Hasta La Gadget!

This, friends, is a work of art. Above is a stunning, fully-functional recreation of the original Donkey Kong arcade cabinet — and it’s only 8.25 inches tall. The accomplished modder Bender posted his handiwork on the Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum and it’s sure to wow even the most cynical of folks. At the heart of this build is a hacked up GamePark GP2X Wiz running MAME, but it’s the attention to detail, including the printed vinyl decals and light-up marquee, that really pull this (supposedly world’s smallest) 1/8 scale project together. Check out the gallery below and the pair of lengthy demo videos after the break. En garde Mr. Heck!

[Thanks, Brian]

Continue reading World’s smallest Donkey Kong cabinet delivers authentic arcade experience for tiny fingers (video)

World’s smallest Donkey Kong cabinet delivers authentic arcade experience for tiny fingers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 15:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Build Your Own Arcade Controls  | Email this | Comments

The iCade cabinet will make you feel like a giant living in the 1970s

Remember the iCade? Sure you do. It was ThinkGeek’s 2010 April Fool gag, a tiny tabletop arcade machine which used the iPad as its screen. Now, just over a year later, the iCade is real, and can be pre-ordered for $100 at ThinkGeek’s store.

Along with the price drop (the joke unit was $150) there have been some changes to the imaginary specs. Now the iCade connects to the iPad by Bluetooth, not through the dock connector. It also has more buttons — eight instead of just two — but it keeps a coin slot so you can feed it with quarters.

But best of all is that ThinkGeek has teamed up with Atari. The legendary game company recently released Atari’s Greatest Hits, which brings 100 classic titles to the iPhone and iPad. These games have built-in support for the iCade’s joystick and buttons. ThinkGeek has also released an API so any developer can bake support into their own games. This rather practical addition raises the iCade from mere novelty to actually pretty awesome.

So popular is the iCade that, despite only being available for pre-order, it is already back ordered. Thus, you’ll have to wait for the second batch. International buyers will have an even longer wait, as worldwide shipping will only start once the iCade is in stock. My $100 is ready.

iCade product page [ThinkGeek]

See Also:

• iCade: Spoof Arcade Cabinet for iPad
• iCade Game Cabinet Brings Geek Dreams to Life
• Monolithic Gaming Table. High Design With a High Price
• Fake Lightsaber Popsicle Kit Should Be Made Real Already
• 2001: A Space Odyssey Monolith Action Figure








Share this:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Tumblr
• LinkedIn
• More

• Reddit
• Pinterest
• Pocket
• Email

We never got around to reviewing the Atari 400 back in 1979, but it was probably for the best — according to Technabob, the game console’s membrane keyboard was more of a finger torturing tool. But if you dig this iconic design regardless, then you may consider Niyari’s similar-looking chiclet keyboard from Japan. Sure, $148.55 is pretty steep for an otherwise ordinary USB peripheral, but some old schoolers may gladly pay for this much improved typing experience, albeit 32 years too late. Head past the break to compare this device with an actual Atari 400.

Continue reading Niyari brings back Atari 400 nostalgia with USB keyboard, brown never looked so good

Niyari brings back Atari 400 nostalgia with USB keyboard, brown never looked so good originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Technabob  |  Geek Stuff 4 U  | Email this | Comments

The Ion iCade, our favorite April Fools’ joke turned actual product, has just passed through the FCC and moved one step closer to retail reality. The arcade cabinet for your iPad had all its Bluetoothy bits laid bare and even brought along its user manual, in case you’re the type who bothers to read those sordid things. There aren’t too many surprises here except, perhaps, the inclusion of an Ikea-esque hex key — some assembly required. With the green light from the feds, though, that means the iCade is right on schedule for its May 31st release. If you want to ensure you nab one of the first batch, you can pre-order it now for $99 from either GameStop or ThinkGeek. And, while you wait for the blissful marriage of Atari’s Greatest Hits and Bluetooth joystick, you can peep the pics in the gallery after the break.

Continue reading iCade hits FCC, gets torn asunder

iCade hits FCC, gets torn asunder originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Wireless Goodness  |  FCC  | Email this | Comments