There’s a traditional arcade in my city, and I went to visit for the first time yesterday. The owner doesn’t like anything modern, so it’s almost exclusively 80’s arcade goodness with a few 90’s titles.
There’s also a ton of pinball machines, both old and new.
Everything is real PCBs, and there are zero redemption games!
Most of the machines are in great shape, as the owner restores then himself. He doesn’t bother with replacing all the controls with modern setups, so almost everything is traditional leaf switches for the levers and buttons. I gotta say, this certainly adds some difficulty as your hands can get tired mashing the buttons on things like 1942. I appreciate the authenticity though, and I’m not sure I would want it any other way.
I had a blast, and will definitely be revisiting regularly.
I didn’t mention before, because I didn’t want to talk about it without permission, but I figure since he did a youtube feature on it, it’s okay for me to say.
The guy that owns the arcade above also has a much larger private collection, and he built a fully fledged arcade at his home. I got to tour through it about a year ago, and it’s incredible.
Very nice. I really envy people with so much space. Maybe if I win the lottery I can build an extension to the house
Nice set up he has built. Hat off to him
I’m going to be in Omaha, NE for the next few days, can anybody recommend any arcades here that have a good selection of cabs including maybe some shmups? Internet search so far shows a few barcades, Dave and Busters, ect. but don’t want to spend time going if lineups aren’t that great and just filled with the usual lackluster “retro pandering” so to speak. Also wouldn’t mind a few retro game store recommendations if there are any here worth going to.
For the retro game stores, do a search on Google Maps specifically for “retro game stores” with Omaha centered on the map. Look closely at the photos and you should be able to figure out where to go.
Looks like Ben’s Game Zone, Pop Culture Exchange, and The Gamers Oasis, in that order, are the retro stores to check out. I’d give all three a look if it was me traveling through there.
I should note, I do this all the time when I make long drives, often with good results. I also leave reviews for stores across the country on Google Maps after I visit.
Also, looks like Game On in Council Bluffs is worth a trip. Reviews are great. @AgentUnknown
Thanks, I was using regular Google search + Yelp earlier and did see some of those places but the picture results under Google maps is giving me a better overview of what to expect.
Would also like to hear from anybody who might be from the area who might be able to recommend any good hole in the wall places that I might be missing.
Yeah, those pix are invaluable when scouting where to go. If they have glass cases and you can see titles and the systems they have a lot of stock for then it’s an easy trip. Most reviews won’t mention prices too much, but sometimes you’ll get some inkling on where a place lands. That’s why I suggested the place in Council Bluffs.
Big racks with lots of space between games are usually an immediate No Go for me unless there’s nothing else nearby. Visible price tags on everything are also an immediate Yes to visiting. That means they’re not going to just look up the Price Charting value when you ask.
Only place I was able to venture over to today was Pop Culture Exchange and unfortunately it’s temporarily closed until Nov 1st, too bad as looking inside it looked as though it had a decent variety of games and a lot of fun retro movie related stuff too. Might try one of the other spots tomorrow.
Ben’s Game Zone is the best store in town, period! Good folks, one of the most welcoming stores I’ve ever been in. Tons of $1 VHS if you’re into that too lol
