raise a glass (or a controller) to Nemesis—the Aussie dev who brought a forgotten console back to life.