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May 10 2012
Etcher Case Turns iPads into a Working Etch A Sketch
There have been Etch A Sketch cases out there before, but this is the first that I’ve seen that’s actually functional. The Etcher case will transform your iPad into a working Etch A Sketch, albeit in a digital version.
The Etcher case was recently launched as a Kickstarter project. The knobs will actually work just like a real Etch A Sketch, allowing users to draw straight lines on the iPad’s screen. Plus, the whole tablet will erase itself when you shake it. The case will work with an official app on the App Store, so there is no need to jailbreak your iPad to use it.
The Etcher case is available starting at $60(USD), but there are other versions up for grabs in the next 30 days, and there’s an early adopter deal for the first 100 people to get one for just $45. At the time of writing, the Kickstarter project had amassed $5,295 out of a projected $75,000, with 30 days left for funding, so it’s got a long way to go. Of course, you could always just spend $15 and buy an actual Etch A Sketch.
May 09 2012
LEGO Unveils Amazing Sopwith Camel Model: Is the Red Baron Far Behind?
When I was a kid I used to love planes and I built countless models of them. One of the neater ones was the Sopwith Camel. Check this out. It’s the newly revealed LEGO set number 10226, the Sopwith Camel, and it looks amazing.
This is an 883-piece replica of a fighter plane from the first World War and it just looks stunning in LEGO. It is designed for older LEGO builders as part of the Creator line. The control surfaces actually move, and are controlled by the model’s tiny joystick.
The parts don’t move using gears or motors, but closer to the way the actual Sopwiths were controlled – with string. How is that for accuracy? You have to love details like that. The LEGO Sopwith Camel will arrive in June for $99.99(USD).
[via Geekosystem]
May 05 2012
Pac-Man Poncho Perfect for When It’s Raining Power Pellets
Retro game fans looking to make a fashion statement on a rainy day, look no further. This is the rain poncho to end all rain ponchos. The next time it rains where you live, skip the umbrella, and go with the Pac-Man poncho instead.
Actually, it’s not really a Pac-Man poncho, it’s a Blinky ghost poncho, and it’s actually just called the “retro arcade poncho,” presumably to avoid any nastiness from Namco’s crack legal team. Regardless of its name, the poncho will look great on any retro game guy or gal, and keep the rainwater off your head and shoulders as it pours down (though it won’t keep you from turning blue and being eaten by a giant yellow dot-gobbling creature.)
You can grab the Pac-Man Blinky Retro Arcade Poncho over at I Want One of Those for £5.99 ($~10 USD.)
Punch-Out Collages are a Real Knockout
Remember the classic Nintendo boxing game Punch-Out!? I still think it’s one of the most entertaining fighters of all time, especially with its over-the-top combatants. Well if you remember Punch-Out! as fondly as I do, then you’ll enjoy these collages by artist Chris Lange.
The latest in a series of gaming inspired works by Lange, he’s perfectly captured such classic characters as Glass Joe, Don Flamenco, Bald Bull, Piston Honda, Great Tiger, Macho Man, King Hippo, Soda Popinski, Mac and Trainer with these collages.
Each one is made entirely from old issues of Nintendo Power magazine, so you’re assured each one is 100% recycled Nintendo.
While the originals aren’t for sale, you can get your hands on a set of nine (5″x5″) prints over on Etsy for $49 (USD). If you’re a Nintendo fan, you’ll want to order up a set for your gameroom for sure.
May 04 2012
Sterling Silver Space Invader Ring Puts Pixels on Your Digits
Retro game fans will love the style of this sterling silver Space Invader ring. It has class. You could easily give this to your geeky significant other and feel good about it. And you will have them forever.
It shows the world that you are an amazing old school gamer and you aren’t afraid to wear some bling that proves it. This sterling silver ring is called “Invader Aiko” and what I love most is that it really does have an 8-bit pixelated quality to it, while still conforming to your finger.
If you love Space Invaders (Who doesn’t?)and need a geeky wedding band, this is the way to go. It will cost you €198 (~$260 USD) over at Tjep. I have never seen a cooler Space Invaders ring, myself.
[via Obvious Winner]
April 30 2012
Go Right is a Moving Tribute to Side-Scrollers
Side scrolling games are still some of my favorites of all time. Whether it’s MegaMan, or Rayman, there’s just something so special about discovering what’s next as you continue on your left-to-right quest through a game’s universe. So when I saw the tribute to side-scrollers called Go Right, it brought back a ton of memories.
Created by Youtuber Rocky Planetesimal, and set to the dramatic A Wild and Distant Shore by Michael Nyman, Go Right is a loving and often emotionally moving tribute to classic gaming – with a focus of and run-and-gun side-scrollers. Check out the video below, and see if you can name all of the games (leave a comment below if you can!)
[via Joystiq]
April 28 2012
Star Wars Gets Dead
While Darth Vader and a few Stormtroopers might be dead already, and Boba Fett (nearly) perished in the Sarlacc pit, many of the other Star Wars characters have lived on. But if you’re to believe these images by artist Jeff Hulligan, several key characters are now among the dead (or the undead, if they’re Star Wars zombies.)
In addition to posthumous images of Vader and one of his Stormtrooper guard, we’ve got dead versions of one of the Rebel X-Wing pilots, Boba Fett, and sadly, R2-D2 and C-3P0, or as I like to call them – The Walking Droid. You may now proceed to slap me. These prints make me wonder what dead Luke, Leia, Han and Chewie might look like. Of course that could be Red 5′s skull above, but I’m going with Red Leader Garven Dreis.
Each 8.5″ x 8.75″ print is limited to just 50 pieces, and is signed by the artist. You can grab these Dead Star Wars prints over at Jeff’s Etsy shop for $10 each or for $50 for the full set of six.
Gamer Bathroom is Flush with Pixel Art
Most bathrooms are pretty boring, sterile places, designed for the utility of brushing your teeth, washing your face, taking a bath, and using the toilet. But that doesn’t mean that a bathroom can’t be a fun place too – like this awesome video game themed bathroom from Technabob reader Gregory Pinzone.
Gregory’s bathroom is loaded with retro video game touches, with artwork from Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong and Pac-Man adorning the walls and fixtures. I especially love the Mario brick and question mark block lighting fixture above that intricately-detailed retro gaming mirror. Even the toilet seat cover has gotten the retro gaming treatment. I wonder if the Pac-Man trash can is filled with power pills, or just wadded up Kleenex. I also want to know where he got that Mario hand towel from. Check out some more detailed pics in the gallery below:
You can find even more images of this video game bathroom over on Photobucket. Thanks for tipping us off to this, Gregory. It’s a most-excellent place that I’d be happy to spend hours doing any of the things you do in a bathroom.
8-Bit iPhone Bumper Case: The Biggest Pixels Around
Unlike most of the curvy bumper cases out there, the 8-Bit Bumper from Big Big Pixel is surrounded with blocky pixels, that almost look like LEGO bricks. It’s definitely an awesome case to have if you like 8-bit style.
It’s made even more distinctive because of the large, retro, Apple pixel logo on the back. The 8-Bit Bumper case comes in a variety of different colors and I have to say that I’ll probably order one because I haven’t seen any around. It’s also interesting, because it doesn’t make your iPhone too bulky. There’s nothing worse than a cool case that bloats up your iPhone to a ridiculous size.
You can get your 8-Bit Bumper case directly from Big Big Pixel for $24.95(USD). It comes in black, white or pink.
[via Ubergizmo]
R2-D2 Ballerina Costume: Artoo Tutu
I have to say that this little R2-D2 ballerina outfit looks pretty cute, and it’s easy to recognize the original droid. It was designed by Leeloo who works as a designer for J!NX. It looks like an awesome Halloween costume or something you could wear to cosplay adventures. She calls it the Artoo Tutu.
The Artoo Tutu is definitely distinctive. The costume was handmade last year and she’s been prancing around in it ever since. I have to say that I quite like it – though I’d never be caught dead wearing it.
Anyway, if you managed to get the R2-D2 swimsuit, then you’ll probably go bonkers for the Artoo Tutu.
[via Dressed Like Machines]
April 27 2012
8-Bit Sleeve: Classic Case for Modern Gadgets
Protect your mobile device from theft by hiding it inside the 8-Bit Sleeve. You’ll fool people into thinking that you’re holding a two-dimensional object. On second thought, this could make your gadget stand out and make thieves want to steal it even more. But either way that’s not really the point of this case. Or the line of this case. Math joke, yeah!
The 8-Bit Sleeve is specially made to fit the iPad and both the 11″ and 13″ MacBook Air models, but obviously you’re free to stash other things inside it. It’s made from pixels and has no depth made from synthetic leather with matte finishing and has a soft fiber interior to protect its contents from scratches.
You can order the 8-Bit Sleeve from Big Big Pixel for not so big big prices: $31-$38(USD) depending on the size of the sleeve.
[via InsanelyGaming]
April 25 2012
Vintage Cameras Make Good Looking iOS Docks
What can you do with broken or discarded cameras that probably predate your date of birth? Unless they are still functioning, I guess they can make perfectly capable iPhone and iPod docks. Check out these retro docks made by Laboratoria Altieri. They put a whole new spin on reusing old tech.
There’s something cool about recycling old gadgets. While I don’t think that you should go ahead and destroy perfectly working cameras, no matter when they were made, broken and discarded ones can be reused in this fashion.
Each of these docks is handmade and unique, which is even better. They are available from Laboratoria Altieri’s Etsy shop with prices starting around $69 (USD). There are currently only a couple of models available, but once they sell out there will be probably more listed.
[via Geek & Hype]
Rare Fisheye Nikkor Lens for Sale… Just $160,000
SLR camera lenses can be pretty expensive, but this has got to be some sort of a record. A rare fisheye Nikkor 6mm f/2.8 lens, which is supposed to offer the world’s most extreme wide-angle, has gone on sale at Gray’s of Westminster in London, UK for the low, low price of $160,000 (USD), give or take a few dollars after currency conversion.
The lens was first introduced in 1970 and offers an angle of view of 220º, making it quite wide indeed. Production was started in March of 1972 and it was only available on special order. It was located overseas and it took Tony Hurst and Gray Levett over six months to find one. The lens is in mint condition and uses 12 glass elements in nine groups, and weighs in at a staggering 11.46 pounds! Its minimum focusing distance is 25cm.
You’ll have to spend at least £100,000 (~$160,000 USD) to buy this lens. At least it comes with with a lens cap as well as rugged carrying case for that price.
[via British Journal of Photography]
Boombox Pillow Set, for Dropping Your Head, Not Beats
I remember when everybody had a boombox. Sales of D batteries have never been so good and these beasts really made sure that you worked out your muscles since they were so huge and heavy. This boombox pillow set from Meninos is light as a feather compared to the real deal and much more comfy to lay your head on.
This set will cost you $69.90(USD), but for that price, they won’t blare loud music. These pillows are made from microfiber fabric and filled with polyester fibers. Much like your taste in music, these won’t fade when you wash them. Each pillow measures 42 x 42 cm (~15.7 x 15.7 inches.)
Too bad you can’t put an actual cassette tape inside the middle one and play it, then your dreams of yesteryear would be complete. If you want a softer version of the old boombox, hit the link below to buy a set today.
April 24 2012
Angry Birds Lobbed to Another Platform
Angry Birds is the new Tetris. It’s everywhere: phones, tablets, desktop computers, handheld videogame systems and even on a browser. Illustrator and graphic designer Giorgio Cantú imagines what it would be like if the game appeared on its own Nintendo Game & Watch too:
Rovio wouldn’t approve of it though. No way to place in-game purchases or ads. Slingshot to Cantú’s Flickr page for high resolution versions of the image or fly to his website for more of his work.
[via Albotas via I Heart Chaos]
SNES Arcade Cabinet Loaded with 16-Bit Goodness, No Quarters Required
Fans of the old Super Nintendo Entertainment System will immediately recognize the cartridge in the slot below as that of the classic The Legend of Zelda. But what’s cool about this custom-built arcade cabinet is that it plays any SNES cartridge, while looking awesome.
The cabinet was built by Reddit contributor Echoobrain, and it has a full arcade quality joystick and buttons built in. The system offers Link and Mario details on the side, along with a Triforce on the front – and it’s crowned with a proper Nintendo logo of course. While the arcade controller is limited to single-player gaming, there is a hidden controller in the front drawer that lets you play 2-player games too.
Echoobrain doesn’t say much more about the build, but it’s pretty great in my opinion. The only thing better would be if it could play ALL Nintendo games, not just the SNES – but sometimes less is more, and it’s not like the SNES didn’t have a ton of great games. Echoobrain does mention that he might add a small MAME system inside the cabinet that he could toggle to for other arcade games down the road though.
[via Reddit]
MIT Students Play Tetris on a Building
Remember way back when Tetris was first released? We had to play on small TVs. Eventually we were able to play on larger HDTVs, but it turned out that a 60″ flat screen still isn’t big enough for some people. That’s why some students from MIT decided to play a game of the arcade and console classic using an entire building as a display. It’s not the first time this has been done, but it’s always fun to see an entire building used to play a game.
They turned the outside of MIT’s Green Building into a super-size Tetris screen and then proceeded to move, rotate, and drop all of the familiar blocks, but there was a unique twist as the player progressed through the levels. When the player hit the second level, the blocks became more pale in color, making it more difficult to to see.
The third level made the colors on the screen shift, making it even more difficult. The people inside of the building now know what it feels like to be inside of a video game.
[Bostinno via Hack A Day via Geekosystem]
April 23 2012
Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 16-bit Map: A Link to the SNES
Hey listen Zelda fans! Cover your monitor, wall or body with this gorgeous 2D world map of Ocarina of Time. All non-dungeon locations are here, from Lon Lon Ranch to Gerudo Fortress.
The map was made by an evil being MaJoRa, a forum moderator at Zelda Fan Game Central. Instead of making a mask, he instead made this 6,702 x 5,922 map. Here’s a look a closer look at the map:
Summon Epona and ride to Mediafire to download the complete map.
[via Zelda Fan Game Central via Destructoid]
April 20 2012
Star Wars Stormtrooper Teapots and Mugs: Even the Empire Needs Tea Time
What does your morning coffee or tea mug look like? I bet it doesn’t look anything like these awesome handpainted Stormtrooper pieces by Lenny Mud.
Lenny has been busy incorporating stormtroopers from Star Wars into mugs, tea pots, coffee pots, and other dishes. They’re perfect for the Star Wars fan and Dark Lords of the Sith in training.
They’re made from eco-friendly earthenware clay that been kiln fired twice up to 1900 °F. Lenny says that they are safe to microwave, but should be tested first as the handles of some models may heat up.
Some of his wares have already sold, but there are plenty to choose from. Prices vary from $16 to $50(USD) at Lenny Mud’s Etsy shop.
[via Jay Mug]
April 18 2012
Man Wants to Build LEGO Replica of Super Mario Bros. Level 1-1, Needs More Coins to Complete It
Zachary Pollock wants to make a replica of World 1-1 from Super Mario Bros. using LEGOs and set up a Kickstarter fundraiser for his project. Mario-themed LEGO creations are nothing new, but Pollock really does need your money, because the replica he’s making is on a scale of one brick per pixel.
Pollock estimates that his ambitious scale will be equivalent to almost 780,000 LEGO studs, with the final mosaic measuring over 6ft. tall and over 90ft. wide. Here’s Pollock with more on his project:
Head to Kickstarter and pledge at least $5 (USD) if you want to help Pollock complete his ambitious project. Every $100 nets Pollock an extra life. Or so I’d like to think.
[via Nerd Approved]
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