NL·Video

What are you at? Vintage video games

If you liked playing Centipede in the arcade, you'll love Scott Mercer's basement.

Scott Mercer says he's just a big kid ... with a big toolbox.

Scott Mercer works in Alberta's oil patch, but when he's home in St. John's, you'll find him working on his side-business/hobby — restoring vintage arcade machines.

"I've always wanted one of these for myself," says Mercer, as he works the joystick on a 1980's 'Centipede' video game.

"I created one for myself at one point, and somebody wanted it, so I sold it. Then somebody wanted one and I made another one, and just went from there."

Mercer does a lot more than just touch-up the retro graphics on his gaming machines: he replaces the guts of the game with new computers, new lights and amplifiers. He can also customize the machines to include whole libraries of games, instead of just one each.

And yes, Mercer loves playing the games as much as he loves building them.

For a peek into Mercer's world, watch the video above.

Do you have an interesting weekend project or hobby? Tell us what YOU are at. Email [email protected] or tweet @CBCWam.  

You can hear 'What are you at? This is it' Saturdays on Weekend AM from 6-9:30 a.m. (5:30-9 a.m. in most of Labrador) on CBC Radio One.


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