Category Archives: Featured

Featured, HDMI Solutions

They fixed the XBOX HDMI…but I still can’t recommend it.

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Review of the FIXED version of the EON XBHD HDMI adapter for the original Xbox. This will connect to your modern television, but it also adds a bunch of features most people probably don’t need at a very high price. In the video I also compare it to cheaper HDMI options like the Hyperkin cables and the excellent XBOX2HDMI adapter.
XBOX2HDMI: https://electron-shepherd.com
EON XBHD: https://www.eongaming.tech

Sponsor: CLZ GAMES for cataloging your new and retro games. Check out Google or Apple app stores or https://www.collectorz.com for more info!

The original Xbox, released by Microsoft in 2001, was a groundbreaking console that left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. One of its key strengths was its powerful hardware. Sporting an Intel Pentium III processor and an NVIDIA GPU, the Xbox was a technological powerhouse for its time, surpassing the capabilities of its competitors. This allowed for impressive graphics and smoother gameplay experiences, setting a new standard for console gaming.

Moreover, the original Xbox introduced the concept of Xbox Live, a revolutionary online gaming service. This marked a significant shift in multiplayer gaming, enabling players to connect with others around the world seamlessly. Xbox Live not only facilitated competitive gaming but also laid the foundation for the online gaming communities that thrive today. The console’s diverse library of games, including iconic titles like Halo: Combat Evolved, contributed to its success and solidified its place in gaming history. The original Xbox’s combination of cutting-edge hardware, innovative online capabilities, and a compelling game lineup established it as a formidable player in the console market, earning it a lasting legacy among gaming enthusiasts.

Featured, System Reviews

* NEW * Retro Shooter Light Gun – New Version Review

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Review of the new Retro Shooter light gun package for the Pandora Box. MORE INFO: https://retroshooter.com

Light gun arcade games have had a significant impact on gaming culture. Here are five of the most popular and influential ones:

  1. Duck Hunt (1984): One of the earliest and most iconic light gun games, bundled with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Players used the NES Zapper to shoot ducks on the screen.
  2. Time Crisis series (1995 – present): Known for its pedal system allowing players to take cover, this series revolutionized light gun gameplay. It introduced the cover mechanic, adding depth to arcade shooters.
  3. House of the Dead series (1996 – present): This franchise brought horror-themed arcade shooting to the forefront. Players faced hordes of zombies and creatures in various installments, using light guns to survive.
  4. Point Blank series (1994 – 2017): Offering a different experience from traditional shooters, Point Blank focused on mini-games and challenges requiring precise shooting skills. It stood out for its variety and humor.
  5. Lethal Enforcers (1992): This game utilized digitized graphics and realistic settings, setting itself apart during its time. Players took on the role of a law enforcement officer, taking down criminals.

These games have left a lasting impact on the arcade gaming landscape and continue to influence modern gaming experiences.

Featured, System Reviews, Atari (Hidden Gems)

Atari 2600+ vs Atari GameStation Pro – Which is BETTER?

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I’m comparing the new Atari 2600+ vs Atari GameStation Pro. Two very different systems but yet both are pretty cool in their own right!
Atari 2600+: https://atari.com
Atari GameStation Pro: https://amzn.to/3NsqUz2 (affiliate link)

Atari holds an iconic status in gaming history, particularly due to its foundational role in popularizing home gaming consoles. The release of the Atari 2600 in 1977 marked a monumental shift, bringing gaming from arcade halls into households worldwide. This console introduced a range of games, from the simple yet addictive “Pong” to the diverse library that included “Space Invaders,” “Pac-Man,” and “Asteroids.” Its accessible design and innovative use of interchangeable cartridges revolutionized how people engaged with games, laying the groundwork for the modern gaming industry.

Moreover, the Atari era cultivated an entire generation’s love for gaming, shaping the very essence of what we now understand as gaming culture. It wasn’t merely about entertainment; it was a transformative social experience. Friends and families gathered around TVs, engrossed in these pixelated worlds, fostering a communal bond through shared gaming experiences. The success and impact of Atari transcended its time, serving as a cornerstone that paved the way for subsequent gaming consoles and influencing game design, technology, and the burgeoning gaming community that continues to thrive today.

** DISCLAIMER: Both of these Atari consoles were sent to me for review, but nobody reviewed the video and all of the opinions are my own **

Featured, System Reviews

Analogue Duo Review – is this $250 TurboGrafx-16 clone worth it?!

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Review of the Analogue Duo, a TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine FPGA based clone system. But is it worth the $250?
Info: https://www.analogue.co

The TurboGrafx-16, released by NEC in 1987, was a pioneering 16-bit video game console that brought about significant advancements in gaming technology. Known as the PC Engine in Japan, it boasted a sleek design and was notably smaller than its contemporaries. Its defining feature was its graphics and sound capabilities, offering impressive performance for its time. The console introduced a range of colorful and visually engaging games, showcasing the power of its hardware, especially in the realm of 2D gaming. It also had a unique add-on called the TurboGrafx-CD, one of the earliest CD-ROM peripheral attachments for a console, expanding its library with CD-based games and enhanced audio.

Despite its technical advancements and innovative add-ons, the TurboGrafx-16 faced tough competition in the gaming market, primarily from Nintendo and Sega. Limited third-party support and a smaller game library compared to its rivals hindered its widespread success. However, it garnered a cult following due to its unique games, such as “Bonk’s Adventure” and “Ys Book I & II,” which remain fondly remembered by retro gaming enthusiasts. While it didn’t dominate the market, the TurboGrafx-16 remains an essential piece of gaming history, remembered for its technological innovations and contributions to the evolution of gaming consoles.

Featured, Travel

$100 Challenge at Portland Retro Gaming Expo + PICKUPS!

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Metal Jesus & Drunken Master Paul are at Portland Retro Gaming Expo w/ $100 each to buy 3 great games PLUS collectables. Who do YOU think had the better pickups at Portland Retro Gaming Expo?

Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest known for its eclectic culture, lush greenery, and laid-back atmosphere. With a backdrop of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains and the nearby Columbia River Gorge, Portland boasts a rich tapestry of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, the city embraces a thriving food scene highlighted by farm-to-table dining, a plethora of food carts offering global cuisines, and a fervent craft beer and coffee culture. Artistic expression flourishes in Portland, evident through its numerous galleries, street murals, and the iconic Portlandia statue. The city’s love for the outdoors is evident with its extensive network of parks, bike-friendly streets, and proximity to hiking trails and scenic vistas, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Yet, Portland also grapples with challenges such as homelessness and urban development, which add complexity to its dynamic identity. Overall, Portland captures a blend of natural beauty, creativity, and a unique sense of community that draws both locals and visitors alike.

Featured, Special Episodes

2023 Holiday Gift Guide – 10 Gifts for Gamers!

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My 2023 Holiday gift guide! 10 gaming products I recommend including handhelds, keyboards, arcade machines, handheld grips, HDMI converters, books, controllers & more!

Products Mentioned:
Super Pockets – https://amzn.to/3ueI4JQ
8bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard – https://amzn.to/3szk03N
Replicade Ghosts n Goblins – https://newwavetoys.com
Satisfye ZenGrip Ronin for Switch – https://www.satisfye.com
Stylth Grip for Steam Deck – https://www.satisfye.com
RetroTink 2x & 5x – https://www.retrotink.com
The Console Chronicles- https://bit.ly/MJRLIC
A Handheld History Book – https://amzn.to/3uhM1gO
Nitro Deck – https://amzn.to/3MJmJPd
Space Invaders 1/4 arcades – https://numskull.com
Retro Fighters controllers – https://amzn.to/46il36b
Grid Studio – https://gridstudio.cc

(As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases from affiliate links)

Featured, Mobile & Handhelds

XREAL Air2 Glasses Review – I’m impressed!

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Review of the new Xreal Air2 AR (Augmented Reality) glasses. I use these glasses playing Steam Deck games, Nintendo Switch games, iPad & more.

Augmented reality (AR) glasses are wearable devices that seamlessly blend digital information with the real-world environment, enhancing the user’s perception and interaction with their surroundings. These glasses typically consist of a lightweight frame equipped with transparent display screens positioned in front of the user’s eyes. The display technology allows virtual images, graphics, or information to be superimposed onto the user’s view of the real world. AR glasses often incorporate sensors such as cameras, accelerometers, and gyroscopes to track the user’s movements and gather data about the environment. This data is then processed in real-time to generate and display relevant augmented content.

One of the primary advantages of augmented reality glasses is their potential to revolutionize how users consume information and engage with digital content. From providing contextual information about the objects in the user’s field of view to enabling immersive gaming experiences or aiding in navigation through enhanced maps and directions, AR glasses have a broad range of applications. Moreover, they offer hands-free operation, allowing users to access information and perform tasks without the need for a separate device. As technology continues to advance, augmented reality glasses are poised to play an increasingly significant role in various industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and entertainment, by offering innovative solutions to enhance productivity, learning, and entertainment experiences.

Website pre-order links for XREAL Air 2 and XREAL Air 2 Pro:
– US: https://amzn.to/45ZxW4N
– UK: https://amzn.to/3smeyRU
XREAL Air on sale: https://amzn.to/49xGToU
Pre-order link for the XREAL Air 2 Pro: https://bit.ly/45G4H6R

Featured, Travel, Recent Pickups

JAPAN GAME PICKUPS! 26 Games + Collectables (Switch, PS5, PS1, Vita, Xbox 360)

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Here are all the Japanese import games I picked up on our trip to Japan (Kyoto, Osaka & Tokyo).

GAMES SHOWN:
The Adventure of Little Ralph (PS1)
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster (Switch)
Metallic Child Advanced (Switch)
Red PSP
Onechanbara Special (PSP)
Godzilla Vs (PS4)
Abarenbo Tengu & Zombie Nation (Switch)
Darius Cosmic Collection (Switch)
Fire Shark (Switch)
Ray’z Arcade (Switch)
Tiger Heli (Switch)
Zero Fire (Switch)
Mario Hori Pro Controller
Earth Defense Force 2 & 3 (Vita)
Kamen Rider Battride War Genesis (Vita)
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania (Switch)
DoDonpachi (Saturn)
Eastward (Switch)
Mr Driller Drill Land (Switch)
Override: Mech City Brawl (Switch)
River City Girls 1 & 2 (Switch)
Espgaluda II: Black Label (Xbox 360)
DoDonPachi SaiDaiOuJou (Xbox 360)
Gal Gun (Xbox 360)
Vampire Rain (Xbox 360)
Nintendo store plushies
Lost Odyssey (xbox 360)
Front Mission 5 (PS2)
Grim Guardians Demon Purge (PS5)

Featured, Travel

Metal Jesus in JAPAN – Game Hunting in TOKYO & Yokohama!

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Part 3 of my epic trip to Japan, this time we sightsee around Tokyo, go up in the Shibuya Sky, rock out at heavy metal bar, visit the Ramen Museum and explore the Gundam Factory + lots of GAME HUNTING! ++ Watch >> https://youtu.be/jt1pWVTPssQ

Top 10 Things to do in Tokyo:

Tokyo, Japan is a vibrant and dynamic city with a wide range of activities to suit various interests. Here are ten popular things to do in Tokyo:

1. **Visit Meiji Shrine**: Located in the heart of Tokyo, this Shinto shrine is a peaceful oasis surrounded by a dense forest. It’s a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

2. **Explore Tsukiji Fish Market and Outer Market**: While the inner wholesale market has moved, the outer market is still bustling with shops and restaurants offering fresh seafood, street food, and Japanese kitchenware.

3. **Experience Harajuku and Takeshita Street**: Harajuku is known for its unique fashion and youth culture. Takeshita Street is lined with trendy shops, boutiques, and crepe stands.

4. **Stroll in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden**: This spacious garden offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.

5. **Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple**: Asakusa is a historic district in Tokyo, and Senso-ji is the city’s oldest temple. Explore Nakamise-dori for traditional snacks and souvenirs.

6. **Experience Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue**: Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world and a symbol of Tokyo’s energy. Don’t forget to pay your respects to Hachiko, the faithful dog.

7. **Discover Odaiba**: This artificial island offers a mix of shopping, entertainment, and futuristic architecture. Highlights include the teamLab Borderless digital art museum and the Odaiba Seaside Park.

8. **Go to Akihabara (Electric Town)**: A paradise for anime, manga, and electronic enthusiasts. You’ll find shops selling everything from figurines to the latest gadgets.

9. **Enjoy the nightlife in Roppongi**: Known for its nightlife scene, Roppongi offers a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

10. **Visit Ueno Park and Museums**: Ueno Park is a large public park with cherry blossoms in spring. It’s also home to several museums including the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo.

Remember, Tokyo is a vast city, so make sure to plan your itinerary based on your interests and the areas you’d like to explore. Additionally, check for any seasonal events or festivals that might be happening during your visit for a unique experience.