Technabob » 80s

Ben Heck’S NES Atari Portable Console Mashup

Technabob — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 01:57:55 +0000

The master of console mods, Benjamin Heckendorn (aka “Ben Heck”) is at it again. This time he’s created a portable that combines an NES system and a Atari 2600 console, and crammed them together into one compact package.

Like a Frankenstein’s monster, the NESTari portable can play cartridges from either Atari’s or Nintendo’s classic 8-bit systems. Rather than trying to use original NES and Atari 2600 parts, Ben’s latest mod uses the gut out of an Atari Flashback 2 console and a NOAC (NES on a chip) in order to keep the system portable and power-efficient.

The handheld has a built-in 3.5-inch LCD screen, runs on rechargeable batteries, and has all the controls needed to play all your favorite 80′s console games. These days Ben usually builds his systems on commission, but he decided to just build this one on a whim, so he’s willing to let it go if the price is right (You can contact Ben here if you’re interested.)

There’s a full walkthrough of the build process over on Ben’s website in case you care to see all the gory details.

Classic Namco Game Sounds on Your Keychain

Technabob — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 21:21:26 +0000

Wakka, wakka, wakka. Carry the sounds of your video gaming youth wherever you go with these retro sound keychains.

Namco Classics Sound Drops play actual sound samples from 80′s classics like Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Galaxian, and Xevious among others.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

They’re available for a limited time from Play-Asia for just $2.32 each, but you’ll probably have to buy several of them, since they’ll just ship you a random pick from the eight available designs.

Rubik’s Revolution: the Cube Goes Techno

Technabob — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 01:16:45 +0000

I’ve been wondering why the old Rubik’s Cube has been making appearances all over the place lately, with a significant amount of screen time dedicated to it in Will Smith’s craptacular The Pursuit of Happyness. Now we know it was all product placement geared towards the upcoming release of the new Rubik’s Revolution, a modern update to the classic brainteaser. (Perhaps this is why the Nintendo Revolution got renamed?)

David Hasselhoff Would be Proud

Technabob — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 04:59:53 +0000

Remember K.I.T.T., the talking computerized car from the old 80′s TV hit Knight Rider? Now K.I.T.T. (actually just a full-scale replica) can be yours if you’re the winning bidder in this eBay auction.

Built by a dedicated fan in Toronto (I guess Canadian’s love David Hasselhoff too,) the car took over 4 years and $40k (CAD) to build. The modified 1984 Pontiac Trans Am features all of the meaningless flashing lights and buttons from TV’s one-and-only talking car, along with a handful of updates like LCD screens and a DVD/CD/MP3 player to keep up with the times. Just about the only thing missing is the familiar voice of William Daniels to keep you in line.

Opening bid for the auction is $20,000 Canadian (about $17k USD,) so if you happen to live in the Toronto area, bid early and bid often!

[via TechEBlog]

Classic Video Game and Computer Commercials

Technabob — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 23:50:53 +0000

From the random video vault, I’ve compiled a bunch of great ancient video game and computer commercials from YouTube. It’s really amazing how far we’ve come. Enjoy the retro goodness…

Apple II Computer:

Atari Super Breakout:

Atari VCS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L6a_fmgi7o

Commodore Vic-20:

Atari Berzerk:

Atari Home Computers:

Activision Chopper Command:

Activision Pitfall:

ColecoVision:

Commodore 64:

Coleco Telstar:

Nintendo NES:

Mattel Intellivision:

Magnavox Odyssey Command Center:

Vectrex:

Sega Master System: