The Modern Materialist

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• Geek Out: Nintendo Family Tree Shirt

  I’ve decided to change the title of this particular feature to Geek Out, rather than Retro Arcade. Mainly because there’s way more geeky products out there than old school arcade stuff, but also because I need a place to just, you know, hang and be myself. You know what I’m talking about my fellow Geek-burgers. In any case, let me know what you think… If you guys were digging the retro stuff*, I’ll bring it back. But otherwise, get ready to… Geek out! We kick off the geek out, after the jump...    Read More... Posted Apr 02 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: Nintendo, Retro Arcade, geeky, Shirts, Geek Out

• Retro Arcade: Space Invaders 30th Anniversary Pillows

  For got about Space Invaders 30th birthday, didn’t you? Relax, there’s still enough time to get it a present. Or rather, to get yourself a Space Invaders themed present. And don’t you deserve a present? Stats n' stuff after the jump...  Read More... Posted Apr 01 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: Retro Arcade, pillows

• Retro Arcade: Tetris Shelves

  Now, I don’t personally need any more shelves. I currently have the entire wall of my living room covered in books, two walls of my bedroom, and an entire closet, all packed to the brim with reading material. I’ve actually stopped buying books, because there’s no place for me to put them. So I certainly don’t need any more shelves. However, these are pretty kewl. This shelving unit consists of 10 separate sections that can be locked together, or left separately. Pictured above, they’re together, of course. But you can make ‘em float, have the bottom linked together, and the top still “falling,” or whatever combo you want. You can even link ‘em together in a 3-D design to use it as a temporary wall. The shelves come in a number of colors and designs, with several different backing colors, so there’s pretty much something here for everyone. [$1500, Brave Space Design] A few more pictures after the jump:   Read More... Posted Mar 31 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: Retro Arcade, books, shelves

• Retro Arcade: Space Invaders Journal

  Dear Diary, It is the third day since the aliens attacked our planet. They came in one slow wave first, moving from left to right across the sky. We were able to maneuver our defense turret to take some of them out, and were hopeful we would be able to repel these space invaders. We were wrong… They keep coming, row after row of alien ships. They’ve already destroyed one of our four houses, which gives us fewer places to hide. And there’s something… We’ve noticed above the line of ships. A faster ship that we think is the mothership. My hope is that we can shoot it down and end this war. To that end, I’ve offered a large bonus to whoever can destroy it. I pray to god I will be able to write soon about how this war is over. I must go, the troops need all the help they can get. It seems the more we destroy… The faster they get. Sincerely, Taito Midway [$6, Etsy] Posted Mar 28 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Retro Arcade, Journals

• Retro Arcade: Megaman 2 Scarf

  Etsy user Beatboxtaun, previously of the totally awesome Punch Out scarf, has created a paean to classic game Mega Man 2, but in neck-warming format. This particular item doesn’t feature the Mega Man himself, so much as his adversaries. However, if you’re looking for some villainy wear for your neck hair (forced rhyme, I know), then look no further. [$150, Etsy] [Via That Girl’s Site] Posted Mar 27 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Retro Arcade, scarves, Etsy

• Retro Arcade: Pac-Man Cufflinks

  I have, in my life, found zero opportunities to use cufflinks. When I do find the opportunity to do so (and gosh, I hope it presents itself soon), I doubt I’ll go the wacky route. Most likely, I’ll go for the traditional cufflink experience. It’s like going to a new pizza place for the first time: you want to try the cheese slice to get the sense of the place, not skip ahead to the rigatoni cheeseball supreme*. For those of you tired of the same old cufflinks day after day -  especially those who have an old school arcade fetish – you may want to check out these home-made Pac-Man cuff-links. How many more things can I hyphenate in a row? We’ll see, after the jump...   Read More... Posted Mar 26 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Jewelry, Retro Arcade

• Retro Arcade: Tetris Pillows

  Anyone else confused that the best geek stuff consistently comes from Etsy? Anywho, Etsy user sequoiam has made a set of old school Tetris pillows that lock together in different combinations. Sadly, the pillows do not disappear once a row is made, and you’ll probably have to hum your own Russian-esque music. We’re just not there in the technology yet, people. Pricing, and some more pics, after the jump…   Read More... Posted Mar 25 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Retro Arcade, pillows, Etsy

• Retro Arcade: Space Invaders Scarf 2.0

  Ah, yes. Here, at the end of the winter, you would think a scarf would not be necessary. “But my neck is warm,” you might say. WELL YOU ARE WRONG. 1) It’s still pretty f-ing cold out. 2) This scarf is a Space Invaders Scarf. And, it’s pretty cute. And felted! I don’t know what that means, but knitters I know tell me that’s a good thing. [$50, Etsy] A few more shots, after the jump... Read More... Posted Mar 24 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: Retro Arcade, scarves, Etsy

• Retro Arcade: Video Game Wood Carvings

  Have empty walls? Love games? Want to fill up your space in an attractive manner? Then look no further than Melissa Jones! For a low fee, she will stand in the corner of your living room and smile at you… All day long! Totally JK, guys. Melissa actually makes hand-carved 3D “posters” of old-school video game scenes that can easily hang on your wall. Prices vary, but range by the square foot. And, they’re custom made, so you can get her working on that Kid Icarus poster you’ve always wanted. [$35-$45 per sq. ft, Nice Carving & Signs] Posted Mar 21 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: living room, Retro Arcade

• Retro Arcade: Pacman Shoes

  I'm sort of stepping on Alex's turf here in the Retro Arcade (Sorry, Alex. Um, do you want to to an Etsy post as a trade??), but I saw these awesome pacman shoes by Ben Sherman and I couldn't resist. For all the other children of the 80's, I think you'll agree with me that they just don't make games like Pacman anymore. Then again, I haven't actually played a video game since the 80's, so perhaps I'm not the best judge... [$64, Zappos]  Posted Mar 20 2008, 10:00 AM by Wendy Atterberry with | with no comments Filed under: Retro Arcade, Fashion

• Retro Arcade: Plush Gameboys

  Listen: I’m aware my role on this blog is the tough-as-nails gadget guy. I don’t take no guff from nobody, and that’s the way I like it, right? But goddamn if I don’t want to hug and love one of these plush gameboys. Each one is hand-made in a color of your choice, and won’t break the bank. But maybe your heart? Perhaps… It shall break your heart? Man, I need to find some sort of USB barbecue blender or something, just to get myself back to normal. [$14, Etsy] [Via Technabob] Posted Mar 19 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, toys, Retro Arcade

• Retro Arcade: Asteroids Table

  The great thing about this table is, your guests will either get it, or they won’t. So those you don’t want knowing you’re a secret video game fanatic will be all like, “Cool table.” And those who are in the know will get it instantly. No pricing yet, but there will be a limited run this summer of about 50 units. [Via Mostly This] Posted Mar 18 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Retro Arcade, Tables

• Retro Arcade: The Gamerator

  I really think I just died a little bit after discovering this baby… The Gamerator is a custom made arcade case, featuring a 24 inch flat panel HDTV, a computer installed with 85 classic arcade games, a one year subscription to Gametap (so you can access over 1000 more classic games), and two cup holders. Why does it have two cup holders, you ask? Oh, only because it also has a refrigerator in the arcade cabinet sized for a pony keg, with an attached tap. So you can play video games, pour yourself beer from the tap, and then stick your pint in the cup holder. This is what they have in video game heaven, right? [$4500, Gamerator] Posted Mar 17 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: gadgets, tech, Retro Arcade, Food and Drink

• Retro Arcade: Tetris Skirt

  I’m just going to post this without comment. Okay, one comment: If I was a lady, I would totally wear this. Okay, one more comment: I might wear this anyway. [Sold Out, Etsy] [Via Kotaku] Posted Mar 14 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, clothing, Retro Arcade

• Retro Arcade: Super Mario Checkers

  You can have your Scrabble. Your Chess. Your Castle Risk and Balderdash. Me? I’m a Checkers man*. The eternal battle between red and black is the game of kings, and the ultimate in strategic… Strategery. Yeah. I need a thesaurus. I’m also a big fan (in case you couldn’t tell) of video games, so imagine my excitement upon seeing this combination of the board and the video, a home-made Super Mario Checkers set from Etsy user coolstuffforsale. The board and pieces are made out of beads, is one of a kind, and should probably be snapped up fast. [$25, Etsy] *For the sake of this post, at least. Anyone wants to challenge me on Scrabulous, you’re going DOWN. [Via Geeky Toys] Posted Mar 13 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Retro Arcade

• Retro Arcade: Evolution of Man T-Shirt

  When man first climbed from the primordial muck, there was only one thought on his mind: Do you have any quarters? From ape, to caveman, to modern human, the quest to get quarters has shaped our world, and changed the very course of evolution. What better medium to capture the heart of this quest than the canvas used by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and of course, Picasso: The T-Shirt. Game Asylum’s new Tee, showcasing the growth of the human race, is a picture for the ages. Nay, a snapshot of the very soul of the human race. Don’t you owe it to yourself to wear it while drinking the nectar of the gods itself? I refer of course, to PBR. Let us bring a frosty toast to our lips. To man! [$20, Game Asylum] [Via TechnaBob] Posted Mar 12 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, clothing, Retro Arcade, Shirts

• Retro Arcade: Space Invaders Doormat

  Now, I’m no expert on Space Invaders, but don’t they usually attack your home, rather than welcome other people to it? I guess I didn’t play the game enough, so maybe I’m wrong about that… Regardless, this welcome mat has a row of flickering aliens that light up as your friends (or mailman) approach your front stoop. The mat runs on four AAA batteries, and is guaranteed to inform everybody of how nerdy you are before they’ve even entered your action figure decked out apartment. [$40, Firebox] [Via Boing Boing]   Posted Mar 11 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Retro Arcade, home

• Retro Arcade: Joystick Junkies T-Shirts

  I’ll just throw this out there, but I think part of the appeal of gaming t-shirts is wearing your nerdiness on your sleeve, both literally and figuratively. The shirts are geeky, you’re geeky, and everybody is fine with it. This is why I’m annoyed about these Joystick Junkies shirts… They’re actually pretty cool. The above hoodie shirt looks like any other designer. How am I supposed to know the wearer is a big Space Invaders geek if my first cursory glance informs me that they are way too cool for me? There are a ton more shirts over at their site, but this hoodie is teh most awesome.  [$55, Joystick Junkies] Posted Mar 10 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, clothing, Retro Arcade, Shirts

• Retro Arcade: Controller Buttons

  I don’t want to hyperbolize too much here, but this may be my favorite thing I’ve ever posted on this blog. No, sorry. My favorite thing I’ve ever seen ever. No, wait. The best thing ever, in existence, throughout history. Have I built your excitement enough for these TOTALLY AWESOME BUTTONS??? You guys wear buttons, right? Like, on your backpack, or your suspenders? Because you’re all thirteen year old girls? I insult our readers a little less after the jump...  Read More... Posted Mar 07 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Retro Arcade, Buttons

• Retro Arcade: Mushroom Dealer T-Shirt, Tote, and Hoodie

  This is kind of turning into “Retro Mario Arcade,” isn’t it? Anywho, here’s the perfect gift for the friend you like doing shrooms with*, or for any friend who likes to do a little power up now and then. Or, get it for yourself, and let people know where all the best warp whistles are. They come in 14 different colors for the shirts, down to five colors for the totes, and all sizes, from Mario to Super Mario. Tote and Hoodie after the jump...    Read More... Posted Mar 05 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, clothing, Retro Arcade, Bags, geeky

• Retro Arcade: Super Mario Quilt

  You know, if I was the type of guy who liked sitting on the couch playing video games under a super warm quilt, I wouldn’t look any further than Etsy user CarolinaPatchworks’ home made Super Mario Bros. – The Hidden Quilt Level. Depicting Mario perched precariously on a pipe, facing off against a deadly turtle, and even deadlier Goomba, I would know that I had found true comfort and warmth. Yet another awesome video game quilt, after the jump... Read More... Posted Mar 03 2008, 09:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Retro Arcade, Etsy, Quilts

• Retro Arcade: Super Mario Bath Bombs

  Okay, the first thing I’m going to suggest about these bath bombs is DON’T GIVE THEM TO KIDS. 1)    They look like candy. 2)    They contain a small, mouth-size toy inside. So please, do us all a favor, and keep these for yourself. I mean, safety first, right? If you are tempted to buy these, take a few of ‘em, let ‘em fizz up in your bath, and then play with the tiny figurines of Mario, Luigi, Fire Mario, Bowzer, Goomba, and Power Mushroom that will slowly appear as you soak. You know, to make sure they’re safe. For kids. [$6, Think Geek] [Via Coolest Gadgets] Posted Feb 29 2008, 11:00 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: bathroom, video games, Retro Arcade, Cheap Trick

• Retro Arcade: Pac-Man CD/DVD Case

  [$12, 80s Tees] 80s Tees has the finest grunge wear and Monica Lewinsky joke products around. I kid, of course… They do have some of the best retro goods around, but, non-shockingly, from the 1980s. That includes this Pac-Man CD/DVD case. Or, given that the format war was just won, let’s say it’s a Blu-Ray case. My favorite part of this is metal Blinky hanging off of it. God I love Blinky. [Via Geeky Gadgets] Posted Feb 27 2008, 09:00 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Retro Arcade, DVDs, CDs

• Retro Arcade: Punch-Out Scarf

  [$175, $75, Etsy] How better to stay warm than with Little Mac and the original ear biter himself? Etsy user Beatboxtaun has created a one of kind Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out scarf for the Nintendo lover in all of us. And if I had almost $200 to spend on a scarf, I would grab this in an instant. Luckily, I'm a magnanimous sort, and will leave it for you, the Materialista, to purchase. Not a Punch-Out Fan? There's a scarf for you, too, after the jump...  Read More... Posted Feb 26 2008, 12:00 PM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Best of Etsy, Retro Arcade, scarves

• Retro Arcade: Tetrice

  You have no idea how sad I am that this is just a concept. Created by designer Martin Žampach, these flexible ice cube trays would dispense... Well, technically, I guess still cubes... In the form of the shapes that continue to haunt my dreams. There was a time when I would close my eyes and see Tetris blocks falling. Now, there could have been a time when I could OPEN my eyes, and see sweet, delicious Tetrice cubes falling into my frosty drink... But no. It was never meant to be. Head over to his site for a few more pics, and if you speak Czech, please plead with him to make these a reality.  Posted Feb 25 2008, 11:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: kitchen, video games, concepts, Retro Arcade

• Retro Arcade: Classic Tabletop Arcade

  My love for retro arcade games is only tempered by my inability to be any good at them. With the sole exception of Frogger, which I can totally HOUSE, I generally am very, very bad at everything from Joust to Pac-Man to Q-Bert. Especially Q-Bert. There’s something about pushing your joystick left to go on a diagonal that just never quite clicked with me. And yet… The 150 Classic Game Tabletop Arcade from Hammacher Schlemmer is completely lust-worthy, even given its hefty price tag (which I’ll get to in a second). The unit is 24" H x 22" W x 24" D., and weighs a child-like 65 lbs.* Beyond the 150 game list, it can also play just about any PC game, and has provided jukebox software, so you can load it with your own mp3s. Though given the delightful joy of eight-bit sound, god knows why you’d want to play Paperboy while listening to T-Pain. Way more after the jump...  Read More... Posted Feb 22 2008, 10:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Retro Arcade

• Retro Arcade: NES Back-Pack

  I was at the airport the other day*, and right in front of me at the x-ray machine was a guy who must have had, at least, 40 Playstation 2 games sitting in a bin. I know, in general, you need to remove laptops and other electronic devices from your bag. But I’ve sent my PSP through the X-ray doohickey plenty of times with no problems. This is ignoring, of course, the fact that he had 40 Playstation games in his back-pack that he was taking on the plane with him. The exciting conclusion of my story, after the jump. Oh, and info on the above back-pack... Read More... Posted Feb 20 2008, 10:30 AM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: Retro Arcade, Bags

• Retro Arcade: Space Invaders Bath Towels

  The other day I was trying to track down whether I still owned a sleeping bag. I called my parents, because the last time I was camping, I was also wearing swaddling pants*, and after a fair bit of searching, they managed to track my old bags down. “We have your Eastern Mountain Sports sleeping bag, it’s still in good condition,” said my mother. “Oh good,” I said. “We also have your Star Wars sleeping bag,” she added. “Oh really,” I asked non-chalantly. “How big are they? Are they kid sized? Or adult sized.” Please note that, at this point, I was asking about both, but I really wanted to know about the Star Wars bag. Find out the exciting conclusion to this story, and what it has to do with the picture above, after the jump... Read More... Posted Feb 19 2008, 02:30 PM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: bathroom, Retro Arcade, Towels

• Retro Arcade: Pac-Man Coasters!

  For those of you who refer to vitamins as “power pellets,” and whisper “bonus points” every time you eat a pretzel, it’s time to grow up already… With these six Pac-Man coasters from Etsy user Lost Mitten. The bead created set features everybody’s favorite living pie chart, as well as his arch enemies, Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde. For good measure, there’s also a dead ghost*, and the whole thing comes in an attractive case featuring sweet, delicious cherries. Unfortunately, there was only ONE of these made, so it’s already sold out. But head on over to Lost Mitten’s Etsy page and demand more coasters! *Was that ever confusing to anyone else?  [Via] Posted Feb 18 2008, 02:00 PM by Alex Zalben with | with no comments Filed under: video games, Crafty, Best of Etsy, Booze, dining, Retro Arcade