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Pac-Man Poncho Perfect for When It’s Raining Power Pellets

Technabob — Sat, 05 May 2012 19:42:32 +0000

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.)

Gamer Bathroom is Flush with Pixel Art

Technabob — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:31:10 +0000

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.

Pac-Man Mosaic Table Gobbles Tiles, Not Power Pills

Conner Flynn — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:30:46 +0000

Nothing says 1980s like Pac-Man. If I had saved all of the quarters I pumped into that game, I would be a very rich man, but I wouldn’t have such fond memories of the game. Too bad I didn’t save just enough quarters to buy this awesome mosaic Pac-Man table.

This retro table was designed and made by Kiran Hungin. The mosaic is done in glass tile on top of a 1960s Formica table. Now that is classy. It’s awesome. It’s retro. And it is one-of-a-kind. You can buy it at UK Etsy doppelganger Folksy for £225.00 (~$358 USD) if you move quick.

Sure, that’s a lot of quarters, but just having saved the quarters I pumped into lesser games like Popeye and Kangaroo, I would have been able to afford this. Damn my 80s arcade games addiction!

[via Boing Boing via Neatorama]

Pac-Man Bookshelf: Get Schooled by a Ghost

Technabob — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:00:14 +0000

As a classic video game buff, I always thought about buying myself some Tetris bookshelves for my office. But now that I’ve seen this, I might go with a Pac-Man theme instead.

Yep, what you’re witnessing before your very eyes is a Pac-Man ghost bookshelf, perfect for holding onto books, but even better for video game boxes, in my humble opinion. The shelf is made by Barcelona artist LightYourselfUp, and it’s just the right addition for a retro gamer’s home or office.

The shelf measures about 30″(H) x 28″(W) x 4″ (D), and can be customized in other colors, and even which direction the ghost’s eyeballs are looking. Me, I’d love to have a set of four, one each of Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Clyde hanging on my wall. They sell for €250 (~$342 USD) each though, so it’s not exactly an inexpensive proposition to build a larger-than-life Pac-Man game on my wall.

[via Geek Crafts via Walyou]

Pac-Man Gobbles Up Some Light Bulbs

Technabob — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:00:16 +0000

It’s not like this is the first set of Pac-Man inspired lights I’ve seen over the years, but there’s something about the clever use of those old Italian light strings as Pac-pellets that make these ones special in my book.

Pac-Man and his ghostly frenemies were created by artists Benedetto Bufalino and Benedict Deseille at Geneva, Switzerlands’ Festival Arbres et Lumières (“Festival of Trees and Lights”) all the way back in December 2010, but it’s the first time I’ve seen them, and that’s good enough for me. The only thing better would have been to have an occasional larger bulb to represent a power pellet – but I’m being nitpicky.

I can’t imagine that light bulbs are particularly tasty, but it’s not like the pixelated dots and power pellets tasted all that good to begin with. And ghosts. Blech! Need a bottle of Scope (and some cherries) after Blinky for sure.

[via Lost at E Minor and DeviantArt]

Ballpoint Pen Stamps Out Pac-Man Ghosts

Conner Flynn — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

If you’re looking for something different in a writing instrument, check out this nicely designed modern ballpoint pen. Sure it’s nice and stylish, but the best part about it is that it also has a stamp inside. A stamp featuring a Pac-Man style ghost.

I’m not sure if it is Inky, Blinky, Pinky or Clyde, but I love the idea that I could be writing out anything and then just stamp a little ghost onto the paper. It was spotted at an exhibition on contemporary Japanese design in Milan a few years back and that’s how it came to be shared.

The design is an update on the ancient tradition of hanko (where a personal seal is used for official documents). It was created by Naoto Fukasawa for Shachihata, the world’s leading stamp producer. The pen is said to be “brilliantly lacquered, flawlessly detailed, and perfectly balanced.” You can buy one over at The Ghostly Store for $50 (USD).

[via Bookofjoe via Likecool]

Glow-in-the-Dark Pac-Man Bra: Nice Power Pellets There

Conner Flynn — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:00:26 +0000

This nerdy bra is a standard push-up bra, but I think we should call it a power-up bra, with its Pac-Man and power pill motif. It’s for the geek girl who has discerning taste, or the gamer guy who has lazed on the couch so much that he now has moobs and needs a manzier.

These bras are completely washable and have been thoroughly tested. You can wear it as an everyday bra if you want. Bra sizes apparently include all of the USA Standard Bra Sizes. For ladies with really big power pellets, maybe they can make you a special Super Pac-Man bra from the game where our hero was giant.

It’s just $29.99(USD) from Rainbowkidshop on Etsy. If you have to cover them up, you might as well do it with Pac-Man.

[Reddit via Fashionably Geek via Geeksaresexy]

Pac-Man Stress Balls: Squash Some Ghosts and Chill Out

Technabob — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:27 +0000

Now I don’t exactly remember the part of Pac-Man where you smash the ghosts with your giant fists of doom, but I suppose that would have been pretty cool. At least now you can try and replicate that gameplay dynamic at home with these Pac-Man and ghost stress balls. (Is a ghost really a ball?)

They’re perfectly sized to fit in the palm of your hand, and are great for working out any extraneous hostility you might have – especially if you got stuck on one of the more difficult levels trying to get that bonus “fruit” that looks like a Galaxian spaceship or that damned key. And if you’re the self-deprecating type, you can squash Pac-Man instead of Blinky, Inky or Clyde. Say, where’s Pinky, by the way? Maybe he’s off regenerating himself back in ghost cage.

But I digress. If you’re feeling stressed out, you can get your hands on the Pac-Man and ghost stress balls over at KitschaGoGo for £3.99 to £4.99 (~$6 to $8 USD).

Ghostbusters vs. Pac-Man Ghost: Who You Gonna Wakka, Wakka, Wakka?

Range — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:14 +0000

These new retro prints from Raid71 put together some of my favorite characters, in an unexpected, but not unlikely pixelated scenario. It makes you wonder who would win in the epic battle between the Ghostbusters and this blue ghost from Pac-Man.

To be honest, unless Pac-Man’s ghosts run very fast, they don’t stand a chance against the Ghostbusters with their proton packs. Though once they are stored in the ghost trap, they might be able to escape when they stop being blue.

The prints are available for £22 ($35 USD) from Raid71′s Emporium and they ship worldwide. All profits from the sale of these and other Raid71 prints go to the Royal Manchester’s Cancer Charity, since the artist received extensive support and care from them, and wanted to give something back.

[via DesignYouTrust]

Pac-Man Doormat Lets You Walk All Over Those Pesky Ghosts

Technabob — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:15:06 +0000

Like classic arcade games? Why not treat your houseguests to a game of Pac-Man the minute they arrive at your home? I’m not proposing that you put an arcade cabinet on your front porch, though. This Pac-Man doormat should definitely do the trick.

Looks like Pac-Man is doing a pretty good job staying away from his ghostly nemeses, though it doesn’t look like he’s really made much progress yet.

While it would be way cooler if you could actually play Pac-Man by stepping on it, at least it’ll keep your shoes clean before they go stomping around your ~~maze~~ house. The Pac-Man doormat is available from OOO My Design for €30 (~$40 USD).

P.S. I think this thing should be renamed “Pac-Mat.”

Pac-Man Rubber Stamps: Wakka, Wakka, Stampa

Technabob — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:30:35 +0000

Whether you’re rooting for Pac-Man or the ghosts, here’s something fun you can add you your drawer full of geekery. It’s a set of fun Pac-Man rubber stamps, the ideal thing for marking up your papers and showing off your inner game geek.

Each set of Pac-Man rubber stamps is hand-carved by Paris artist MemiTheRainbow, and comes with 5 stamps: Pac-Man, Phantom (aka regular ghost), Confused Phantom (aka blue ghost), Cherries and Strawberry. Assuming you pick up ink pads in several colors, you’ll be able to stamp images of Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Clyde using the Phantom one.

The only thing I wish is that the set included stamps for the dots and Power Pills, along with Pac-Man with his mouth closed too. If you want this set, head on over to Etsy and you can grab it for $25 (USD). While you’re over there, why not grab some Space Invaders, too?

[via it8bit]

Pac-in-time Watch Concept: Wokka, Wokka, What Time is It?

Technabob — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:00:02 +0000

I just finished watching the Back to The Future trilogy again this weekend, so I have that Huey Lewis Back in Time song stuck in my head. Perhaps the name of this watch was inspired by that song, since it’s called “Pac-in-time.” Even if it’s not, it’s still a cool design.

Designed by Benedetto Papi, the Pac-in-time watch seems like the perfect timepiece for Pac-Man fans. It tells time using a Pac-Man in place of the hour and minute hands. From what I can tell, two yellow discs (or black pie wedges) would rotate to form Pac-Man’s mouth, opening and closing depending on the time of day.

It’s still just a concept for now, but I’m hoping that Namco sees the idea and decides to produce them. The only thing I’d add would be some power pills and cherries which pop up from time to time.

[via IT8BIT]

Pac-Man Ghost Table is Drivin’ Me Crazy

Technabob — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:15:45 +0000

If you’ve got a bad case of Pac-Man fever, see a doctor and take something for it. Then after you feel better, think about getting this fun retro table for your house.

These Pac-Man ghost tables are made by Austin, Texas artist Ryan Fitzpatrick of Masters of Fate, and can be made in pretty much any ghostly color scheme you’d like. Inky, Blinky, Pinky, or Clyde – they’re all available – since each table is handmade, of course.

Each hand-painted wood table measures 33″ x 36″, and you can request whatever height legs you want, so Blinky can work as a coffee table, laptop desk, or even a small cafe table when you’re gobbling down some power pellets for dinner.

You can find the Pac-Man ghost table over at Etsy for $200 (USD).

Pac-Man Ghost Dress: You Spilled Some Inky on Yourself

Technabob — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:49:31 +0000

I’m not sure from whence this Pac-Man ghost dress originated, but it’s pretty great. I especially like the pixelated fringing on the bottom of this short little number, done up to look like Inky, the cyan ghost.

All I know is that it’s way cuter, and more accurate than this one (and who here knew that Newegg sold costumes?) Now if you could only stop staring at her eyes…

[via Burnt Toast via GamOvr]

Pacmania Bowl Needs to Be a Thing

Technabob — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:24:30 +0000

Being an avid fan of the classic arcade game Pac-Man, it’s hard for me to resist much of anything with a solid Pac-theme to it. So combine Pac-Man with junk food, and I’m happier than a yellow puck in a roomful of blue ghosts and unlimited power pills.

The Pacmania bowl looks like the perfect thing for munching down on your favorite snacks and desserts – especially cherries, pretzels and the occasional key or Galaxian spaceship. It was designed on a whim by Christopher Locke, and is only a concept at this point. But that doesn’t make it any less awesome. Sure, the green and purple Pac-men aren’t exactly color-matched to the original, and I don’t remember Pac-Man having stubby little corgi legs, but that’s part of the fun, IMHO.

Chris needs to hook up with someone like Suck UK or Fred & Friends (who already produce cool licensed Pac-Man garb) and get his design produced. I’d fill my entire cupboard with a bunch, as I’m sure many a retro game geek would too.

If you like Chris’ Pacmania bowl, be sure to head over to his page on Behance and show your appreciation!

Banknotes Pixel Art: Pictures Worth a Thousand Bits

Lambert Varias — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:00:10 +0000

You’ve probably heard of the controversial Bitcoin, a digitally generated peer-to-peer currency. Some people think it’s a great idea, while some think it’s inherently worthless and is doomed to fail. All I know is that these pixel art banknotes are a great fit for Bitcoin.

I bet Dhalsim knows how to stretch his dollar, amirite? These banknotes were created by members of Pixel Joint as entries to one of the website’s weekly contests. The top prize went to Stefan Bogdanovic aka Mrmo Taurus for his Space Invaders-themed currency, which he called 40 Credits:

I had to enlarge each piece from their original 200 x 100 resolution to 600 x 300, so any degradation in quality is my fault. Check out the gallery for more:

You don’t have to pay a cent to view the other entries on Pixel Joint. I wish someone made an “It’s Over 9000″ dollar bill. Or a Mushroom Kingdom gold coin – save up a hundred and you get an extra life! Or Hyrulean Rupees. Man, I should’ve joined the contest.

[via Game Set Watch]

Urban Pac-Man: Great Animation, Bad Gameplay Part 2

Lambert Varias — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

If you were disappointed with Stop Motion Mario’s gameplay, you’ll be even more frustrated with Urban Pac-Man. First off, the video makes no sense. Then again, it’s not like Pac-Man had an award-winning story, so I guess the video is faithful in that way.

Second, note that Pac-Man only goes up against one of the four ghosts, and does so in an open world instead of a constricting maze. And yet… just watch:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

I think that’s the saddest way to lose – when the enemy isn’t even trying. But you have to give it to the video’s creators, Sergej Hein and David Moya, for the special effects on Inky. You’ll barely notice it but it’s a great touch. But as Vimeo member John Veloso pointed out, this Rémi Gaillard classic is still the undisputed champion of real-life Pac-Man videos.

[via Kuriositas]

Brando Pac-Man Ghost Lamps: But Where are Pinky, Inky and Clyde?

Range — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 13:26:50 +0000

While I doubt that Brando asked to license these from Namco, they’re certainly fun lamps for your work area. These USB Light-Sensitive Ghost Lamp’s light up like a Christmas tree whenever it senses that you need more light, all the while looking vaguely like the ghosts from Pac-Man.

Each ghost measures just about 4-inches tall, and there’s a light sensor is mounted on the rear of each one, so when there isn’t enough light, they’ll switch on automatically and switch off. You need to plug them in a USB port. They won’t chase you like in Pac-Man, but they’ll definitely decorate your workstation.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The lamps are available from Brando for just $10 (USD) each in red, blue, white or yellow – which aren’t exactly theoriginal Pac-Man ghost colors.

[via GeekAlerts]

Ghost Eater 1 T-Shirt: Pac-Man Goes Steampunk

Technabob — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:26:16 +0000

From the looks of this retro-mechanical machine, it looks like Pac-Man was in existence long before the 1980s. The Ghost Eater 1 is powered by gears, steam, cherries and power pellets, and is the perfect t-shirt for retro gaming fans.

You’ll notice that Pac-Man is leaking some oil and clearly requires constant maintenance, but would you expect anything else from such an old and complex mechanical contraption? The t-shirt was designed by Forent Bocognani, and is available over at Threadless for $20 (USD) in either a mustard color for guys, or a more pleasing light yellow for girls.

I was going back over some old posts, and believe that if you squint real hard at the old Pac-Gentleman game, that’s Ghost Eater 1 there.

Pac-Man Swimsuit: Ghosts in the Pool

Technabob — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:23:31 +0000

What’s the last time you saw Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Clyde hanging out by the poolside and sipping on piña coladas? If you answered “never”, think again, thanks to this Pac-Man one-piece swimsuit.

The Pac-Man swimsuit is from the guys at Black Milk Clothing, who unfortunately have had to take their site down temporarily due to the recent popularity of another one of their creations – the, um, Steve Buscemi dress. So for now, you’ll just have to stop and stare at the picture above.

And if you’re looking for a two-piece, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

[via Buzzfeed]