Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Distro Issue 39 takes a look back at 40 years of Atari and the console's cultural impact]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/distro-issue-39-40-years-of-atari/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/distro-issue-39-40-years-of-atari/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/distro-issue-39-40-years-of-atari/#comments Distro Issue 39 takes a look back at 40 years of Atari and the console's cultural impact

If you're in the market for some weekend reading, we've got quite the issue of our weekly tablet mag in the hopper. James Trew takes a look back at 40 years of cultural impact at the hands of Atari in this installment's feature. It doesn't matter to Darren Murph that Apple isn't making an iPad / MacBook Air hybrid, he still wants one and he tells why. Keeping with the gaming theme, Ludwig Kietzmann asks if Trials Evolution is the perfect game in this week's Reaction Time. The hands-on section pays a visit to BlackBerry World while spending some time with Spotify's iPad app and Microsoft's new SkyDrive software offerings. On the reviews side of things, we put the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, Acer Iconia Tab A510 and a duo of throwback mirrorless cameras through the wringer. Speaking of e-readers, Switched On offers some thoughts on the matter and IRL lets you in on three more of our go-to gadgets. If that's not enough, Stat shows how Android slates are feeling the Kindle Fire's heat, The Next Web's Martin Bryant has a go at the Q&A and Box Brown has the Last Word on a hero's required pixel density. Ready to feed that retro gaming appetite? Visit your link of choice below to grab a copy of the weekly to get started.

Distro Issue 39 PDF
Distro in the iTunes App Store
Distro in the Google Play Store
Distro APK (For sideloading)
Like Distro on Facebook
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Distro Issue 39 takes a look back at 40 years of Atari and the console's cultural impact originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>39appleatariBox BrownBoxBrowncartooncartoonscomicdistroeditorialeditorialsengadgetengadget cartoonengadget comicengadget distroEngadgetCartoonEngadgetComicEngadgetDistrohands-onhdpostcrossIRLissue 39Issue39joystiqmobilepostcrossreaction timeReactionTimereviewreviewsswitched onSwitchedOntablet magazineTabletMagazineweeklyweekly magazineWeeklyMagazineFri, 04 May 2012 09:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Cornell students steer Pong using brain waves, can't quite play during naps (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/cornell-students-steer-pong-using-brain-waves/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/cornell-students-steer-pong-using-brain-waves/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/cornell-students-steer-pong-using-brain-waves/#comments Cornell brain wave PongWe here at Engadget are always fans of brain wave experiments, and so we were delighted when two Cornell University electrical engineering students, Chuck Moyes and Mengxiang Jiang, wrapped up a final project using brain waves in the best way possible: playing Pong. Their experiment links a baseball cap full of EEG-scanning electrodes to a computer, letting the cap wearer control a paddle using Alpha or Mu waves. Depending on the waves you use, you can move the paddle either by changing your concentration level or by thinking about moving your feet. You won't rack up a high score while napping (or with a teammate narrating over your shoulder), but with a budget under $75, it's hard to find fault. You can grab the source code below, and check out a video of Jiang and Moyes' handiwork after the break.

[Thanks, Chuck and Mengxiang]

Continue reading Cornell students steer Pong using brain waves, can't quite play during naps (video)

Cornell students steer Pong using brain waves, can't quite play during naps (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ataribrainbrain wavebrain wavesBrainWaveBrainWavescornellCornell UniversityCornellUniversityeegelectricalelectrical engineeringElectricalEngineeringelectroencephalographyengineeringexperimentexperimentalgamegamespongprojectvideoWed, 02 May 2012 15:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Castle finally finds a home on the Atari 2600, gets a redesigned cartridge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/star-castle-atari-2600/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/star-castle-atari-2600/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/star-castle-atari-2600/#comments Image

Halo may have made its way to the Atari 2600, but wouldn't porting a retro game to this '70s-era console be more appropriate? MAKE Magazine has the skinny on former Atari dev Scott Williamson's port of the Cinematronics shooter Star Castle. Though Atari execs decided the title was too complicated to bring over in the '80s, Williamson took it upon himself to make that transition possible. The result of some serious coding is 8K of ROM and 128 bytes of RAM's worth of good ol' space war. But he didn't stop there -- he redesigned the cartridge with a transparent casing and LEDs that flash during gameplay. Click through to the source link for the full step-by-step.

Star Castle finally finds a home on the Atari 2600, gets a redesigned cartridge originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariAtari 2600Atari2600developerdevelopersdiygamegamesgaming consolegaming consolesGamingConsoleGamingConsolesretrostar castleStarCastleFri, 27 Apr 2012 03:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari Pong review (1976)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/01/atari-pong-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/01/atari-pong-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/01/atari-pong-review/#comments Atari Pong reviewMultiplayer gaming today has become an inherently and bewilderingly antisocial affair. You grab a controller, take up as much space as possible on your couch at home, then connect to some random game hosted by some random server filled with some random people with whom you do your damnedest to fill with some collection of lead thrown from some assortment of futuristic weaponry. Along the way, you'll be taunted, insulted and, if you're playing a Halo game, quite possibly physically shamed.

Back in 1976, of course, things were a bit different. Pong was the height of at-home multiplayer gaming. Two dials, one button and one switch is all you had, and with your opponent sitting in extremely close proximity to you, chances are most of the heckling would be the good-natured variety. It is a vastly simplified experience versus what we have today, but in some ways a vastly superior one. Click on through to see why.

Gallery: Atari Pong review

Continue reading Atari Pong review (1976)

Atari Pong review (1976) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataric-100consolehome gaminghome pongHomeGamingHomePongpongretroretro gamingRetroGamingreviewsearsSun, 01 Apr 2012 12:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari's Pong Indie Developer Challenge is a real coin opportunity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/atari-pong-indie-developer-challenge/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/atari-pong-indie-developer-challenge/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/atari-pong-indie-developer-challenge/#comments Atari's legendary Pong has captured plenty of hearts and minds over the years. Now, to celebrate its fortieth birthday, the gaming stalwart is offering up $100,000 for you to re-invent it for iOS as part of its Indie Developer Challenge. To be in with a chance of winning the cash, developers are being asked to recreate the time-honored classic in a new and original way. Then, simply submit your idea, or playable demo and keep your paddles crossed. Those creations that make it to the final will get published under the Atari brand as an official release, and you get eternal bragging rights (and the cash). The competition is open now, and you've got until March 31st to be in the game. Feel like a winner? Then bat your eyes down to that source link for the full deets.

Atari's Pong Indie Developer Challenge is a real coin opportunity originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleatariatari pongAtariPongclassicscompetitiondeveloperdeveloper challengeDeveloperChallengegamegaminggaming classicsGamingClassicsindie developer challengeIndieDeveloperChallengeiosipadiphoneipodmobile gamingMobileGamingpongprizeretro gamingRetroGamingWed, 29 Feb 2012 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox co-creator brings together Atari 'dream team' for mobile gaming startup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/xbox-co-creator-brings-together-atari-dream-team-for-mobile-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/xbox-co-creator-brings-together-atari-dream-team-for-mobile-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/xbox-co-creator-brings-together-atari-dream-team-for-mobile-ga/#comments A new mobile gaming startup that's yet to release a single game isn't the sort of thing we'd normally cover 'round here, but the story behind Los Angeles-based Innovative Leisure is anything but ordinary. The man behind the company is the co-creator of the Xbox, Seamus Blackley, and he's brought with him eleven industry veterans that he calls "the dream team from Atari," including the likes of Van Burnham, Ed Logg, Rich Adam, Tim Skelly, Owen Rubin, and Ed Rotberg. While those names may not be familiar to everyone, you'll surely recognize some of the games they were responsible for: Asteroids, Centipede, Gauntlet, Missile Command, Battlezone, S.T.U.N. Runner, Major Havoc and Space Duel, to name a few.

Speaking with VentureBeat, Blackley describes mobile devices as "the new arcade" and 99 cent games as the "new quarter," adding that he's aiming to carry on where Atari left off, "focusing on innovation in gameplay." To help with that, the company has secured backing from THQ, which has reportedly agreed to an initial slate of ten games, seven of which are now in development (with only the iPhone and iPad mentioned as supported platforms so far). Unfortunately, details remain light beyond that, with Blackley only offering late summer or fall as an estimated release date for the first titles. In the meantime, you can find more of the backstory at the links below (THQ's press release can also be found after the break).

Continue reading Xbox co-creator brings together Atari 'dream team' for mobile gaming startup

Xbox co-creator brings together Atari 'dream team' for mobile gaming startup originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsarcadearcade gamingArcadeGamingatarigamesgaminginnovative leisureInnovativeLeisuremobilepostcrossseamus blackleySeamusBlackleyvideo gamesVideoGamesxboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 17:38:00 EST<![CDATA[cTrix forges Atari 2600 and guitar together, mesmerizes nerds (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/ctrix-forges-atari-2600-and-guitar-together-mesmerizes-nerds-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/ctrix-forges-atari-2600-and-guitar-together-mesmerizes-nerds-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/ctrix-forges-atari-2600-and-guitar-together-mesmerizes-nerds-v/#comments If you're going to rock out, you might as well do so with a video game console from the '70s as the core of your guitar. In fact, this is precisely what modder cTrix has done with his gATARI2600. In his configuration, he's able to write and play new music through an Atari 2600 by using an EPROM programmer (a software application he wrote) and daughterboards to feed the new music back through the instrument. The gATARI also features equalizer and flange pedals, a track selector, and whammy bars that allow the player to switch tracks and make changes on the fly. No details have been posted as to how to make your own just yet, but click past the break to watch cTrix jam both thoroughly and effectively at Blip Fest 2011 in Japan.

Continue reading cTrix forges Atari 2600 and guitar together, mesmerizes nerds (video)

cTrix forges Atari 2600 and guitar together, mesmerizes nerds (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>260070sAtariaudioBlip Fest 2011BlipFest2011cTrixdaughterboarddaughterboardsEPROMEPROM programmerEpromProgrammerequalizerflangegATARIgATARI2600guitarmodmoddermusicpedalsretrovideovintagewhammy barWhammyBarSat, 31 Dec 2011 17:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Portable Jaguar modder gives Ben Heck a run for his compact gaming money (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/portable-jaguar-modder-gives-ben-heck-a-run-for-his-compact-gami/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/portable-jaguar-modder-gives-ben-heck-a-run-for-his-compact-gami/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/portable-jaguar-modder-gives-ben-heck-a-run-for-his-compact-gami/#commentsportable Atari Jaguar modWe bet you thought Ben Heck's Atari Jaguar mod would be the first and only portable hack of the ill-fated "64-bit" game system you'd ever see. Well, you were wrong. User Evil Nod, over at the Made by Bacteria forums, has whipped up a rather impressive compact console using the seemingly ubiquitous PS1 screen as a display. At about 1.75-inches thick, it's a bit bulkier than Heck's build, but it also doesn't have a giant battery or cartridge slot hanging off the back -- everything is tucked neatly away inside the textured black shell. Check out the source links for a build log and a few more photos of the finished product. You'll also find a bonus video of the prototype after the break.

Continue reading Portable Jaguar modder gives Ben Heck a run for his compact gaming money (video)

Portable Jaguar modder gives Ben Heck a run for his compact gaming money (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari jaguarAtariJaguarconsoleDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfevil nodEvilNodgame consoleGameConsolehackhackedjaguarmodmoddingportable gamingPortableGamingvideoThu, 22 Dec 2011 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Computer Space turns 40, video games gear up for mid-life crisis]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/computer-space-turns-40-video-games-gear-up-for-mid-life-crisis/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/computer-space-turns-40-video-games-gear-up-for-mid-life-crisis/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/computer-space-turns-40-video-games-gear-up-for-mid-life-crisis/#commentsComputer SpaceIt was November of 1971 that Nolan Bushnell, Ted Dabney and Computer Space officially ushered in the era of the video game. Before running off to start Atari, the two men created the world's first coin-operated video arcade cabinet and, indeed, the first commercial video game ever -- a full six months before the Odyssey. Computer Space was a relatively simple title in which a player used four buttons to pilot a ship around the screen and do battle with flying saucers. The mechanics and graphics should be familiar to anyone who has ever tried their hand at Asteroids. In fact, it is essentially Asteroids without the titular space debris. Technologizer has a rather fascinating and in depth look at the pioneering game, tracing its evolution all the way back to a 1962 DEC PDP-1 tech demo. Head on over to the source to get the full story.

Computer Space turns 40, video games gear up for mid-life crisis originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarigamingNolan BushnellNolanBushnellTed DabneyTedDabneyvideo gameVideoGameTue, 13 Dec 2011 00:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro gadget orchestra nails House of the Rising Sun, puts your garage band to shame (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/retro-gadget-orchestra-nails-house-of-the-rising-sun-puts-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/retro-gadget-orchestra-nails-house-of-the-rising-sun-puts-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/retro-gadget-orchestra-nails-house-of-the-rising-sun-puts-your/#comments Retro tech plays House of the Rising Sun YouTube user BD594, also known as James Cochrane, is no stranger to pushing retro tech to its musical limits. Back in 2009 he coaxed a scanner, an Atari 800XL and a host of other antiquated gadgets to perform Bohemian Rhapsody. The results, while certainly enjoyable, were a tad tone deaf. Well, in the years since he's tweaking his "musicians" and his orchestra has just issued its second single -- a stunning rendition of House of the Rising Sun, in the style of the Animals. Seriously, this staple of '60s high school rockstar wannabes is absolutely nailed by the assortment of hard drives, oscilloscopes and the scanner. Cochrane isn't alone in his quest to turn obsolete tech into musical magic. Christopher Mitchell managed to hack a Ti graphing calculator and floppy-disk drive into a monophonic media player. While his accomplishment is impressive, he loses this round for wasting his skills on the saccharin stylings of Cold Play. Check out both videos after the break.

Continue reading Retro gadget orchestra nails House of the Rising Sun, puts your garage band to shame (video)

Retro gadget orchestra nails House of the Rising Sun, puts your garage band to shame (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalsatariatari 800atari 800xlAtari800Atari800xlbd594chris mitchellChrisMitchellchristopher mitchellChristopherMitchellcold playColdPlaydiygraphing calculatorGraphingCalculatorhard driveHardDrivehewlett-packardhouse of the rising sunHouseOfTheRisingSunhphp scanjethp scanjet 3cHpScanjetHpScanjet3cJames CochraneJamesCochranemusictexas instrumentsTexasInstrumentsti-83ti-83 plusTi-83Plusti-99ti-994avideoMon, 05 Dec 2011 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari Greatest Hits app lands in Android Market, Star Raiders awaits your download]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/atari-greatest-hits-app-lands-in-android-market-star-raiders-aw/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/atari-greatest-hits-app-lands-in-android-market-star-raiders-aw/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/atari-greatest-hits-app-lands-in-android-market-star-raiders-aw/#comments Jealous of your iOS-carrying companions who have been blasting Asteroids for months on their handsets and tablets? Prepare to quell your rage, as Atari has announced that its Greatest Hits app has launched for Android devices. Surpassing 3.5 million downloads in the iTunes App Store, the company has expanded the offering to Google OS faithful -- and it'll come with Missile Command for free, along with a 100 title catalog looking back on 30 years of gaming. Once you grab that install, you'll have your pick of 25 game packs for a buck each or you can spring for the whole lot for a cool Hamilton. The app is available now for both tablet and smartphone users, should you prefer a larger screen when your Centipede addiction strikes. For a full list of titles, hit the PR button after the break before checking things out for yourself in the Market.

Continue reading Atari Greatest Hits app lands in Android Market, Star Raiders awaits your download

Atari Greatest Hits app lands in Android Market, Star Raiders awaits your download originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketplaceAndroidMarketplaceappappsarcadeatariatari arcade greatest hitsAtariArcadeGreatestHitsataris greatest hitsAtarisGreatestHitsgamegamesgaminggooglemarketplacemobile appmobile appsMobileAppMobileAppsmobilepostcrossretroSun, 06 Nov 2011 08:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari Arcade is the $60 answer to iCade (review)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/atari-arcade-is-the-60-answer-to-icade-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/atari-arcade-is-the-60-answer-to-icade-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/atari-arcade-is-the-60-answer-to-icade-review/#comments
Yearning to relive the classics (Lunar Lander, anyone?) on your iPad, replete with that authentic arcade feel? It wasn't long ago that we reviewed ThinkGeek and Ion's formidable iCade, but at $100, it was -- and still is -- a pricey portion to stomach for an occasional retro gaming fix. Fast forward to the present, and Atari's paired with Discovery Bay Games to create their own official spin on an iPad arcade adapter, fittingly dubbed the Arcade Duo-Powered Joystick. Unlike the iCade, it doesn't use Bluetooth and requires no batteries -- you simply dock your iPad into its 30-pin connector. The joypad is specifically made to work with Atari's Greatest Hits app, and it's set to land in early October for a slightly more wallet-friendly price of $60. We were able to slam its controls a bit while playing through various levels of Major Havoc and the like, and you'll find our impressions after the break.

Gallery: Atari Arcade unboxing and hands-on

Continue reading Atari Arcade is the $60 answer to iCade (review)

Atari Arcade is the $60 answer to iCade (review) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaccessoryappleapple ipadapple ipad 2AppleIpadAppleIpad2arcadeArcade stickArcadeStickatariatari arcadeAtariArcadeataris greatest hitsAtarisGreatestHitsDiscovery Bay GamesDiscoveryBayGamesDuo PoweredDuoPoweredgamepadgamingGreatestHitshands-onicadeideviceipadipad2joystickretroRetro Arcade StickRetroArcadeStickreviewtablet accessoriestablet accessoryTabletAccessoriesTabletAccessoryvideogamevideogamesWed, 07 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ion iCade Arcade Cabinet review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/ion-icade-arcade-cabinet-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/ion-icade-arcade-cabinet-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/ion-icade-arcade-cabinet-review/#comments
The iCade Arcade Cabinet began as an April Fool's joke in 2010, but this golden unicorn of iPad accessories has actually made it to production, showing up at our door last week. iCade creator ThinkGeek partnered with Ion to make this former imaginary gadget a reality, and so far it appears to be a hit, backordered for weeks soon after hitting the online store in April. The $100 cabinet pairs with your iPad or iPad 2 over bluetooth, bringing familiar hardware arcade controls to the Atari's Greatest Hits app, which includes classics like Missile Command (free), and Pong, which you can download from within the free Atari app for $1. The iCade is an awesome addition to your gaming collection, but it won't replace the hours of coin-dropping at your local arcade. Read on to find out why this accessory may become a permanent fixture on our desk.

Gallery: Ion iCade

Continue reading Ion iCade Arcade Cabinet review

Ion iCade Arcade Cabinet review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadAppleIpadarcadearcade cabinetArcadeCabinetataribluetoothcabinetcaseenclosurefor saleForSalegamingicadeionipadjoystickold schoolOldSchoolon saleOnSalepre-orderpre-ordersretroreviewtabletthinkgeekTue, 31 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modder miniaturizes 5.25-inch disk drive, brings microSD support to Atari 400]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/07/modder-miniaturizes-5-25-inch-disk-drive-brings-microsd-support/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/07/modder-miniaturizes-5-25-inch-disk-drive-brings-microsd-support/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/07/modder-miniaturizes-5-25-inch-disk-drive-brings-microsd-support/#comments
You aren't looking at a retro microSD card reader, you're looking at an Atari-compatible serial disk drive that just happens to use microSD in lieu of 5.25-inch floppies. In a Zork inspired fit of nostalgia (we've all been there), hardware modder Rossum paired up an Atari connector with a LPC1114 microcontroller, capable of emulating up to eight Atari drives, managed by a custom, auto-booting app. The whole package is neatly packed in to a tiny 3D printed replica of the original Atari 810 disk drive, and is available for sale never -- but don't let that stop you: Rossum's schematics are free for the taking. The word's biggest little Atari drive is just a DIY away.

[Thanks, Francesco F.]

Modder miniaturizes 5.25-inch disk drive, brings microSD support to Atari 400 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 May 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d printing3dPrintingAtariAtari 400Atari 810Atari400Atari810disk driveDiskDriveDIYemulationfloppy diskFloppyDiskgaminghackhackedmicrocontrollermicrosdmodmodsnostalgiaretroZorkSat, 07 May 2011 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[iCade arcade cabinet for iPad starts selling at $100, already on backorder]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/icade-arcade-cabinet-for-ipad-starts-selling-at-100-already-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/icade-arcade-cabinet-for-ipad-starts-selling-at-100-already-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/icade-arcade-cabinet-for-ipad-starts-selling-at-100-already-on/#comments Humans, they just love mixing the old with the new. To wit, the iCade gaming cabinet for the iPad, an April Fools' joke that was just a fun idea this time last year, has gone and turned very real, replete with FCC certification and now a pre-order page. The Bluetooth-communicating iPad enclosure seems to have originally been on sale for immediate delivery, but ThinkGeek has burned through its first shipment of units faster than you can say "Atari's Greatest Hits." The second batch of $100 iCades is expected by May 20th at the very latest, although orders are being taken only from the US for now. The rest of the world needn't despair, however -- we hear building one of your own is a pleasurable and rewarding experience.

iCade arcade cabinet for iPad starts selling at $100, already on backorder originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadAppleIpadarcadearcade cabinetArcadeCabinetatariavailabilityavailablebackorderbluetoothcabinetcaseenclosurefor saleForSalegamingicadeipadjoystickold schoolOldSchoolon saleOnSalepre-orderpre-ordersretrotabletthinkgeekThu, 21 Apr 2011 05:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Niyari brings back Atari 400 nostalgia with USB keyboard, brown never looked so good]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/niyari-brings-back-atari-400-nostalgia-with-usb-keyboard-brown/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/niyari-brings-back-atari-400-nostalgia-with-usb-keyboard-brown/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/niyari-brings-back-atari-400-nostalgia-with-usb-keyboard-brown/#comments 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 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariAtari 400Atari400chicletchiclet keyboardChicletKeyboardclassicinput deviceinput peripheralInputDeviceInputPeripheraljapankeyboardNiyariretrousbusb keyboardUsbKeyboardWed, 20 Apr 2011 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari's Greatest Hits collection brings 100 classic games to iOS devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/07/ataris-greatest-hits-collection-brings-100-classic-games-to-ios/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/07/ataris-greatest-hits-collection-brings-100-classic-games-to-ios/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/07/ataris-greatest-hits-collection-brings-100-classic-games-to-ios/#comments
You still can't play them with an iCade cabinet just yet -- though that's coming, in June -- but Atari has now delivered quite a present to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners. The company has just released its Greatest Hits collection for iOS devices, which includes 18 classic arcade games and 82 Atari 2600 games -- those available either in 25 separate packs for $0.99 apiece, or in one massive time sink bundle for $14.99 (Pong comes free with the app itself). As you can see, you'll also get things like the original box art and arcade cabinets for each game, and some of the titles will even let you play head-to-head with a friend over Bluetooth. Ready to get started? You know where to find it.

Atari's Greatest Hits collection brings 100 classic games to iOS devices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeatariatari greatest hitsAtariGreatestHitsataris greatest hitsAtarisGreatestHitsclassicicadeiosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchretroThu, 07 Apr 2011 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Pong Table serves up four-way retro play, whole lot of awesome (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/super-pong-table-serves-up-four-way-retro-play-whole-lot-of-awe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/super-pong-table-serves-up-four-way-retro-play-whole-lot-of-awe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/super-pong-table-serves-up-four-way-retro-play-whole-lot-of-awe/#comments Sure it's just sliding sticks and bouncing balls, but anyone who grew up playing Atari can tell you that Pong rules. Unfortunately, its earliest incarnation only supported enough 2D fun for two, which is why our eyes just about popped out of our heads when we saw this. The folks over at Instructables are showing off another awesome retro gaming project that makes everyone's favorite game a party pleaser -- it's also a pretty good fix for an old coffee table. The Super Pong Table allows for up to four players and fives balls per game, and enlists 900 LEDs and four Atari paddle controllers to make the thing work. Each player controls his or her own stick and gains or loses a point depending on whether they hit or miss a ball -- the first player to reach 20 points gets their very own "YOU WIN" light up display. Looks like we just found something to do with our weekend. You can check out a video of the table in action after the break or follow the source link for instructions on making your own.

Continue reading Super Pong Table serves up four-way retro play, whole lot of awesome (video)

Super Pong Table serves up four-way retro play, whole lot of awesome (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arcadearcade gamearcade gamesArcadeGameArcadeGamesataribuildcoffee tableCoffeeTableDIYgamegamesgaminginstructablesinstructionsmodpongretroretro gamingRetroGamingvideoTue, 29 Mar 2011 20:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck crafts Atari-styled Xbox-360, takes us back to the '70s]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/ben-heck-crafts-atari-styled-xbox-360-takes-us-back-to-the-70s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/ben-heck-crafts-atari-styled-xbox-360-takes-us-back-to-the-70s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/ben-heck-crafts-atari-styled-xbox-360-takes-us-back-to-the-70s/#comments Our man Ben Heck has done it again -- this time, he's taken modding to a new, retro level. Atari requested that Heck create a modded system as a promo for its new games, so our man teamed up with element14 and did what he does best. The master of mods has gutted an Xbox 360 and shoved it into a one-of-a-kind Atari 2600-esque case that he calls 'Xbox 360 1977 Edition.' The system's got switches from old Atari systems had that control disc-ejection and controller synchronization. Just like the classic Ataris, Heck's portable gaming laptop's got wood panels and a black finish -- and it's huge. The best part of this mod? Well, playing Street Fighter on Xbox 360 hidden inside of what would be a modern version of a classic like Atari is pretty cool, in our opinion. As cool a classic like the Virtual Boy though? We'll leave that for you to decide. Oh, and be sure to hit the source link to watch the mod get formed in 23 glorious minutes.

Ben Heck crafts Atari-styled Xbox-360, takes us back to the '70s originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970s70satariatari 2600Atari2600benben heckBenHeckheckheckendornlcdmodmodificationportablepromotionvirtual boyVirtualBoyxboxxbox 360xbox 360 1977 editionxbox 360 modXbox360Xbox3601977EditionXbox360ModTue, 22 Mar 2011 16:22:00 EST<![CDATA[iFixit continues its retro gaming rampage, reduces an innocent Atari 2600 to bare components]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/ifixit-continues-its-retro-gaming-rampage-reduces-an-innocent-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/ifixit-continues-its-retro-gaming-rampage-reduces-an-innocent-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/ifixit-continues-its-retro-gaming-rampage-reduces-an-innocent-a/#commentsiFixit continues its retro gaming rampage, reduces an innocent Atari 2600 to bare components iFixit, is no device safe from the scars of your screwdriver? These eyes have been scarred, forced to witness the destruction of yet another childhood icon. Previously it was the RCA Studio II and the Magnavox Odyssey 100 before that. Now it's the rather more memorable Atari 2600 going under the scalpel, four simple screws removed to reveal an eight-bit, 1.19MHz processor featuring 128 bytes of RAM (yes, a massive 1,024 bits) and a graphics adapter capable of 192 x 160 resolution with 128 colors -- though only four could be used on any given line. Through these humble beginnings the cartridge-based console was born... and now here it rests.

iFixit continues its retro gaming rampage, reduces an innocent Atari 2600 to bare components originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2600AtariAtari 2600Atari2600cartridgeClassic gamesclassic gamingClassicGamesClassicGamingconsoleifixitteardownThu, 02 Sep 2010 20:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocker! Google's Android logo boosted from Atari Lynx title 'Gauntlet: The Third Encounter']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/shocker-googles-android-logo-boosted-from-atari-lynx-title-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/shocker-googles-android-logo-boosted-from-atari-lynx-title-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/shocker-googles-android-logo-boosted-from-atari-lynx-title-ga/#comments Back in the early 90's whilst playing our Atari Lynx -- friendless and alone, of course -- we couldn't have imagined that a second-rate spinoff of the popular Gauntlet franchise would unlock the secrets behind the birth of Google's Android OS. But, lo and behold, what has one of our faithful tipsters found down here, amongst the ruins of Gauntlet: The Third Encounter? That's right, nearly irrefutable proof that the Android team (or at least its graphic designers) have plumbed the depths of Epyx's not-quite-masterpiece for the iconic droid logo we've come to know and love. Sure, the top-down scroller provided all kinds of new character classes like the "Nerd," "Punkrocker," and "Pirate," but only one of these fresh faces would provide the blueprint for Android's public face. It's hard to argue that there isn't some level of appropriation here, given the multiple similarities between the two pieces of art, right down to the antennae, dotted eyes, general size and shape, and even the strip which cuts across the midsection of the bot. Oh yeah, and the character is named Android. We personally would like to hear what Google has to say for themselves in regards to this blatant theft of intellectual property, and as for the Epyx artists who slaved over a hot Amiga to bring this image to life -- the taste of sweet justice is yours.

Gallery: Android / Android transformation



[Thanks, Davey]

Continue reading Shocker! Google's Android logo boosted from Atari Lynx title 'Gauntlet: The Third Encounter'

Shocker! Google's Android logo boosted from Atari Lynx title 'Gauntlet: The Third Encounter' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid logoAndroidLogoartatariatari lynxAtariLynxexclusivegauntletgauntlet: the third encounterGauntlet:TheThirdEncountergooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidiconographyiconslogologoslynxshockervideoThu, 02 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari attempts to revive itself by bringing the old classics online]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/atari-attempts-to-revive-itself-by-bringing-the-old-classics-onl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/atari-attempts-to-revive-itself-by-bringing-the-old-classics-onl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/atari-attempts-to-revive-itself-by-bringing-the-old-classics-onl/#comments Atari was once synonymous with all that was cool in gaming. If you're old enough to remember playing Frogger's first level for hours on end because you simply weren't coordinated enough yet... well, you'd have a lot in common with some of us. These days, however, the once hallowed brand has been reduced to a shadow of its former self, outpaced by newer, bigger companies, and awash in debt. Still, the company's set up a new office in LA, turned its attention to cleaning up some of its money messes, and is now looking to what it sees as the future (or present) of gaming: online classics such as Centipede, played on social networking sites like Facebook. Licensing titles it already owns to online properties, as well as for movies seems to be the direction Atari is heading now, with two projects already in the works. In just the past year, the company has gone from a state which could be described as "hemorrhaging" to... well, it's not profitable yet, but it certainly looks to be moving in that direction. Atari-owned Cryptic Games is responsible for the Star Trek Online game, and while it's no WoW, its certainly got its own fanbase. We'll say this: if we could get even a few of those games on Facebook, we'd probably spend more than two minutes a week on it.

Atari attempts to revive itself by bringing the old classics online originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarifacebookgamegamesgamingvideogamesThu, 12 Aug 2010 01:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Microsoft VP brings Halo to the Atari 2600]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/former-microsoft-vp-brings-halo-to-the-atari-2600/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/former-microsoft-vp-brings-halo-to-the-atari-2600/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/former-microsoft-vp-brings-halo-to-the-atari-2600/#comments Sometimes you just can't stop a man and his dream. In this case, the man is Ed Fries, the former vice president of Microsoft's game publishing division, and the dream is a version of Halo for the Atari 2600. That actually started out simply as a way for Fries to learn to program for the 2600, but quickly turned into a full-fledged, Adventure-style game that made its debut at this past weekend's Classic Gaming Expo -- in cartridge form, no less, and with a label that'd look at home in any shoebox full of 2600 carts (check it out after the break). Just as impressive as the game itself, however, is the story behind it. Here's just a sample:
It's around this time that I discovered the existence of what I call "Magic Land". I was working on a bug with the boss encounter and accidentally found myself completely outside the 64 room map. I was wandering through memory that was never intended to be interpreted as part of the map but the code was doing the best it could to interpret what was being thrown at it. Strange, misshapen monsters attacked me in even stranger ways as I wandered through this bizarre land that I had unintentionally created. I left a bug or two in the final game to allow others to find and explore this strange landscape as I did.
Oh, did we mention you can play it right now? Hit up the source link below and prepare to forget that Halo Reach even exists.

Continue reading Former Microsoft VP brings Halo to the Atari 2600

Former Microsoft VP brings Halo to the Atari 2600 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2600atariatari 2600Atari2600classic gaming expoClassicGamingExpoed friesEdFrieshalohalo 2600Halo2600retroTue, 03 Aug 2010 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Entelligence: Five gadgets that could have and should have done better]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/18/entelligence-five-gadgets-that-could-have-and-should-have-done/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/18/entelligence-five-gadgets-that-could-have-and-should-have-done/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/18/entelligence-five-gadgets-that-could-have-and-should-have-done/#commentsEntelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.

 For every VHS, it seems there's also a Betamax -- a gadgets or standard that just didn't live up to the expectations of the mass market at the time. Despite being loved by niche audiences, these folks just didn't have what it took to make it to the big time. Here I celebrate some of my favorite gadgets and technologies that just couldn't catch on with the populace at large.

Continue reading Entelligence: Five gadgets that could have and should have done better

Entelligence: Five gadgets that could have and should have done better originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleataricolumnentelligencekinmicrosoftnewtonturboexpressTurbografx16Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Google replaces hints of Chrome OS hardware from Acer, Dell, and HP with even better hints]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/google-replaces-hints-of-chrome-os-hardware-from-acer-dell-and/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/google-replaces-hints-of-chrome-os-hardware-from-acer-dell-and/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/google-replaces-hints-of-chrome-os-hardware-from-acer-dell-and/#comments
As you may recall from a few days ago, Google offered some of the clearest evidence of Chrome OS hardware from major manufacturers yet by letting some build configurations for Acer, Dell, and HP slip out into its public code repository. Now, that wasn't too surprising considering that each of the companies have already made their Chrome OS intentions pretty clear, but Google seems to have done a bit of backtracking nonetheless. It's replaced the files with what you see above (the files, not the Caruso), which now suggest that Chrome OS hardware is coming from the likes of Amiga, Commodore and Atari. Way to raise expectations, Google.

Google replaces hints of Chrome OS hardware from Acer, Dell, and HP with even better hints originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceramigaatarichromechrome osChromeOscommodoredellgooglegoogle chrome osGoogleChromeOshpFri, 18 Jun 2010 15:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Canon DSLR shutter remote hacked into Atari joystick]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/canon-dslr-shutter-remote-hacked-into-atari-joystick/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/canon-dslr-shutter-remote-hacked-into-atari-joystick/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/canon-dslr-shutter-remote-hacked-into-atari-joystick/#comments Just point and shoot.

Video after the break.

Continue reading Canon DSLR shutter remote hacked into Atari joystick

Canon DSLR shutter remote hacked into Atari joystick originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 May 2010 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari 2600atari joystickAtari2600AtariJoystickCanon DSLR remoteCanonDslrRemoteDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfDSLRdslr remoteDslrRemotehackjoystickmodmodsretrovideoMon, 17 May 2010 03:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Ben Heck amazes with Atari 800 laptop -- again]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/14/video-ben-heck-amazes-with-atari-800-laptop-again/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/14/video-ben-heck-amazes-with-atari-800-laptop-again/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/14/video-ben-heck-amazes-with-atari-800-laptop-again/#commentsVideo: Ben Heck amazes with upgraded Atari 800 laptop -- again
Of all the legacy platforms that have been massaged by modder extraordinaire Ben Heck, it seems the Atari 800 is his favorite. One got the portable treatment back in November of 2005, and he then re-worked it in late 2006. He's done it again, creating the third revision of the 8-bit luggable, completely overhauling the mod in period brownish/beige plastics, with old-school LED lights and an authentic keyboard that even pops up after the laptop is opened. Inside things are a bit more modern, with a 2.5-inch HDD serving the games (no more pressing PLAY on the cassette drive) and a GameCube power supply, of all things. It's a lovely creation that Ben himself rather enthusiastically demonstrates after the break and we, like him, wish we could add one to our collection.

[Via technabob]

Continue reading Video: Ben Heck amazes with Atari 800 laptop -- again

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Video: Ben Heck amazes with Atari 800 laptop -- again originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari 800Atari800ben heckben heckendornBenHeckBenHeckendornlaptopmodmoddermodsportable atari 800PortableAtari800Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Modder places USB flash drive in Atari 2600 cart, amuses geeks world o'er]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/modder-places-usb-flash-drive-in-atari-2600-cart-amuses-geeks-w/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/modder-places-usb-flash-drive-in-atari-2600-cart-amuses-geeks-w/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/modder-places-usb-flash-drive-in-atari-2600-cart-amuses-geeks-w/#comments
Well, kids, if you like your USB drives with a little style, a little kitsch, and far too large to be carried conveniently, a gentleman named Robotic Evil, Inc. has just the thing for you. The evil one is hard at work as we speak, taking 2GB thumb drives and placing them in the artifacts of genuine geek nostalgia. Really, who wouldn't want to receive a hand-assembled computer peripheral in the shape of an Atari game cartridge or an NES controller? These things cost $29.99 (add another $5 for shipping and handling) and they're available at this dude's Etsy store. Check out the NES controller / drive yourself after the break.

[Via BoingBoing]

Continue reading Modder places USB flash drive in Atari 2600 cart, amuses geeks world o'er

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Modder places USB flash drive in Atari 2600 cart, amuses geeks world o'er originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricraftsetsyhackhacksmodmodsRobotic Evil Inc.RoboticEvilInc.snesthumb driveThumbDriveusbusb driveUsbDriveMon, 06 Jul 2009 19:08:00 EST<![CDATA['Asteroids' heading towards the big screen?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/asteroids-heading-towards-the-big-screen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/asteroids-heading-towards-the-big-screen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/asteroids-heading-towards-the-big-screen/#comments
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal has won an all-out "bidding war" over the film rights to Atari's classic Asteroids video game. We're not entirely sure who all was involved in this "war," but the conflict couldn't possibly be prompted over the universal themes tackled by the story of the plucky little triangular spaceship and the asteroid field it inhabits. As the Reporter, um, reports: "As opposed to today's games, there is no story line or fancy world-building mythology." Michael Bay is rumored to be very interested in directing.

[Via George Ruiz]

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'Asteroids' heading towards the big screen? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asteroidsasteroids movieAsteroidsMovieatariatari asteroidsAtariAsteroidsbidding warBiddingWarhollywoodhollywood reporterHollywoodReportermichael bayMichaelBaymovieThu, 02 Jul 2009 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Students create CRT emulator, hope to recapture that analog gaming vibe of yesteryear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/students-create-crt-emulator-hope-to-recapture-that-analog-gami/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/students-create-crt-emulator-hope-to-recapture-that-analog-gami/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/students-create-crt-emulator-hope-to-recapture-that-analog-gami/#comments The retro gaming insurgence seems as strong as vinyl these days, but you don't see as many people looking for a CRT monitor to complete the set. More likely, they're playing a HD remake or the original title on a digital screen in more detail than the developers ever anticipated or intended. A group of Georgia Tech students are looking to change all that by modifying open-source Atari 2600 VCS emulator Stella to give players that good ole fashion analog vibe. As highlighted by associate professor Ian Bogost, key attributes such as color bleed, "burned" afterimage, RF-engendered signal noise, and texture created by the phosphor glow have been imitated here in recreating the effect. Hit up the gallery below for pictorial examples while we wait anxiously for video and / or the mod itself to rear its blurry head.

Gallery: Students create CRT emulator, hope to recapture that analog gaming vibe of yesteryear

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Students create CRT emulator, hope to recapture that analog gaming vibe of yesteryear originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>26002600 vcs2600Vcsatariatari 2600atari 2600 vcsatari emulatoratari vcsAtari2600Atari2600VcsAtariEmulatorAtariVcscrtcrt emulatorcrt monitorCrtEmulatorCrtMonitordigitaldisplaysemulatorgamegamesgaminggeorgia techGeorgiaTechhackhacksian bogostIanBogostlcdledmodmodsvcsvideo gamevideo gamesVideoGameVideoGamesMon, 04 May 2009 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Antiquarian peripherals play Bohemian Rhapsody]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/21/antiquarian-peripherals-play-bohemian-rhapsody/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/21/antiquarian-peripherals-play-bohemian-rhapsody/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/21/antiquarian-peripherals-play-bohemian-rhapsody/#commentsAntiquarian peripherals play Bohemian Rhapsody Like many things in life, the whirrs and noises of old computers that were formerly annoying now inspire a nostalgic sense of retro glee -- the bleating of a fax modem, the blatting of a large-format dot-matrix printer. It's this sort of nostalgia that inspires some users to make them sing, like a YouTuber going by the handle of bd594 who orchestrated a collection of outdated gear to emit the soulful strings of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. It starts with an HP ScanJet 3C playing the part of Freddie Mercury, then an Atari 800XL makes the organ sounds, TI-99/4a handles guitar duties, and a selection of other archaic goodies make visual and aural appearances. While the scanner did need to be recorded four separate times for all the "vocal" tracks, nothing was pitch-corrected, meaning your old scanner is officially more talented than three quarters of the Weekly Top 40. See for yourself after the break.

[Via Boing Boing]

Continue reading Antiquarian peripherals play Bohemian Rhapsody

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Antiquarian peripherals play Bohemian Rhapsody originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari 800atari 800xlAtari800Atari800xlbd594hewlett-packardhphp scanjethp scanjet 3cHpScanjetHpScanjet3ctexas instrumentsTexasInstrumentsti-99ti-994aTue, 21 Apr 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Nerd jewelry roundup: Guitar Hero cufflinks, gilded Atari ring and EQ wedding bands]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/nerd-jewelry-roundup-guitar-hero-cufflinks-gilded-atari-ring/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/nerd-jewelry-roundup-guitar-hero-cufflinks-gilded-atari-ring/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/nerd-jewelry-roundup-guitar-hero-cufflinks-gilded-atari-ring/#comments
Not that we haven't seen nerdy wedding bands before, but for those who aren't really enamored with networking, we've stumbled upon another option that's just too awesome to pass up. Granted, the sound wave bands have been around a finger or two, but really, how awesome is a wedding ring with an EQ interpretation of "I Do" engraved in it? We'll tell you -- really awesome. Moving on, we've got the 1981 Atari ring, a solid piece of kit sporting an original Atari chip splashed with gold or silver. Lastly, we've got Cufflinks.com's latest, a set of Guitar Hero links that will undoubtedly make the faux rocker in your life grin from ear to ear. Dig in below for more details, but don't expect to purchase any of 'em but the last, and at $50 per pair, you should probably think twice.

Read - Guitar Hero cufflinks
Read - Atari ring and EQ wedding bands

Gallery: Nerd jewelry roundup: Guitar Hero cufflinks, gilded Atari ring and EQ wedding bands

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Nerd jewelry roundup: Guitar Hero cufflinks, gilded Atari ring and EQ wedding bands originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari ringAtariRingcufflinksguitar heroGuitarHeroretroringvintageTue, 31 Mar 2009 08:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari Touch Tablet unboxed 25 years after the fact]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/20/atari-touch-tablet-unboxed-25-years-after-the-fact/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/20/atari-touch-tablet-unboxed-25-years-after-the-fact/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/20/atari-touch-tablet-unboxed-25-years-after-the-fact/#comments
Are you an artist wishing to unchain the shackles of traditional media, looking for a way to catapult yourself and your work into the 20th Century? A chap named Benj Edwards has been kind enough to unbox for us Atari's Touch Tablet, a classic piece of kit from the bygone age of 1984 that -- alongside the Atari Artist software -- lets users manipulate the size, location and color of shapes and lines. Digitally. The software comes in two versions: the four color version for those of you with 16K RAM, and the 16 color version for those of you with 24K powerhouse workstations. When you're done with your pixel-based Mona Lisa, you can back it up to a cassette -- which will sit in a box in your parent's garage until your older sister gets around to taping an REO Speedwagon album over it. What are you waiting for? Hit that read link.

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Atari Touch Tablet unboxed 25 years after the fact originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1984artAtariAtari Touch TabletAtariTouchTabletBenj EdwardsBenjEdwardsTouch TabletTouchTabletWacomTue, 20 Jan 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Donkey Kong quilt will keep your lonely self warm]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/10/donkey-kong-quilt-will-keep-your-lonely-self-warm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/10/donkey-kong-quilt-will-keep-your-lonely-self-warm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/10/donkey-kong-quilt-will-keep-your-lonely-self-warm/#comments Honestly -- if you're super into Donkey Kong and quilts (yes and yes), it's also probably likely that you're... well, single. But take cozy comfort with this specimen of craftsmanship for a cool $450 -- or you can always buy a $9,000 sewing machine to help you make your own.

[Via Geeky Gadgets]

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Donkey Kong quilt will keep your lonely self warm originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridonkey kongDonkeyKongquiltingquiltssewingSat, 10 Jan 2009 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck crams Xbox 360 controller into Atari 2600 joystick]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/ben-heck-crams-xbox-360-controller-into-atari-2600-joystick/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/ben-heck-crams-xbox-360-controller-into-atari-2600-joystick/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/ben-heck-crams-xbox-360-controller-into-atari-2600-joystick/#comments
As we've seen, a little Atari 2600 is a sure way to liven almost anything -- cakes, candles, landfills -- and it looks like the Xbox 360 is no exception, as none other than Ben Heck has proved with his new so-called 3600 controller. As you might expect, Ben didn't exactly take the expected route to wind up at this creation, instead opting to use the guts of a Guitar Hero 3 controller, which he somehow managed to squeeze into the base of everyone's favorite one-button controller (even leaving room for a guide button and ring of light on the underside). Be sure to hit up the link below for a must-see video of the controller in action and, of course, plenty more pics.

[Via Xbox-Scene]

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Ben Heck crams Xbox 360 controller into Atari 2600 joystick originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>26003600 controller3600Controlleratariatari 2600Atari2600ben heckBenHeckxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari president confident about physical media's decline]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/08/atari-president-confident-about-physical-medias-decline/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/08/atari-president-confident-about-physical-medias-decline/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/08/atari-president-confident-about-physical-medias-decline/#commentsWhile high ranking executives from high ranking companies have bickered back and forth about the longevity of Blu-ray as a format, Atari president Phil Harrison has some pretty strong feelings on physical media as a whole. In an interview with Edge, the bigwig stated that "there's a generation of kids being born today and probably already alive who I'm pretty confident will never buy a physical media product; they will never buy a DVD, they will never buy a CD, and they will never buy a game in a box." While some may jump on this as being patently absurd, we're not so sure it's a crazy as it at first sounds. Video games in particular have been distributed via the 'net for some time now (Steam, anyone?), and it's no secret that programming and movies are headed in that direction. There's no way to accurately predict how many more generations will be buying wares in boxes, but it's safe to say we're a lot closer than most people expected us to be just a decade ago.

[Via G4TV]

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Atari president confident about physical media's decline originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblu rayblu-raybluraydigital copydigital downloadsDigitalCopyDigitalDownloadsexechdhd rentalshd streamingHdRentalsHdStreaminginternetoptical mediaOpticalMediaother formatsotherformatsphil harrisonPhilHarrisonphysical mediaPhysicalMediastreamstreamingMon, 08 Dec 2008 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari 2600 stuffed into Game Gear, Sega Nomad seen casting envious glances]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/30/atari-2600-stuffed-into-game-gear-sega-nomad-seen-casting-envio/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/30/atari-2600-stuffed-into-game-gear-sega-nomad-seen-casting-envio/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/30/atari-2600-stuffed-into-game-gear-sega-nomad-seen-casting-envio/#comments
Oh sure, there's bound to be some protrusion when shoving a retro console into a gaming handheld, but inelegant styling was a way of life for Sega back in the mid-90s. Modder Chris Koopa has achieved the impossible by stuffing an Atari 2600 (or the important parts, anyway) along with 40 games into a hacked up Game Gear and enabling it to operate for nearly a full workday with just five AA batteries. And yeah, there's totally a 2600 cartridge slot to allow for playback of original titles. You know you're oddly interested in seeing more, so tap the read link for a few shots from the rear / side.

[Via technabob]

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Atari 2600 stuffed into Game Gear, Sega Nomad seen casting envious glances originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari 2600Atari Gear 2600Atari2600AtariGear2600chris koopaChrisKoopadiygame gearGameGeargaming handheldGamingHandheldhackmodsegaSun, 30 Nov 2008 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Legacy Entertainment's Atari-style joystick isn't as old as it looks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/14/legacy-entertainments-atari-style-joystick-isnt-as-old-as-it-l/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/14/legacy-entertainments-atari-style-joystick-isnt-as-old-as-it-l/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/14/legacy-entertainments-atari-style-joystick-isnt-as-old-as-it-l/#comments
There are plenty of reasons to return to the classics: maybe they're better than the currents, maybe it's an ironic move (like listening to Kajagoogoo and wearing giant eyeglasses), or maybe you're just aged and yearning for old-timey days. Regardless, Legacy Entertainment's classic controller looks exactly like an Atari joystick, but it's Windows / OS X / Linux compatible, and connects via USB. The company assures us that it runs with "nearly any emulator," so you and your friends should be 80's-style partying in no time, if that's what you're into. $14.99 and it's yours -- if you have any moola left after you buy that tubular car-phone-looking Bluetooth handsfree.

[Thanks, Silver Serpent]

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Legacy Entertainment's Atari-style joystick isn't as old as it looks originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricontrollerlegacy entertainmentLegacyEntertainmentold schoolOldSchoolretrousb controllerUsbControllerFri, 14 Nov 2008 11:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari Hero mod lets you rock out with ET]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/29/atari-hero-mod-lets-you-rock-out-with-et/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/29/atari-hero-mod-lets-you-rock-out-with-et/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/29/atari-hero-mod-lets-you-rock-out-with-et/#commentsAtari Hero mod lets you rock out with ET
Those of us old enough to remember crap games like E.T. and Sssnake have every right to be thrilled by the relative quality of modern gems like Guitar Hero. We're guessing modder Conner Flynn over at SlipperyBrick feels that way too, melding the old with the new by inserting an Atari 2600 console into the body of a faux-Gibson from Guitar Hero. This meant adding two controllers to the body (an eight-way joystick plus a paddle-style controller for Breakout), wiring up the green button on the neck, and adding a small screen where the strum bar would normally reside. It's a layout that makes this axe best suited for play Jeff Healey-style, and with a pocketful of AA batteries you can game your Angel Eyes out wherever you like. No, it's not the most ergonomic portable 2600 we've ever seen, or most practical, but is certainly is the most badass.

[Via technabob]

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Atari Hero mod lets you rock out with ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari 2600Atari2600diyhackmodretrovintageMon, 29 Sep 2008 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck does it again with Atari 7800 portable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/19/ben-heck-does-it-again-with-atari-7800-portable/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/19/ben-heck-does-it-again-with-atari-7800-portable/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/19/ben-heck-does-it-again-with-atari-7800-portable/#comments
There's no stopping this guy, and now he's built himself an Atari 7800 portable just to make sure the kiddie hackers know who's the Heckendornest. Ben Heck built the 7800 portable with a 7-inch widescreen to accommodate that larger motherboard on the 7800 (compared to the 2600). Apparently large, complex motherboards just don't phase him anymore. The unit boasts rechargeable batteries, a combination driving / paddle controller, and an A/V output jack. Ben, you're a legend.

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Ben Heck does it again with Atari 7800 portable originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari 7800Atari7800ben heckben heckendornBenHeckBenHeckendornhackmodportableThu, 19 Jun 2008 09:32:00 EST