Hasta La Gadget!

Systems such as the ColecoVision, TurboGrafx-16 and 3DO may have been ousted from most home entertainment centers long ago, but they still have shelf space at the University of Michigan’s Computer and Video Game Archive. Slashdot caught up with Engineering Librarian and Video Game Archivist Dave Carter and took a look inside the repository, which has curated around 35 classic and current-gen platforms and more than 3,000 different games. Having “one of everything” is the project’s ultimate goal, but the logistics of acquiring every new game make achieving that feat a stretch. “Our realistic goal is to be sort of representative of the history of video games, what was important — what was interesting,” Carter said. “And then, not only to preserve the games, but also to preserve the game playing experience.” As a “useable archive,” patrons of UM’s library can dig in and play at different stations with era-appropriate monitors and displays. While many visit for leisure, students have used the resource to research topics ranging from music composition to the effects of texting while driving (using an Xbox 360 racing title and steering wheel peripheral, of course). You can catch a glimpse of the collection in the video below or visit the archive’s blog at the more coverage link.

Continue reading University of Michigan’s Computer and Video Game Archive houses over 3,000 different games, roughly 35 unique consoles (video)

Filed under: Gaming, Alt

University of Michigan’s Computer and Video Game Archive houses over 3,000 different games, roughly 35 unique consoles (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop CEO Paul Raines is planning on adding a vintage games store to the company’s online offerings. The outlet has been amassing warehouses full of classic titles that were traded in over the years, and the chief sees a “sales opportunity” in going toe-to-toe with sites like eBay. There are still several problems to overcome, including conditioning, sourcing and refurbishing the hardware abused by our younger selves — but at least we might be able to replace our busted SNES controllers without worrying about getting outbid at the last minute.

Filed under: Gaming

Gamestop pondering a move into vintage games originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sennheiser is busting out a pair of personal audio products worth boasting about at this year’s IFA. First up is the very fashionable Momentum, a pair of chrome and leather cans that take cues from the Amperior reference design, with a 3.5mm stereo lead and optional smart remote. However, if you’re in the market for something a little less visible, the company’s CX 890i earphones are coated in a “glass-like” finish that offers “outsanding” passive noise attenuation — sparing you jacking up the volume to avoid your co-workers bickering. Both sets are available in the UK from September, with the Momentum costing £260 and the CX 890i (pictured after the break) a more modest £120.

Continue reading Sennheiser launches the Momentum retro-cans and CX890i earbuds

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video

Sennheiser launches the Momentum retro-cans and CX890i earbuds originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What’s there not to love about Lomography and their various low-fi cameras. Sure, your smartphone probably has nicer resolution, but the analog flavor of these little cameras is hard to beat, even with Instagram’s retro effect filters.

The new Diana Baby 110 is Lomography’s newest tiny camera. The miniscule camera fits in the palm of your hand and produces technically flawed photos that lomographers will adore. The camera is compatible with a wide-angle 12mm lens or a 24mm standard lens, which are made out of plastic, hopefully not the cheap kind.

The Diana Baby 110 uses 110 film that’s available in color or black and white directly from the Lomography website. The socket on top will accept a flash, if you’ve got a PC Flash Adapter. The camera sells for $49 (USD) from Lomography, but for $59 you’ll get the kit with both lenses.

[via NOTCOT]

It’s the classic question mark icon from the Super Mario Bros. games. I’m not sure if its classy enough to be used to propose to someone, but it could come in handy in a fight. And you know how often us geeks get into fisticuffs right?

Each sterling silver question mark ring is made to order and it takes about 12-15 business days to be made.

You can order the ring from SmilingSilverSmith for $49 (USD). They also make other punctuation rings, in case you’re more of a Metal Gear fan.

[via Fancy]