J-Vegas Retro Arcade

J-Vegas Retro Arcade

Reviews Summary

Overwhelmingly positive with an average near 5 stars. Customers praise the affordable $10-for-2-hours model, extensive retro and modern game selection, and family-friendly atmosphere. Many highlight nostalgic value, great staff, and birthday-party suitability. Minor complaints include occasional maintenance issues, AC problems, and rare double-booking incidents. Pinball machines sometimes require extra fees. The venue is consistently described as clean, fun, and exceptional value, appealing to all ages. Most reviewers express strong intent to return.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Pool Tables
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Retro Games in Arcades

Step into the glow of retro arcade games and expect a nostalgic rush! Classics like Galaga, Donkey Kong, or Mortal Kombat await, housed in vibrant cabinets with joysticks, buttons, or trackballs. You’ll dodge enemies, chase high scores, or battle opponents in fast-paced, pixel-perfect gameplay. Modern restorations include sharp CRT or LED screens and authentic controls, preserving the 80s/90s vibe. Games are easy to learn but tough to master, offering quick sessions or deep challenges. With leaderboards and arcade crowds cheering, retro games deliver timeless fun in 2025.

What to Expect from Pool Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pool table and dive into a classic, hands-on game! Expect sturdy tables with smooth felt surfaces, cue sticks, and a set of numbered balls for games like 8-ball or 9-ball. You’ll chalk up, aim, and strike the cue ball to pocket balls with precision, mastering angles and spin. Tables are well-lit, often with vibrant designs, creating a lively atmosphere. Whether playing casually with friends or joining arcade tournaments, pool offers strategic, social fun that’s easy to pick up and endlessly engaging in 2025.

How Arcade Prize Games Work

Dive into the excitement of arcade prize games! Expect claw machines, skee-ball, whack-a-mole, or basketball challenges where you test your skills or luck to win tickets or prizes directly. Claw games require precise joystick control to grab toys, while redemption games reward accuracy with tickets to trade for plushies, gadgets, or trinkets at prize counters. Modern setups boast colorful displays and smooth mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh fun. The thrill of winning and the vibrant arcade vibe make prize games a captivating draw in 2025.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Pool Tables
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

415 Western Blvd

Jacksonville, North Carolina 28546

Hours

Monday 3-9PM
Tuesday 3-9PM
Wednesday 3-9PM
Thursday 3-9PM
Friday 3-10PM
Saturday 12-10PM
Sunday 12-6PM

Customer Reviews

Awesome time and experience! We had a great time and we're coming back!

My wife and I decided to have a last min birthday for my daughter here, they were so accommodating and helpful. They made sure we had space and even kept our cake nice and cool until it was time to eat. Definitely coming back again and would recommend for everyone!

First time coming to the arcade and it was a blast! This is exactly the sort of fun spot Jacksonville has needed for a long time! My 13 and 10 year old loved it and I did too!! We will definitely be back!

We had a great time! We found ourselves scrambling for a birthday spot for our 5 year old after our original option closed down. I wasn't sure there would be enough options for the age range but it was absolutely perfect! We had kids from toddlers to elementary age and everyone had a great time?including the parents! We opted to do a private party and it was just great, exactly what we wanted. Staff was helpful and fantastic, place was clean and spacious.

Very nostalgic and enjoyable place. We have been before as a family on a weekend and enjoyed it. So we booked a private birthday party for our kids. Price is very reasonable, arcade is quieter since it's only our crowd. Great for these winter birthdays where you never know what the weather will be like. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. They allowed us to bring in outside cupcakes (normally it's no outside food or drink). Bathrooms are clean and well lit. Wide variety of games. Staff members were fr

Place was okay, not too busy. It's definitely hot in there with all the games. They DO NOT HAVE ANY PINBALL MACHINES. ZERO. That's mainly what I went for, and the pictures show a whole wall of them. So, if you're coming for pinball, you're gonna be disappointed like me. I wouldn't have went, or paid, if I knew that first.

I recently visited J-Vegas Retro Arcade and had a fantastic time. The arcade has a great selection of classic games that were enjoyable to play, and the addition of cool statues with pop culture references was a fun touch. Kim, who works at the arcade, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about all of the games. She took the time to explain the rules and how to play each game, which really enhanced my experience. The atmosphere of J-Vegas Retro Arcade is also fantastic, with the neon lights and retro de

Not only is peyton an employee but he is the best one. He is nice helpful and all around a good kid. I will have to come by just to see this nice young gentleman once again

A hidden gem of Jacksonville. $10 for 2 hours of free play. Tons of games from 80s and 90s, pool, air hockey, pinball, etc. Very clean and some of the most courteous and helpful staff I have ever come across in this town. So glad I decided to check this place out!

Fantastic experience, tons of variety. Staff and owner all friendly kind and patient. Reasonable price of 10 bucks for two hours per person. Deff worth the money me and the fam had a blast. Will be back!!

A great little arcade, $10 a person for two hours of fun is hard to beat these days. They have a little bit of everything from the classics all the way up to modern games. Go check it out! Just make sure to check the times they open later on weekdays.

Once again the staff there amazed me. We planned a paintball bday party and the weather ended up bad, so I left j-Vegas a last minute message, Dylan responded so fast and was so helpful. And I think Escobar was the name of the gentleman in the the arcade, he was super cool and very very helpful. I'm so impressed and totally recommend going there. Oh and the prices can't be beat. What a great time!

Best spot in Jacksonville to bring kids at an affordable price. Hrs of fun , good staff and rite on the main stretch. New and old games for all ages.

I was recently visiting one of the local hobby shops in the Jacksonville, NC area when I happened to mention to the store associate that ?I wish they still had old-school arcades?. As a parent now, I enjoy introducing my kids to the things I enjoyed in my youth (whether or not they appreciate it). The associate looks me straight in the face, and in a not-so-hushed tone, proclaims??There is!? A few days later, my wife and I took our children to one of the coolest places I've been to in a looooong time: J-Ve

This place is so much fun! This place is clean and has a lot of variety of arcade games for all ages! My kids enjoy coming to this place and get entertained the whole time! Worth the money. The staff are nice and professional.

Man, from ages 60 down to the smallest kid, this place has more retro games stand up machines than I have ever seen. I was looking for maybe a Joker Poker hidden in there, lol, just kidding. But from DigDug to Burger Time, to Space Invaders, to the original Star Wars standup game, to Contra, all of the greatest hits of video games of the 80?s and 90?s! And only $10 per person for unlimited game play !! 2 hour limit but that's plenty of time to hit almost half the machines. My son and I absolutely loved

Always a fun time. Best value for an arcade. $10 for 2 hours. The pinball machines are great. My whole family enjoys it. Great for old and young alike. You're sure to find a game you remember or a new one to enjoy.

This place was amazing, at first glance it appears to be a small arcade room but once your inside you'll be amazed at how many games they actually have. 10 dollars per person for 2 hours of game time! You can't be at it and my kids loved it!!

I'm here visiting and this place was an awesome gem to had come across. It was definitely dope. Had a blast!

A great place to hang out with family or friends

Amazing value ! Much rather go here than Mac Daddy's. And every game in here works like brand new ! Me and my kids LOVE this place !

Attended a birthday party today! It was a lot of fun! Definitely worth the money ! Place is clean and has a lot of games! The staff are friendly and nice. Can't wait to come back!

Great place me and my kids had so much fun!

We loved it here! Very clean establishment & the staff was friendly. Our arcade attendant today was so kind & offered my daughter a stool when she was playing. They have lots of fun classic or new games to choose from & you can't beat the price!

Such a great and amazing place with friends, the employees are outstanding

This place is amazing. I go here every once in a while and i love it every time i go. Im never Dissapointed??

Great place. Friendly staff. Clean. Well maintained units. Great selection. Great price. Had a great time.

Great date night that doesn't break the bank. Also cheaper than anything else in its category for smaller children and teenagers

My wife and I spent the afternoon at the arcade and had a blast! The employee was really great and they have a great variety of games!

Awesome place for kiddos and adults!! We had a great time! Thank you

Gavan was very nice at the door ! Helped us out and gave us the run down of everything !

Love this place! Definitely going back. I relieved my childhood with some of those games. Took my kids (age range 9-19) and they loved it too. There are snacks to buy, which is pretty cool. Also want to give a shout out to the guy working there (wish I caught his name), he was tending to the customers and cleaning the games throughout the whole time. Please support this place! Felt like an old school arcade.

Great time with the kids , not too busy on a Sunday afternoon 1pm. Clean and 95% of the games working ? totally worth $10 per person .. unlimited games and great fun for the kids! Brought three 11 year olds for the 2 hour time slot

This place was so much fun! They have a great mix of games. 5 stars for Patrick as well! He was really helpful and friendly. He was non-stop walking around the store helping customers while working the front desk at the same time. He approached me to help me whenever we had an issue. The place was wonderful and so much fun! I will definitely come back again!??

This place is legit amazing. Great value for the price, my girlfriend and our kids can all have fun here for hours.

Pay one price play all the games you want for 2 hours. It's great. My son has a blast every time!

Amazing place to come hang out and have fun. Had my daughters birthday event here and along with being accommodating was very helpful

Great way to spend a rainy afternoon! Our whole family had an awesome time, with a nice selection of games that appealed to everyone. Friendly staff, clean environment and you cannot beat the price. Loved our experience!

Awesome place to visit brings you back to the childhood!

So much fun! Family friendly and affordable. Will be back.

Always a spot I take the grandson when in the area. He has a blast without breaking the bank

Great entertainment for the family when you're in the wonderful town of Jvegas !

We have had two birthdays at J-Vegas, and both have been great for the kids and parents alike. The two-hour time slot works perfectly!

Love bringing grandkids here. Great place for kids and adults.

Brought the whole family so much fun!!! ??

Tons of great games. Good price for 2 hours.

This was my first time at J Vegas, and I loved it! Mira is a G, so helpful and kind!!!

So fun, and cheap. Kids under 4 don't pay!

Awesome time! Took my 3 sons with me a few months ago. They loved it so much my older son came back to live with me and that's where he wanted to go for his birthday! They have lots of older games I grew up with as well as newer ones which makes it even cooler for us older folks lol. The price is amazing for the entertainment you get! They do have pinball and such for regular game fee as well as prize machines. Can't wait to go back! I wish there were more places like this

AWSOME!!! Had a great time and the price is unbeatable. Love the new and old retro games. Hope they get Pinball machines, this place would be off the charts.????????????

Awesome place. Manager and staff are outstanding. Owner is an awesome dude. He looks out for his staff and his customers.

Very fun place to go. Had alot of fun

Inexpensive fun place the dancing game is a great time and the staff is friendly and nice I highly recommend it

This is a great place to play arcade games. You pay by the hour for free play and the prices are very reasonable. I hadn't played all the way through Aliens Versus Predator in years. I try to stop by whenever I can. They also have a great selection of pinball games. Its well worth the stop!

Beyond incredible- This place is so dang clean! The staff is so wonderful and attentive? We arrived at just after a storm and some of the machines had tripped with a power surge? They refunded all of our money and encouraged us to still stay. Members of the team and management checked in with us a number of times? Great small business in Jacksonville? go!! Price is insanely adorable as well!! A++++

Great place, $10 and play as much as you want!

Game selection is amazing. Keep playing till your two hours are up. Only some require pay, but it's a cool old school arcade. Only grievance is when my wife and I walked in we had no idea about the admissions for playing because there was no signs up or anything and nobody at the register and there was only abt 3 other people there who weren't working. A little off for sure, but nonetheless it was still a cool experience and a cheap admission for an excellent arcade. Lots of the retro game types.

Mira was amazing and so kind even though we came in half hour before closing with a herd of kids! This place was more than I expected and so happy we came for Laidens birthday!

Great time. Had birthdays there. It's a great place.

Came through for my nephews birthday. Had a ton of arcade options and the place was pretty busy and clean. Would visit again ????

We came here on vacation at the beach and had so much fun!!

Mira was the most fantastic amazing help ever first time here will be coming back

I want to give this place the benefit of the doubt because I've been a regular for a while. I've seen it change but this is based off a recent experience. Yesterday we had a birthday party booked for my girlfriend. We had it booked two months in advance, but at the same time they double booked parties so we couldn't use the area reserved for birthday events until an hour into our time there. This happened on top of there being a guy that followed us around the entire time, kept pushing in our chairs, follow

I was in town visiting and came across this place, and oh my lord, did I have fun. It's smaller but well laid out. I'm more than sure I had more fun than my son, lol. Cheap fun in a clean environment for the kid in all of us.

Wonderful owners and wonderful staff. So far all the 1 stars are a bunch of posers trying to scam a system and play for free. Had a great time the couple times I've been. Very reasonable price, very helpful staff. A true hidden gem of Jacksonville

Great experience, what a fun family day activity!

Kids and I had a blast, great pricing, felt like a kid again myself, had tons of ol skool arcade games, brought back many memories, will absolutely visit again!

10 dollars for 2 hours amazing service

Very family friendly, clean and a lot of fun. Good place to have a kids birthday party!

So much fun! Had a blast at my friends kids party. Highly recommended!

Great time. Had birthdays there. It's a great place.

We have been here a few times and enjoyed ourselves, however, the website should be updated regarding age requirements. My son and his friend were turned away this evening because they are 16 and were told they couldn't enter if they weren't 17 or older?the website says 16. It was a far drive for them so this was disappointing.

Very cool place to go and reasonably priced! We spent $10 per person for 2 hours of play and we all had fun. They have old and new arcade games that are included in the pricing. The pinball machines for some reason were extra $1 each play. Overall we would go again when we were in town!

Only $10 for 2 hours and there are SO MANY games. All of them we played were in working order. Absolutely love this place!

Amazing! $20 for 2 people to have 2 hours of game play! Such a fun date night idea and the staff is so nice! We only played about 1/2 the games in that 2 hours which means we definitely will be back to play the other 1/2! Can't even go to the movies for that price anymore! It looks small but once you get inside it's actually a lot bigger than it seems from the outside!

This place is fun. They have a bunch of old video games to play, a pool table and air hockey table among other things. Almost everything in the arcade is covered by a $10 cover charge for 2 hours, which is better than keeping up with a bunch of quarters or something else to pay for the games. They also have snacks and drinks available to purchase.

Great experience for the kids! We loved all the games

Loved it! Had an absolute blast with my son. I love the fact that you pay for time and not pay per game! Very friendly atmosphere and the staff was amazing. Joe was at the counter and was a great host! It was clean and even had classic arcade games too. I will definitely be back! Please stay open!

My grandkids had a blast. It's definitely worth the money spent. The guy working I didn't catch his name but he was from Buffalo originally. Well he was very attentive and super nice..

All the games are free play. You do pay at the counter for two hrs of play but a lot of retro games

Excellent value, lots of fun!

If you're a gamer this is the place for you. Super fun!!!! It's only $10 for two hours free play on all the games. The staff are very friendly. Cool place to go

J-Vegas Retro Arcade is a cool spot with a mix of old-school and modern games. It's like stepping back in time and reminiscing about the good old days. What's neat is you pay by the hour, so it's all-you-can-play fun. My kids had an absolute blast here, especially at a birthday party. It's a great place to make memories and have a good time!

Fun! Some games need maintenance and AC is not keeping up. I'm sure it will all be fixed soon Edit to respond to owner- we've came many times before and will continue to come when time allows in our busy schedules. One skeeball machine down, air hockey doesn't keep score as well. Nothing major, might have just missed that. It was 80 degreees in there around 7 pm. Building owner might need to service AC unit. The water fountain definitely helps. Great value for the price. Everyone should visit at least o

Had never been but attended a birthday party here today. Staff was excellent in keeping an eye on the party and wiping down the games regularly. Excellent selection of coin operated games (though because of the party we had free play of games). HIGHLY recommend for parties or just an outting with kids (big, small & at ??)

Great place to take your family and the owner really looks out for his customers!

They were awesome! The kids had a blast, the staff were ensuring we had fun, quick to fix anything not working and they noticed my son was very short and offered a step stool ??. We will definitely be making this our go to arcade. Thanks guys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are retro games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Absolutely, retro games in arcades remain a thrilling draw in 2025! Classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter II offer simple yet addictive gameplay, blending nostalgia with timeless challenge. Modern arcade cabinets often feature crisp displays and restored controls, enhancing the experience. These games thrive on quick reflexes and strategy, with vibrant pixel art and iconic soundtracks that spark joy. Arcades host tournaments and leaderboards, fostering a lively community. While modern games dominate, retro titles provide a unique, accessible thrill that keeps arcades buzzing.

Are pool tables in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, pool tables in arcades remain a fantastic draw in 2025! Games like 8-ball or 9-ball offer tactile, skill-based fun that blends strategy and precision. Modern tables feature smooth felt, responsive cues, and vibrant designs, enhancing the classic experience. Arcades foster a social vibe with casual matches or competitive tournaments, appealing to all skill levels. Unlike digital games, pool’s physicality—lining up shots, feeling the cue’s weight—keeps it timeless.

Why are arcade prize games so exciting to play?

Arcade prize games are a thrilling highlight in 2025! Claw machines, skee-ball, and ticket-redemption games like basketball offer a rush of skill and chance, with rewards like plushies, toys, or electronics up for grabs. Modern machines feature vibrant lights, digital scoreboards, and responsive controls, amplifying the fun. The lively arcade atmosphere, with cheering crowds and buzzing energy, makes every win feel epic.