Top 10 Biggest Arcades in America

Arcades hold a special place in the heart of American entertainment culture. From the early days of video gaming to the modern era of immersive experiences, arcades have evolved tremendously. They are not just places to play games; they are social hubs, entertainment centers, and nostalgic trips down memory lane. With the resurgence of interest in retro gaming and the expansion of modern arcades, the United States is home to some of the largest and most impressive arcades in the world. This article explores the top 10 biggest arcades in America, delving into their history, unique attractions, and what makes them stand out in the world of entertainment.

1. Galloping Ghost Arcade (Brookfield, Illinois)

Galloping Ghost Arcade is often touted as the largest arcade in the United States, and possibly the world, in terms of the number of games. Located in Brookfield, Illinois, this massive arcade boasts over 900 arcade games. Founded in 2010 by Doc Mack, Galloping Ghost has become a pilgrimage site for arcade enthusiasts.

The arcade covers a whopping 7,500 square feet, with rows upon rows of classic and modern arcade machines. What sets Galloping Ghost apart is its dedication to preserving and restoring old games, some of which are incredibly rare and hard to find. The arcade regularly hosts tournaments, events, and even live streams for the gaming community.

Unique Features:

• Over 900 arcade games, including rare and unique titles.
• Regular tournaments and live events.
• A dedicated community of arcade enthusiasts.

2. Funspot (Laconia, New Hampshire)

Funspot, located in Laconia, New Hampshire, holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest arcade in terms of square footage. This arcade spans over 75,000 square feet and features more than 600 games. Opened in 1952, Funspot is a family-friendly entertainment center that has something for everyone.

Aside from arcade games, Funspot offers ten-pin bowling, mini-golf, and bingo. The arcade is also home to the American Classic Arcade Museum, which showcases vintage games from the 1970s and 1980s. Funspot’s historical significance and its diverse range of attractions make it a must-visit destination for arcade fans.

Unique Features:

• 75,000 square feet of gaming space.
• Home to the American Classic Arcade Museum.
• A wide range of family-friendly activities.

3. Dave & Buster's (Various Locations)

Dave & Buster's is a household name in America when it comes to modern arcades. With over 140 locations across the United States, it’s more than just an arcade; it's a full-scale entertainment center. Each location varies in size, but many of them are massive, with some covering over 40,000 square feet.

Dave & Buster's combines a restaurant, sports bar, and arcade under one roof. They offer a wide range of modern arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and even prize redemption games. The chain's appeal lies in its ability to cater to both children and adults, making it a popular choice for family outings, corporate events, and casual gaming nights.

Unique Features:

• A combination of arcade, restaurant, and sports bar.
• Wide range of modern games and VR experiences.
• Nationwide presence with over 140 locations.

4. Round1 Entertainment (Various Locations)

Round1 Entertainment is a Japanese arcade chain that has made a significant impact in the U.S. market. With multiple locations across the country, Round1 offers a unique blend of traditional and modern arcade games, along with activities like bowling, karaoke, and billiards.

Many of their locations are large, often exceeding 50,000 square feet. Round1 is known for its extensive selection of Japanese arcade games, which are hard to find elsewhere in the U.S. The arcade also features UFO catchers (a type of claw machine) and rhythm games that are extremely popular in Japan.

Unique Features:

• A wide selection of Japanese arcade games.
• Additional activities like bowling, karaoke, and billiards.
• Large locations with modern and traditional games.

5. Pinball Hall of Fame (Las Vegas, Nevada)

The Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas is a mecca for pinball enthusiasts. This non-profit arcade is dedicated entirely to pinball machines, with over 10,000 square feet of space and more than 200 pinball machines ranging from the 1950s to the present day.

Founded by Tim Arnold, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a treasure trove of history, with machines that have been lovingly restored to their original condition. The arcade is a unique experience, offering both nostalgia and a deep dive into the world of pinball.

Unique Features:

• Over 200 pinball machines from different eras.
• A non-profit arcade dedicated to preserving pinball history.
• Located in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.

6. Arcade Monsters (Oviedo, Florida)

Arcade Monsters in Oviedo, Florida, is one of the largest arcades in the Southeastern United States. With over 20,000 square feet of gaming space, it houses more than 300 arcade games, including retro classics, modern games, and pinball machines.

Arcade Monsters is known for its vibrant, neon-lit atmosphere and extensive game selection. The arcade also features a bar, making it a popular spot for adults to unwind and enjoy some nostalgic gaming. Regular events, tournaments, and cosplay nights add to the arcade’s lively community atmosphere.

Unique Features:

• Over 300 games in a neon-lit, retro-inspired setting.
• Bar and lounge area for adults.
• Regular events and tournaments.

7. Game Galaxy (Smyrna, Tennessee)

Game Galaxy in Smyrna, Tennessee, is a retro gaming paradise. With over 400 arcade machines and pinball games, it’s one of the largest arcades in the Southern United States. Game Galaxy is dedicated to keeping the spirit of classic arcades alive, offering a wide selection of games from the 1980s and 1990s.

The arcade is also known for its affordable pricing model, allowing unlimited play for a set fee. Game Galaxy hosts regular tournaments and events, attracting a loyal community of retro gaming enthusiasts.

Unique Features:

• Over 400 retro arcade and pinball games.
• Affordable unlimited play model.
• Regular community events and tournaments.

8. Starcade at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Orlando, Florida)

Located within Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando, Florida, Starcade is one of the largest arcades on Disney property. Spanning over 15,000 square feet, it offers a wide variety of arcade games, from classics to the latest releases.

Starcade is family-friendly and fits perfectly within the Disney experience, offering a break from the theme parks while still providing entertainment for all ages. The arcade's modern design and state-of-the-art games make it a standout attraction at Disney World.

Unique Features:

• Located within Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
• Family-friendly with a wide variety of games.
• Over 15,000 square feet of gaming space.

9. Free Play Richardson (Richardson, Texas)

Free Play Richardson is part of the Free Play chain of arcades in Texas, known for its extensive collection of classic arcade games. The Richardson location is particularly large, with over 11,000 square feet of space and more than 100 games.

The arcade charges a flat fee for unlimited play, making it a popular destination for retro gaming enthusiasts. Free Play Richardson also has a strong community focus, hosting regular tournaments, events, and even retro gaming conventions.

Unique Features:

• Over 100 classic arcade games.
• Unlimited play for a flat fee.
• Strong community focus with regular events.

10. YESTERcades (Red Bank, New Jersey)

YESTERcades in Red Bank, New Jersey, is a retro arcade that offers a mix of classic arcade games, pinball machines, and console gaming. With over 8,000 square feet of space, YESTERcades provides a cozy yet extensive gaming experience.

The arcade is designed to evoke the golden age of gaming, with a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to both adults and children. YESTERcades also offers a unique rental service, allowing customers to rent out the entire arcade for private events.

Unique Features:

• A mix of arcade games, pinball, and console gaming.
• Nostalgic, retro-inspired atmosphere.
• Private event rentals available.

Conclusion

The arcade culture in America is thriving, with each of these top 10 arcades offering unique experiences for gamers of all ages. From the massive Galloping Ghost Arcade to the family-friendly Funspot, these arcades are more than just places to play games; they are community hubs, historical landmarks, and entertainment destinations. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or a fan of modern experiences, these arcades provide a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse world of arcade gaming in the United States.