In Pursuit of the Perfect Joystick: A Guide to Oregon’s Best Retro Gaming Arcades
It’s a typical winter in Oregon, and the rain outside is coming down harder than a kiddo on a Super Nintendo controller during a heated Mario Kart race. So why not seek refuge in one of the state’s hidden gems – its collection of retro gaming arcades. With classic pinball machines, delightfully rhythmic DDR pads, and vintage Pac-Man engulfing cabinets, these arcades whisk you back to simpler times. Times when high scores and a pocket full of quarters were currency for neighborhood bragging rights. With a nostalgic glint in our eye and a seasoned joypad prowess in our hands, let’s embark on a pixelated journey navigating through Oregon’s top retro gaming arcaces!
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade, Portland
Nestled in the always buzzing Pearl District, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade is Portland’s answer to an 80s kid’s wildest dream. Brimming at the seams with over 100 classic video games, this arcade bar puts the “fun” in funky. The joint is split into two stages—the ground floor houses classics like Donkey Kong and Ms. Pac-Man while the second floor is filled with rows of shiny pinball machines. And a welcome heads-up to the night owls among us, they shift into over 21 mode after 5 PM with a medley of Oregon-brewed beers on offer. Remember, unlike Oregon weather that can be as unpredictable as a game of Frogger, Ground Kontrol guarantees a good time come rain or shine.
Game Over Arcades, Lincoln City & Eugene
Heading down the I-5, we find ourselves in Lincoln City and Eugene, home to the heavy hitters of retro gaming arcades – Game Over. It feels more like stepping into a Flux Capacitor powered DeLorean than your standard arcade. The ambiance will zap even the most seasoned gamers back to their childhood. The classics – from the clang of the pinball bell to the frantic scramble of Centipede – merge with a few contemporary surprises, offering an arcade experience like no other on the central coast. Grab a slice from the in-house pizzeria, load up your gamer card, and prepare for an evening of relentless fun.
Wunderland Games and Cinemas, Multiple Locations
Hardcore retro gaming lovers know that the journey to the joystick riches goes through Oregon’s own mini-chain of gaming sanctuaries, Wunderland Games and Cinemas. These classic gaming lounges, sprinkled around Beaverton, Milwaukie, and Gresham, are as staple to Oregon as Mount Hood’s peak or Voodoo Donuts’ eccentric treats. Wunderland offers a brilliant blend of old-school arcade games, nickel games, and even cinema screens. So, bask in the old-time fun, maybe quote Schwarzenegger and say “I’ll be back” as you cash in your winning tickets for a delightful array of prizes.
Next Level Pinball Shop, Hillsboro
Prepare to tumble into the rabbit hole of gaming nostalgia in the outskirts of PDX, at the Next Level Pinball Shop in Hillsboro. Half-museum, half-playground, this place is a haven for folks who appreciate the art and mechanics of pinball machines. It’s like a “choose-your-own-adventure” book but for arcade games. Line up your shot, pull back the plunger, let her fly, and let the mesmerizing dance of lights and flippers guide you in this pinball extravaganza. Then when the flippers stop flipping, browse through the shop and take a piece of the arcade realm back home.
Ducking into one of Oregon’s retro gaming arcades is like slipping into another era – one filled with simple, tangible joys, the chime of achieving high scores, and the hubbub of likeminded gaming aficionados. And let’s not forget the gratifying heft of tokens in your palm, something a modern gaming console just can’t replicate.
So there you have it—a tour de joystick of the Beaver State’s finest retro gaming arcades that’d make even Mario himself cheer, “Let’s-a-go!”. So, grab your quarters, your game faces, and get ready to bask in Oregon’s arcade culture. Don’t forget, the journey from game novice to local joystick legend might be long, but as they say over at our beloved Portland Retro Gaming Expo, “Keep Portland Pixelated.”