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Joystick Gaming Lounge

Joystick Gaming Lounge

Reviews Summary

Joystick Gaming Lounge is consistently praised for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and exceptional staff who are friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests highlight the clean, well-maintained space with a diverse mix of arcade, PC, retro, and board games, appealing to all ages. The affordable pricing, fun party packages, and hassle-free experiences make it ideal for birthdays, date nights, and group events. Many reviewers emphasize the owners' dedication to creating a top-notch, inclusive environment, with repeat visits highly recommended. The variety of games and seamless organization leave guests thoroughly impressed.

About This Listing

Has Fighting Games
Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
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.*

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 Fighting Games
Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

420 Gateway Dr Suite C

Dixon, California 95620

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10AM-8PM
Thursday 10AM-8PM
Friday 10AM-10PM
Saturday 10AM-10PM
Sunday 12-5PM

Customer Reviews

JoystickDixon has something for everyone. From Mario Kart racing, nerf shooting, Jurassic park, hit the clowns, basketball and everything in between! It's not only a fun place for kids but also for the adults too! And their summer passes are most definitely worth it. If you haven't been here yet then what the heck are you waiting for?! The owners are so sweet and kind. My kids absolutely love it here.

Great Arcade and Gaminng environment, Kids had a Blast at Bday party and hanging out with paps on Arcades and some old school Bubble Bubble on NES, Ya I'm that old. The Staff is very pleasant and keep a very clean business??

Went to this place yesterday for a birthday party, it was a great experience and many facts stood out - We were greeted at the door and with no sign in process we were able to get to the games right away - we were very quickly explained and directed - the place was impeccable - all games worked - the games were not set to be impossible to win from - it was not too crowded - the lady running the show was so friendly and helpful - the ticket redeeming by process was automated but when a kid made a mistake she

We had my son?s birthday at Joystick and it was a great experience. The owners were so friendly and helpful, both before the party and during. The party room was great, fun decorations and just the right size. The whole place is very clean and well kept, and there is a great variety of games. The kids had a blast and we will definitely come back. I would highly recommend for a party.

Very clean and very good price. Had a great time. The owners are really friendly. Will definitely be back.

A Fantastic Experience for My Daughter?s 9th Birthday! We recently hosted my daughter?s 9th birthday party at Joystick, and I can't say enough about how wonderful the experience was! From start to finish, the staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. The owners are genuinely kind and dedicated to creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for families. The arcade is clean, well-maintained, and packed with a great mix of games that kept all the kids entertained for hours. The birthday p

We celebrated our son?s birthday at Joystick Gaming Lounge for the first time and it was an incredible experience! The owners were exceptionally friendly and the space was spotless and impressively designed. You can tell they've poured a lot of thought and care into creating an inviting, top-notch atmosphere. From the aesthetics to the overall vibe, everything was on point. We can't wait to come back!

This place is amazing, the people are wonderful, and the games available are diverse. If you are a family looking to have a fun birthday, this is the place. If you are a college student looking for a fun date or hangout spot, hands down this is the place. They have boardgames, arcade games, PC, and retro consoles. Tables for card games and DnD. It's a nice little place

We just wrapped up our daughters?s 5th birthday party at joystick. I've got to say, it was a huge hit. They provided the pizza, cupcakes, and a party room. They decorated the room with balloons and tablecloths, wrote a custom message on the door, and provided a the essentials for the party. We literally just had to show up. We also added face painting to our part packages which was incredibly nice of them to provide, and everyone loved it. The kids had a great time, and the parents enjoyed themselves too. O

the staff is extremely kind and helpful they gave us a tour, explained how the pricing works, and even let us play a game for free. As a college student the prices amazing. i?m definitely coming back for a date night or just to hangout with friends

My team had a great time at our company offsite spending an hour at Joystick in the afternoon following a group lunch. We really enjoyed the air hockey table, basketball hoop competition, ski ball, dance dance revolution revamp, and Mario Kart. It was a fun way to connect with coworkers and a good variety in games for a 1-2 hour activity. Highly recommend & would love to go again!

Came for a date night and had a blast! So fun being competitive with your spouse!! Love the atmosphere and the staff is super friendly and attentive. Tons of arcade games, PC gaming, and a huge selection of board games. Love the separate spaces and the party room option, too. So, so, so fun!! Planning a Girls Night with friends!

My boyfriend and I went to Joystick for our first time this week, and we already cannot wait to go back! They have a few arcade games, which are all of the best ones you may see in other arcades. They also offer PC, retro, and board games! There's tons of space, and games are very reasonably priced! The manager/owner was very nice, helpful, and caring, we cannot thank her enough for making our first visit comfortable and enjoyable!

Such a fun spot! Clean, affordable, and great for all ages. My husband and I loved the arcade games for a spontaneous date-day! They have spots for vintage games, PC games, board games, and a party room.

So much fun! It is the right mix of classic vs new games and so many you can do with a friend or by yourself. Even better is that the prices are extremely reasonable. It's a good family or teen activity.

A super fun place! You can have a date night and play board games or arcade games! They have gaming computers for you to play! As well as free retro NES games to play while you wait for all your kids to finish up playing! Super fun!

Very fun! Lovely aesthetic and the the people at the front desk are the actual nicest and loveliest just a great experience overall<333

We had a company party here, and everyone had a great time. The staff was very accommodating. Highly recommend!

Happy to have discovered this family-owned gem of a spot. Welcoming, chill, and a great vibe for people of all ages :)

Had a great time playing on the computers and playing in the arcade. Great people working their very helpful and nice and a great environment for family fun.

Was very fun my kids loved it I recommend going there if you have no plans

This place a great local business. The staff is friendly and always welcoming

Had a great time! very friendly and helpful staff. Definitely something that Dixon needed.

Excellent family atmosphere

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.”

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.