Tag Archives: arcade

DIY Game Boy arcade blows up classic titles with a giant screen, giant controls

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We have seen no shortage of retro designs that try to recreate the glory of old product designs, especially in the gaming world. Many of these try to be as faithful as they can to the original, but some are content to add a few interesting twists like sticking to the spirit of the design and the experience. A Game Boy, for example, was one of the earliest handheld gaming devices to gain international fame, but that doesn’t mean it has to stick to that petite size today. In fact, this DIY retro project goes in the opposite direction and brings the green-tinted monochrome display of the OG Game Boy to an extra large arcade cabinet screen, complete with a joystick and buttons that could feel more satisfying to mash to quickly get through dialogues.

Designer: Shaun Campbell (didsomebodysayretro)

Compared even to its colorful successor, the original Game Boy felt a bit underwhelming. Despite that, it opened gamers of the past generations to a world of gaming that they can take anywhere with them. In addition to special features that allowed them to link up with other Game Boy devices, the gaming handheld embodied a kind of freedom that was revolutionary in an age of home consoles. It’s almost ironic, then, that the WoodBoy project removes that portable design but exchanges it with another of the Game Boy’s popular traits: pure gaming fun.

In a nutshell, WoodBoy shoves the original Game Boy, not the Game Boy Color, into a handmade wooden arcade cabinet. This gives it a much larger screen than the minuscule 2.5-inch screen of the handheld original, something a bit better for today’s more discerning eyes. In fact, everything about the arcade is an upscaled version of the Game Boy, redefined for, well, arcade play. Instead of a gigantic D-pad, for example, you get a more satisfying joystick for directional control.

Curiously, WoodBoy eschews the traditional 2×2 button arrangement you might find on most arcades for two red buttons at the top and two black buttons on the front edge of the cabinet. This mimics the separation of the A, B, Start, and Select buttons on the Game Boy and minimizes the potential for confusion or erroneous presses. At the same time, however, that might make it harder to hit pause quickly with either of your hands if it has to travel to the front.

What makes WoodBoy different from many DIY retro projects is that it runs actual original Game Boy cartridges rather than using emulation. It utilizes a kit that mods the original Game Boy device into a console, making it compatible with authentic cartridges and games. That, of course, makes it dependent on owning said cartridges, but WoodBoy is definitely a collector’s product anyway.

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This modular arcade system lets you enjoy gaming’s glorious past, present, and future

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The interest in retro products hasn’t disappeared so far, and it has spread to more than just turntables, cameras, and fashion. The pull of nostalgia is especially strong in the gaming industry, giving rise not just to retro consoles but also to retro gaming itself. Gamers of all ages are reliving and discovering the peculiar quirks and joys of old-school titles, some of which are best experienced using the controllers for which they were designed. Commercial arcades might now be endangered species, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate that gaming experience at home today. Retro arcades, after all, are also trending, but this innovative modular system goes the extra mile to ensure you’ll be able to enjoy any game on any kind of control not just today but also for the foreseeable future. Better yet, it even supports playing modern games that will become tomorrow’s retro titles.

Designer: Tyler Bushnell (Polycade)

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,475 $2202 (33% off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $1.4 million!

Here’s a few examples of awesome modern games that can be played on the Polycade Sente

In the years before PC gaming took root, most video games were either played on consoles or arcade cabinets, both of which used controllers with joysticks, D-pads, and buttons. The early age of arcades gave birth to several different controller designs, which may differ from game to game or from cabinet to cabinet. Supporting retro games can be quite a challenge because of that, and supporting both classic and modern titles makes it even more complicated. Polycade Sente, however, has a rather ingenious solution that lets the owner design the mix of hardware components they need, swapping out controllers to support different kinds of playing styles and more than a single player.

Comes with modular controls.

Traditional arcade systems are designed as complete and fixed machines, but that doesn’t have to be the case today. The Polycade Sente, for example, lets you easily swap or add different kinds of controllers and input devices to ensure compatibility with almost all games in existence. Playing a two-player beat ’em up? Use the default single full panel for the best combos. Playing solo and want to have your snack within reach? The center-mounted half panel has inserts for cup holders. Some games require shooting, so Light Gun add-ons can also be installed on each side.

The Polycade Sente’s modularity goes beyond the controller panels. While it’s designed to mount directly to a well, it can also installed on a freestand add-on so you can relocate it anywhere in the room. The very “brain” of the arcade system is also modular and you can choose the kind of computer you need to drive the games you want to play. The standard package includes an already powerful Windows 11 mini PC with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD. That’s enough to run plenty of games, both the lightweight classics as well as some more recent titles. If you really want the muscle to handle even the likes of Street Fighter VI 6 and Mortal Kombat 1, however, you can go the DIY route and assemble your own PC with all the bells and whistles you can afford. You can even use a console instead if that’s the way you play. Either way, you’re in complete control of how you want to play.

Black Color

White Color

Whichever route you take, you’ll have access to an overwhelming number of games, starting with 24 premium games right off the bat and dozens more from the Polycade Game Store, all of them officially licensed for your guilt-free enjoyment. And since you’re actually running on a Windows PC, you also have access to games from Steam, GOG, itch.io, and more! Still missing some beloved titles from decades past? Polycade’s software includes pre-configured emulators that work seamlessly with the Polycade Sente. It may look like a floating arcade cabinet, but it’s actually a gateway to a gaming dreamland!

The Polycade Sente’s modular design makes it easy to upgrade or replace parts with standard off-the-shelf components. With a powder-coated steel cabinet, it’s also designed to last so that you can keep on playing your beloved titles for years to come. The chassis comes in either white or black colorways, and there are also vinyl stripes or magnetic full-body decals to personalize your arcade. A neon LED backlight, which can be controlled with a remote to change colors or pre-programmed patterns, adds a bit of bling to your setup. Just because you’re playing old games doesn’t mean your gaming machine has to look old as well. With the Polycade Sente modular arcade system, you get to enjoy the guilty pleasures of the past in a future-proof design today.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,475 $2202 (33% off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $1.4 million!

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LEGO Brings You An Exciting Set That Makes You Forget Fidget Toys and Pinball Machines

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LEGO, the iconic Danish toy manufacturer, is renowned for its innovative creations that capture the hearts and minds of builders young and old. In a world filled with pinball machines and fidget toys, LEGO takes a bold step forward with the introduction of the mesmerizing Magic Maze. Unlike the static display sets commonly associated with LEGO, this 332-piece creative masterpiece is more than just a construction project; it’s a tabletop game designed to challenge your patience, balance, and precision.

Designer: Lego

LEGO enthusiasts and novices alike are in for a treat with the Magic Maze. Unlike static display sets, this creation is an immersive game that promises hours of fun. The premise is simple yet utterly captivating: guide a marble through a challenging playing field by skillfully tilting the set, all while navigating past treacherous holes and obstacles. It’s a true test of dexterity and strategy, making it a perfect addition to your collection.

The Magic Maze adventure unfolds as you roll the marble through different terrains, each with its own unique challenges. Whether you’re exploring the desert, traversing a lush grassland, or crossing a striking red bridge, there’s never a dull moment. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming characters that add an extra layer of whimsy to the game, including a delightful ladybug and an endearing sheep.

Once assembled, the Magic Maze stands tall at over eight inches in height, spans an impressive nine inches in width, and has a depth of 1.5 inches. This colorful construction is a visual treat on its own, showcasing LEGO’s commitment to design excellence. It’s a display piece that can be proudly showcased on your desk or shelf, serving as a reminder of the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into every LEGO creation.

What sets the Magic Maze apart is its ability to provide both a creative building experience and an engaging tabletop game. Priced at just US$29.99, it offers exceptional value for a multifaceted LEGO set. Whether you’re a child looking to escape the screen, a parent seeking a wholesome family activity, or an adult searching for a unique way to unwind, this set has something to offer everyone.

In a world where screens have become ubiquitous, LEGO’s Magic Maze reminds us of the enduring allure of hands-on, tactile play. It encourages us to step away from our mobile devices and rediscover the joy of physical engagement. With its combination of creative building and thrilling gameplay, this set proves that LEGO’s innovation knows no bounds.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a hypnotic journey that challenges your skills and captivates your imagination, LEGO’s Magic Maze is the answer. Get ready to tilt, roll, and explore your way through an enchanting world of adventure, all from the comfort of your tabletop. LEGO has once again raised the bar for entertainment that transcends generations, reminding us that the magic of play is timeless.

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The detailed LEGO Pac-Man Arcade Set is testament to the enduring impact of gameplay nostalgia

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LEGO, renowned for its nostalgic creations, has once again struck a chord with brick fans by unveiling a remarkable new creation. This time, LEGO has taken a captivating twist by paying tribute to the iconic Pac-Man character and the arcade experience that has enthralled millions worldwide.

Brick by brick, LEGO has faithfully recreated the charm of a vintage arcade machine in its latest release. Timed perfectly for the 43rd anniversary of the game, LEGO has announced the iconic rendition ideally to capture the essence of a classic arcade machine.

Designer: LEGO

The Pac-Man Arcade set boasts meticulous attention to detail, complete with Pac-Man’s nostalgic maze, a functional joystick, and even a coin slot. The set is a non-functional gaming system but nonetheless promises to transport enthusiasts back to the golden era of gaming.

Behind this remarkable LEGO creation lies the tireless efforts of talented designers who worked passionately to capture the spirit of the beloved Pac-Man arcade machine, LEGO designer Sven Franic informs. From the Pac-Man character to the maze-like environment he navigates, every aspect has been meticulously considered and created.

Thus, the result is an unparalleled LEGO set that not only faithfully reproduces the original game’s magic but also introduces a delightful new twist. A special feature of that accord is the crank on the machine allows builders to simulate the adventure of Pac-Man in the mechanical maze. This creative addition brings an extra layer of interactivity to the set.

By recreating a 1980s arcade game cabinet, LEGO has sparked a resurgence of priceless memories for enthusiasts who grew up with Pac-Man. The attention to detail and the commitment to preserving the essence of the original game reflects vividly in its affordable $269.99 price tag. LEGO enthusiasts can get their set starting June 4.

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Crafting a Miniature Pac-Man Arcade Game Drink Coaster

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Ever wanted to craft your own miniature Pac-Man level drink coaster? Who hasn’t? It’s a universal human dream. And to help us achieve that dream, YouTuber The Avid Creator avidly created this video detailing how he made one. Just follow along to make your own! Will yours turn out as well as his did? Yours might, but mine definitely won’t.

He constructed the base and walls of the level from finely-cut wood pieces, while the pellets, ghosts, and Pac-Man are made of polymer clay, with everything painted and then sealed with epoxy resin. Admittedly, that is a good-looking drink coaster. Way nicer than my coaster, which just looks like a water ring on the coffee table.

Does anybody want to make a bunch of these for me to give out as Christmas gifts this year? I can promise you’ll be handsomely rewarded. With praise, just to be clear – not with actual money. Come on, Santa doesn’t even pay his elves!

This alarm clock keeps track of time in a childlike, playful manner

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For many people, alarm clocks are critical tools in making sure they’re on time or, at the very least, that they wake up on time. At the same time, however (no pun intended), these devices are often seen in a negative manner and are even portrayed as something most people will smash up first thing in the morning. It doesn’t have to be that way, of course, and sometimes all it takes is changing the way a thing looks to change the way people approach them. This alarm clock and timer in one, for example, looks less like a typical clock and more like a miniature arcade cabinet, reminding people not to take everything too seriously and to inject a bit of play into their lives.

Designer: MUID

A clock’s main objective is to tell time, but such a tool can take on many forms in order to accomplish that purpose. Alarm clocks and timers or stopwatches are simply variants that also do an action at certain times, usually by playing a sound or ringing a bell. There are plenty of ways these can be represented, but most of the designs of clocks appeal to the more serious side of life.

With a name like “Game Boy Alarm Clock,” it’s pretty clear that this concept design goes in the opposite direction. It embraces the lighthearted aspects of our existence, which is probably how you’d want to start your day in the first place. It could still annoy you when you want to squeeze in five or ten more minutes into your sleep, but you’ll hopefully feel a little less stressed whenever you see a reminder of that interruption.

This alarm clock’s toy-like appearance isn’t just for show, though. The way you use it is also like a gaming device, particularly with the lever that looks like a joystick. It can only go up or down, though, mostly for scrolling through hours and minutes. Admittedly, that could be tiresome when you’re going through a lot of numbers, but hopefully, you only need to do that only occasionally.

Operating the device is also easy, with clearly marked buttons for the different functions. Most of the buttons are on the back, though, so that they don’t become visual clutter. Only one button remains on the front, and that’s mapped to starting and pausing the stopwatch function. As for stopping the alarm, all it takes is a simple tap on the top, almost like petting a loyal companion that faithfully wakes you up at the right time. Hopefully, you won’t bring your hand down in wrath, which will probably make you feel guilty afterward for treating such a cute device poorly.

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This wooden arcade cabinet puts a beautiful twist to a gaming classic

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Gaming today may be happening mostly on smartphones and consoles that have started to look alike, but the video gaming industry’s history is full of interesting devices that look quirky and sometimes adorable by today’s standards. We’ve seen many of these “old school” designs surface in the past few years, thanks to successful “retro mini” revivals of popular consoles from a few decades ago. Of course, not all revivals have to stick to those same old designs, especially when there’s plenty of room to see these old giants in a new light. This arcade cabinet, for example, offers the same functionality as its predecessors but puts it inside a bare, minimalist wooden structure that looks stylish and perfect for a luxurious room.

Designer: Del Bianco Jody

Although they’re considered to be novelties in many markets in the West, arcade cabinets still have a strong following in other places, particularly in Asia. There are even some games today that are best enjoyed using a large joystick and equally large buttons, to the point that there’s a market for arcade controllers you can hook into a computer or console. The authentic experience, of course, involves mashing those buttons while standing up, but this arcade cabinet concept also stands out in a special way.

Unlike conventional arcade cabinets, this design can hardly be called a “cabinet” because of its shape. Instead of a large box, this arcade cabinet only has the outer “skin,” showing only the silhouette of the gaming contraption. In fact, it also has its sides left out so that you’ll only see the outline of its profile when seen from the sides. Unlike a typical cabinet as well, this interpretation has its back tapered a bit, streamlining the design and minimizing space.

The arcade cabinet concept also takes a few liberties when it comes to the design language of the housing. Instead of hard edges and sharp corners, it has plenty of curves that give it a softer personality that contrasts with the harsher appearances of typical arcade machines. It is made of multiple layers of birch wood divided into six different pieces that can be assembled like a piece of IKEA furniture. If not for the functional hardware you can play on it, this arcade cabinet almost looks more like an art piece paying homage to the golden age of arcades.

Of course, it’s easy to make it work like a regular arcade cabinet, thanks to off-the-shelf products like the Raspberry Pi single-board computer and plenty of arcade controllers. The concept even has an option to have a shelf inside for consoles and their controllers, which can be connected to the cabinet’s screen and used normally. While the design is definitely eye-catching and elegant, it does raise some concern about whether it can withstand the rather harsh treatment that arcade cabinets get, especially when very passionate gamers start mashing those buttons.

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This Mario Kart hovercraft is made from cardboard and looks like it’s floating off the ground

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Being a hardcore fan doesn’t always mean having the real deal. Sometimes, it also pays to also step outside the box, like these cardboard masterpieces that actually work.

Among the many games attached to the Super Mario franchise, Mario Kart is perhaps one that is loved by almost all demographics. It isn’t as serious nor as demanding as other Mario titles, particularly the platformers, but is just as fun and perhaps even more so because of its wacky antics and controls. There have been many attempts at bringing this game to the real world, with some leading to sometimes legally questionable stunts, but one YouTuber goes the extra mile by making versions that are eco-friendly to some extent.

Designer: DanCreator

Things in the maker and design communities have changed drastically in the last few years. The Raspberry Pi and similar single-board computers or SBCs kicked off a variety of small and DIY projects that needed an affordable and small computer to run the show. 3D printing also made it possible for almost anyone to create parts for those creative endeavors. Nothing, however, truly says “creative” than creating something out of almost nothing using one of the most common materials available: cardboard.

YouTube=r DanCreator is more than just a gaming fanboy. He is also an artist and a maker that recreates childhood memories using cardboard and with very minimal electronics and even fewer non-recyclable materials. Of course, when making something that somewhat realistically recreates the feeling of Mario Kart, he does have to make some compromises. For example, he had to basically use a Nintendo Switch for one project while using a sheet of wood for another. It was, however, all worth it.

The creator loved Mario Kart so much that he did more than just one cardboard-based project. The first is perhaps a bit more common, an arcade cabinet that plays the game the way it is meant to be played, with a steering wheel. The more interesting project, however, is the hovercraft, a vehicle that is admittedly not present in the game. Granted, it’s also less sustainable, with the use of large fans and electricity to lift the lightweight construction off the ground. Seeing it slide over a smooth indoor gym floor, however, might make you forget that, even for a brief moment.

The Mario Kart hovercraft doesn’t exactly levitate over the ground. Instead, it uses inflatable tubes whose transparent bottoms give that illusion. At least he does reuse the steering wheel from the cardboard arcade cabinet on the hovercraft to reduce unnecessary duplication of parts, even if it’s merely decorative.

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This Custom Pac-Man Synthesizer Looks A-maze-ing

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You know what? I’m surprised that they never came up with a vaccine for Pac-Man Fever. I mean, I’ve had it for nearly four decades, and it’s not getting any better. I suppose if you’re still a Pac-Man fan like me, you might want something like this sweet Pac-Man-themed synthesizer by Swedish artist and vintage gadget fan Love Hultén.

The custom-built synthesizer is done up in a vibrant color scheme inspired by Namco’s classic maze game. The customized Korg Minilogue synth has Pac-Man yellow keys with orange sharps and flats. Its case has a Pac-Man logo and ghost artwork straight from the game’s original arcade cabinet, and there are other little details like cherries on the keyboard and a pair of blue ghosts with light-up eyes being chased by Pac-Man. Check it out in action and give it a listen in the video below:

Surprisingly, this isn’t the only Pac-Man synthesizer that Hultén has built. He also created a custom synth with a yellow case and blue keys, presumably on Opposite Day.

If you love the retro-modernist look of these pieces, be sure to check out Love’s Instagram page and website for more awesome custom electronic gear.

Taito Egret II Mini Arcade Cabinet Can Switch from Landscape to Portrait: Old Bird, Old Trick

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Many popular arcade games are side scrollers, but there are just as many classic ones that play from top to bottom, like shmups. Well, mostly shmups. The important thing is that someone at Taito had a stroke of genius and revived a forward-looking feature from one of its old arcade cabinets. The Egret II Mini is a mini arcade cabinet with a 5:4 display that can be physically switched between landscape and portrait mode, just like the original Egret II.

You simply push in the display and rotate it to your desired layout. Taking advantage of that display are the 40 built-in games, which include Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble, and Elevator Action.

But that’s not the only modern convenience of the Egret II Mini. It has an HDMI out if you want to play on your non-rotatable but larger TV or monitor, and it has two USB ports for the optional wired controllers. There’s a controller version of the built-in arcade-style layout, there’s one with a classic gamepad layout, and there’s a paddle-style controller. The latter is even more special because it has an SD card slot, and it comes with 10 games that are meant to be played with paddle controls.

You can pre-order the Egret II Mini and its controllers now from Rakuten, but there’s no need to hurry because they won’t ship until March 2022 at the earliest. The mini arcade cabinet costs around $170 (USD), the paddle controller is around $110, the arcade controller is around $80, and the gamepad goes for about $30. That’s a lot of money. The Switch Pro or whatever it will be called might be cheaper than the Egret II Mini’s whole bundle.

[via The Verge]