*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*
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.
*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*
*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*
*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*
*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*
220 Albert St
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
Nostalgia at its finest! This has to be the most fun arcade in Michigan! Tons of games - both old and new and you get tickets!! There is a prize counter here people! I couldn't believe how much fun me and my wife had, and from the looks of it we weren't the only ones! Can't wait to come back and spend all my quarters
Super friendly & kind staff, especially DJ who has such a big heart (give him a raise!) Love the nostalgic real tickets, games, and large array of pinball machines. There's some newer games for a maximum of $1 which is fairly priced. People don't realize that Dave & Busters charge like $2+ a game so. However you really do need to get more & better prizes. They're super cheesy and cheap plus only cater to children. Spent $40 to walk out with two 8 ball keychains, one mini dragon figurine, mini skateboard, an
We finally made it to Pinball Pete's after returning to our home base in Michigan following our extended travels across the United States. It was wonderful to visit a place where I spent so much time as a young girl. The familiar atmosphere remains the same, and they've added new games, enhancing the experience. I highly encourage everyone to stop by and visit.
Greatest arcade Lansing has to offer! Parking structure across the street, never too busy, good selection of games, friendly staff
My two grandsons from California we're here to visit and they love to go to pinball Petes so much. They've been there every time they come to visit and they asked me to get them a shirt so I'm disabled and have trouble getting in and out of the car into a building and I called pinball Petes and asked them if someone could bring out two shirts for me and they did handle the transaction right there in the street in the at the front door. It was so nice to have such a friendly individual help me with this situ
At first the entrance is a little sketchy. But downstairs is an awesome arcade. It's known for pinball but also average arcade games like... Skiball, Racing games, Claw Machines, Air Hockey, DDR, (Dance Dance Revolution) etc. It has at least 20 pinball machines and 3/4 of them are amazing. Must do the "Medieval Madness" Absolutely amazing. Will be coming back.
I took my 2 daughters and my grandson here today and had a lot of fun. The place is decent size with games for everyone. There is games you win tickets to redeem at the counter. The variety of items is slim, I would have played alot more ticket games if the selection of items was better. There is about 20 pinball machines. I would says about 99% of machines we up and running. The photo booth was $5 so I passed the opportunity. The worker was really friendly and informative. I will return.
We had a blast / great time. My grandson & I try to go when he is in town. We just let loose & laugh. Old skool games with some new ones as well. Also a good time.
Great way to relax and reminisce your childhood.. I thought it would be bigger, based on how people talked it up. but there's lots of games to choose from. Love that it's in the basement.. its so much cooler in temperature! Play with quarters like the ones you grew up with. They had 2 pool tables. Kids had a great time. Most games cost $1.00 to play. There's atms (it dispenses 5$ bills) and coin machines, and cups to hold your change.
Very nostalgic place. Haven't been here in over 10 years and they still have a selection of new and older games. Decent pinball machine selection, over 15 different games. Mike was helpful and attentive when the 20+ year old machine ate a couple quarters.Will definitely be bringing my kids back in future.
It doesn't get better than Pinball Pete?s!! Actually the most incredible place for all ages on a little night out in East Lansing!
A great old-fashioned arcade with pool tables. We had a great time.
Awesome. Quite literally like walking back into the 80s as a kid. Great collection of arcade games. There is something intoxicating about playing games in an arcade vs at home. I would recommend caution with the light gun games. More then not they were not even close to being lined up. Still glad to bring my son here and share with him a simpler time then the world we live in today.
Great arcade. Old school; just the way it should be for an arcade. Most games are now $.50 with newer games costing $1.
What a fun experience! Great game selection. Safe environment. Fun atmosphere.
Pinball Pete's is a classic Arcade, and one of out favorite to go to. The owner is friendly and helpful. Games are a blast, you get tickets and can cash them in for little trinkets.
great vibes with many game selections! Lots of games were also had two-player options. Classic pinball machines, DDR, racing games and more! There was a a funky photo booth ($5) in there, as well as pool tables ($2). The games ranged from 50c-$1, so pretty affordable!
Oh Pete?s, how I loved you when I was a student. The video game selection has shrunken noticeably. There's an awful lot of pinball machines, which is awesome and was my favorite part of the place 30 years ago. I understand times are challenging, but the prices are starting to get off-putting. A dollar a play for effectively anything and even PAC-Man is 50 cents now? Regardless, I spent my $5 and headed out on the rest of my nostalgia tour.
Fun, but a bit pricey of $1 per game, A small prize shop, and some broken buttons on some of the games.
Such a disappointment! I was a pinball fanatic back in the 70's and spent a whole lot of time and money at the various Pinball Pete's locations in and around East Lansing. I was sadly disappointed when my recent visit to MSU brought me in contact with what appears to be the last Pinball Pete's still in operation. There were only a couple pinball machines in the arcade and almost all the other stuff were kiddie games which doles out tickets to trade in for cheesy gifts. So sad to see...
One of the best arcades in Ann Arbor and in MI overall. Pinball machines are my favorite and they have plenty variety but that's not all they have. You won't be disappointed.
Quite this afternoon, a good selection of Pinball games. Pleasant time was had.
Great place to hang out with a chill ambiance. Tons of fun pinball games.
First time I've been back since 2002 and much has changed but what hasn't is the Dance Dance Revolution Extreme machine. It was well kept - no issues with the pads and songs could be heard over the music and other games. Cost was $1.00 per play. Wished I lived closer! Had vending machine close by as well.
So so FUN!! I was back in the '80s, :-) Super clean, super fun, and my favorite the strip of photos you can take with your bestie!!!
The ATM didn't work properly and all machines were coin operated but didn't have an option to take card. No parking and smallest arcade I have ever seen. Ended up driving 15 more minutes out of the way to Zap Zone XL
We LOVE going to Pinball Pete?s- it makes a great date night or family outing! We always have a blast. Beat the TMNT game together, and we have one game we play forever trying to beat our own high scores!
It's an arcade with the latest games, pinball both new and old, ticket games, air hockey, photo booth, all that stuff. Surprisingly clean. The machines are kept up extremely well. I remember going to my first arcade in the early 80's when a guy was setting the record for playing Defender the longest. This place totally reminds me of that place. Good vibes
Dawg I was at the counter redeeming my tokens for a Chinese finger trap and the attendant was like "do you know how to play chess?" Being confused by this random question I was like "Yes I do" In response he said "Do you?" I said yes again, but this time while looking at me in a state of confusion he replied yet again "Do you?" Being confused and afraid of what this unhinged man might say again I ran away. Why did he say this? What did he mean by this???
Had to leave a great review! This is the only place my husband and I go where we know we'll never be disappointed. The employees are always so friendly and accommodating (when I'm acting like a child and bouncing around happily ??), and I would genuinely lose it if this place closed down. Please stop by and give it a visit if you haven't already! You won't be disappointed
Made a special trip here from Jackson. Arrived 2 hours before closing time as posted on Google. Both entrances were locked, despite the open signs at those doors being illuminated.
This is a great spot that has old and new games. The pinball selection itself was worth the drive from Cleveland. We won over 2000 tickets and when they found out it was my partners birthday they gave us additional tickets and a t-shirt. He couldn't have been happier and we'll definitely be returning even If it's just a stop through
WOW what a fantastic place and it's on the MSU campus, and the girls are so beautiful ????
Spent a lot of time in this and the other location on Grand River (bing pink elephant)... But that was the 80's. Had lots of fun. Much better than Aladdin's Castle with their frickn' tokens.
Took a group of kiddos here to celebrate my step sons 8th birthday - spent $20/child for about an hour of fun! Games range from 2-8 quarters. Wide variety of games: 2 rows of pinball, pool tables, shooter games, air hockey etc. Not all games give tickets but majority do. Typical arcade prizes available. No food or drinks offered, no alcoholic beverages allowed. Highly recommend for adults and kids
This was our first visit ever to Pinball Pete's and we've decided to start making it a more regular family activity! We loved the selection of pinball games and other arcade games!
Pinball Pete's, in a cool downtown east Lansing sub street level location. However the inside feel is very outdated using the same machines from 20 years ago. With the 60 machines they have still, 10 were out of service. They did happen to have 20 nice pinball machines hidden in the back.
It's a wonderful arcade in a dank, dungeon-type atmosphere. Lots of older and newer games, although most are at least 10 years old. Some of the games weren't working, but I'd say that 99% of them were. It feels a bit dirty, but it's way too fun to miss when you're in the Lansing area.
There are so many fun games in such a colorful environment! I believe the most a game cost was $1.50, but there are also games that cost $0.50. If you want a game that's easy to play and gives out a lot of tickets consistently, do the hopscotch one for $1 (it gives you at least 100 tickets if you make it to the end).
Photo describes this place. Skittles stuck twice. Restroom is locked... Games are $1-$2 don't see this place lasting long.
Took my 4 kids today. We were there about an hour. Spent $50. Most games are $1 or $2 each. Some games are less. Kids had a blast. When you turn in your tickets for prizes .. the prizes are kind of lame. But so are zap zones & chuck E cheese... ??
It's an East Lansing staple! A great place to drop $20 on some fun games and waste an hour. There are a lot of classic favorites and so many pinball machines to choose from. It's basically a dark cellar, but I wouldn't want it any other way.
Best arcade I've been to. They have all the great, classic pinball games and some new ones I hadn't seen. DDR extreme, lots of racing, time crisis, pool, air hockey, old school ticket games... The works. Just everything you could want. Thanks!
Had a blast! Feels like arcades from back in the day complete with skee-ball! Not sure if it was the owner but the gentleman we met is so nice, really enjoyed chatting with him 10/10 would recommend
It was a good place to take my special needs child. Staff are nice and most of the other customers were masked (as were we). We stayed for an hour until my son decided he was done. Obviously if you bring your kids it's better to go earlier in the day when it's slower.
Showed up when it was supposed to be open and then waited until 1215 still not open unacceptable
One of the last arcades in the state. Brings back the glory of the good old days of stuffing quarters into a slot for kicks. The friendly high score competition is fun too. Personally I love the lights at night, which again, bring back the glory of the 1980's. Worth a trip at least to say you did.
Great! Well maintained games. Nice selection of high quality pinball machines, as well as shooter games, retro arcade games like Ninja Turtles and The Simpsons arcade. Also has air hockey, pool tables and a few ticket games. All in all, this is a great place to drop $20 in fun. Would be five star, but some of the prices are a little too high for my liking.
Came here all through high school 15 years ago, came back when visiting home and still fantastic. Really wonderful family-friendly vibe. Great selections of games, including some absolute pinball gems in pristine condition. Has a rare Time Crisis 5 cabinet that was a blast. Clean and we'll maintained, you can tell a lot of care goes into the business. I'm grateful it's still a staple of the neighborhood.
One of the greatest places to be right outside of campus at MSU. Best games, best prizes, and staff is amazing.
Came back to where I spent hours as a highschool student for a visit after 25 years from living abroad- after all this time and changes the world has gone through it's still standing! Definetly brought a tear to my eye.
I love this place. I've been coming here almost my whole life. Definitely all of this locations life. The cost of games, I would say is average for an arcade. I love the environment here. Although I wouldn't mind seeing it upgrading to a new location possibly bigger one day.
Very cool place close to campus. They have arcade machines from old to new and everything in between. Has that nice hidden jem. Your best bet is the parking garage behind it to park. Take cash with you for the change machines. There are some great classics. Things range from a quarter and up. Take a large group with you and dig in and have fun. If you miss the old arcades yearn no more.
It's an East Lansing icon. In my younger years, it was located in the Frandor Shopping Center... I know this because I spent many late evenings there ... Just as I enjoy it now, in its current location. All three of my children got my lecture on geometry over many a game over their pool tables. Games are kept in good working order, and there is always an attendant or two on duty. If you are a parent, take a break and enjoy this arcade Old School.
Fun place , pool tables are cheaper than bars. You gotta know the cash grabs from the real skill based machines, and stay away from guitar hero because you can't do 2 player and both play the same instrument. (or I guess take turns but there's your fair warning). The prizes are classic, no complaints. Staff is mostly attentive - heads up the bathroom requires a key from staff. Candy crane in the building! A must. Air hockey , ski ball, basketball. A few shooters and a plethora of mid-fame pinball machines.
I absolutely love Pinball Pete's. The machines are in great shape (for the most part) and few are ever out of service.
This place is incredible and a must-visit for MSU students. It has been around for over thirty years. My dad went here when he went to State and took me here when I was seven. Then, when I went to State, I visited here too! The selection is not what it use to be, but it is still an amazing place to visit and have fun.
Pinball Pete's is a small arcade. They have a few popular games like skee ball, DDR, coin push games, claw machine games, motorcycle riding game, etc., but the real attraction is the pinball machines in the back section. There are quite a few. My favorites are The Addams Family, Adam West Era Batman, The Munsters, and The Hobbit. My son really likes Star Wars and The Mandalorian. They also have a Beatles one that I've tried. They have Attack from Mars, The Simpsons, and some others I can't remember right no
I loved Pinball Pete's growing up. The recession hit this business harder than most. It used to have a lot of personality in the machine selection but times being tough forced all of the heart into a corner. There's maybe a tenth of the classic machines left (1 Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection cabinet and a Time Crisis Machine that eats quarters on 2P side). All of the sick Tekken, Soul Calibur and Gauntlet posters got replaced by some elephant mural. All of the games I used to love got replaced by quarter-eatin
Prefer this location to the Ann Arbor one because their pins are out of the way- so there aren't people trying to watch you play or just getting in your way as they come down the stairs like the Ann Arbor location. The guy who is usually working isn't that friendly at first, but once you chat him up, he gets friendlier. I do like how they seem to have pretty much the same pins at either location- so you get some consistency. Could always use more Jersey Jack pins-maybe a Dialed In or a Pirates JJP table?? ;
We played games to our heart's content and only ended up with 50 tickets, which was enough for just one bouncy ball, which is hard to split between 2 people. We were initially going to split it weekends and weekdays, but that's too much quality time without a bouncy ball. We tested the balls in order to find the best specimen, but upon reaching a decision we were told we could keep both. We could each keep one bouncy ball to ourselves, despite having only 50 tickets. It was truly a Christmas miracle. 5/5,
Went here at 1:00pm today and the open sign was on but the doors were locked, no note or anything. The Friday hours are 12pm to 2am on Fridays so I am not sure what happened. Me and my friends called the manager and after 20+ rings were met with a horrible screeching mechanical sound on the other end. Overall, very disappointed because my friends spoke so highly of this place and I did not get to go. Edit: Was finally able to go into pinball petes the other day and this place is incredible! Pinball machin
This is literally my favorite place in the whole world. It's a great atmosphere with awesome games and a great variety of pinball machines.
I no longer live in East Lansing but I used to frequent here when I did. I was in town this weekend and had to check it out. Still the same place I loved. Only bad part was the kid that I'll assume was managing at the time was pretty rude. Still a great EL staple.
Content creators beware Pinball Pete's does not support local student artists. I walked in with my friend hoping to get some quick shots in their cool neon arcade environment but was promptly turned away at the door. I was told it would cost $150 dollars for an hour to use their space so they could "shut down" yet not a soul other than the attendant behind the counter was in there at the time. If it were a large production and a crew of people then I would absolutely understand. This was just myself and a f
I've been going there since 1996. It's a classic arcade for quarters and the staff is always friendly!
Love this place and have since about forever. I do miss the quarter Pepsi machine and do wish there were more pinball games, but this place is still fun. And now you can earn tickets for rando candy and kiddie toys.
Love this place. Been going here for years. The coin op stuff is good. They added a ticket system which is good for the kids but there are some classics also. And the pinball! Almost a whole wall of pinball!
Playing games here since I could find a ride into East Lansing as a kid. Now I'm bringing my kids into el for the 2 hit combo ( bells pizza) then a gaming session at PInball Pete?s. Best arcade around. Get the old school feel of breaking a $5, $10 or $20 then hearing the jackpot dump of quarters for your pockets. Play some oldies plus all the new stuff. Get your wizard on with all the pinball machines. If you come with a friend Do not leave this place without playing some Dome hockey. Thumbs up guys, you?
Been going here for years and it never disappoints! Awesome games and great customer service!
Since the late 80's this place was a weekly event for myself (just a kid) and my Dad and Uncle. Always packed with people and loud music it was the hangout that everyone emptied their wallets out for. I even remember the old french fry machine. What used to be dozens of pinball machines and the latest cabinets has turned into a pool hall with tickets for prizes. Its no fault of the owners. In the old days the only way to get a good video game was to head to the arcades with friends. These days its all about
Some of the games have changed, but Pete's still has the best pinball games. This place is a landmark in East Lansing and should have a historical marker placed out front.
30 years not much changed except the prices. 4 of us spent a fun 2 hours and $80. I got 6 free games from Simpson's pinball lol.
Great games and a great atmosphere. I especially loved the Deadpool pinball machine.
Great selection of games and pinball!! Bubble hockey!! Last real arcade around mid Michigan!
Great place lots of new pinball machines including Black Knight Pro edition and the new Munsters game and Dreadpool. Had a great time. Great for kids and adults especially if you like pinball. ??
This place is one of the best and finest places that you can go on a Friday night Saturday night actually any day of the week has been a staple of East Lansing since I was a child and it still is as the greatest arcade that you can go to if you just wanna have some old school fun.
The best in arcade action this side of the grand river
Love it, they have so many games. It's fun for the kids and the adults. Lots of prizes to win with tickets.
First time there and it was super fun. Going there again this weekend. I wish there were more prizes to choose from but love it and the vibe and vintage look was cool
One of the few remaining quarter arcades in Michigan. It's a bit run down, but that only really adds to the aesthetic for me. The only thing I left the star off for is their game selection choices. If only they had added Pump It Up instead of those silly Android app cases like Crossy Road and that Galaga remake.
Had a great time they offered me a shirt due to wardrobe malfunction! Every time I go there it'd a fun time
Traveling out of town to East Lansing.. wAnted to play some games but had to use the bathroom.. asked the guy working (on sat night) if we could use it and we would play some games while one of us was using the bathroom.. he just started throwing an attitude and telling us to stop talking to him and stop urging.. when all we asked was to use the restroom ( I work in customer service) and having a grown man act so immaturely and unprofessional was very off putting!! With this horrible customer service pain
A nice collection of pins and various diving games, among other things. Would like to see some 70's & 80's pinball, but lots of newer ones that are fun to play.
I was a kid again for a few hours. Lots of games to choose to play, air hockey, pool, photo booth, many arcade games and so much more. I think they should expand their prizes as much as you spend in there.
This is a must-visit when coming to East Lansing. It's a unique old-school arcade still run by quarters. I love coming here whenever I can. Filled with video games, arcade games, sports, and pool, I'm always coming back.
Fun, popular and can eat up the quarters! But good family fun. I enjoyed refreshing my flipper skills!
I always have a great time playing games and combining tickets with friends. Pinball Pete?s is also so close to great places to eat. 10/10 would recommend
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”