Tucked away in the unsuspecting residential neighbourhood of Woodlands, Retrocade is every gamer’s dream come true! Conceptualised by full-time Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts lecturer KJ, this young carpentry lab is home to a myriad of exquisite 90’s and early 2000’s-inspired arcade, jukebox, and photography machines.
As a one-man business, Retrocade prioritizes quality, safety, and efficiency, above all else. Through utilizing lightweight materials in the form of plywood, and simplified wiring mechanics, Retrocade is able to appeal to enthusiastic guests of all ages, and from all walks of life.
Complete with an informational visual guide, this lab prides itself in being extremely child-friendly and ‘dummy’-proof. The workshop even offers participants like myself, who have never handled electrical drill equipment, to live-out unrealised dreams of being a carpenter, designer, and electrician, all at once!
Since its inception, Retrocade has graced a variety of niche events including the Singapore and Germany Comic Con, alongside past GameStop events. Though an honour, the success of Retrocade has come as a surprise to KJ, who not only began building machines for friends as a personal hobby, but who has also yet to establish the brand as a full-fledged business.
Costing an estimated $480 to build a single-player arcade machine and $850 for two-players, each Retrocade workshop spans an average of three hours, and takes place every fortnight, on Saturday!
Guests are invited to book their slots 1-2 weeks in advance, and are encouraged to bring their creations home! Weighing a mere 12kg, these Retrocade machines are portable and can be easily maneuvered down stairs or through doorways.
Situated at Woodlands Street 13, Block 166, this carpentry lab lies adjacent to the area’s level 1 aquarium, with a single entrance through a striped white door.
Retrocade
Address: Woodlands Street 13, Block 166, Singapore 730166
Operating Hours: 2-6pm (Mon), 10.30am – 6pm (Tues-Fri), 10.30am – 12pm (Sat)
