Back to Directory
Press Start Arcade

Press Start Arcade

Reviews Summary

Press Start Arcade is highly praised for its fun atmosphere, diverse game selection (especially pinball and claw machines), and friendly, attentive staff. Many highlight it as a great spot for kids' parties, date nights, or casual play, with unlimited play options and BYOB flexibility. The location in Old Taylor High adds charm, though some note the space is small. A few criticize higher pinball prices or technical issues, but most reviews emphasize excellent value, community events, and owner enthusiasm. Negative mentions include occasional machine malfunctions and a rare complaint about cleanliness. Overall, it’s a beloved local gem.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
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.*

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.

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
Good for kids
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

410 W 7th St #129

Taylor, Texas 76574

Visit Website Get Directions

Hours

Monday 1-8PM
Tuesday 1-8PM
Wednesday 1-8PM
Thursday 1-8PM
Friday 1-9PM
Saturday 1-10PM
Sunday 1-7PM

Customer Reviews

Great birthday party location! Great private room, beautifully decorated, great value for kids and play cards. Kids had a ball. Their packages can include all you might need for your special day. Loved our time there. Thanks Brian & Amy!!!

We had my son?s 6th birthday at press start arcade. The kids had so much fun with so many arcade games options. They also gave the birthday boy a special play card??. Not to mention the staff were so wonderful and very attentive, before, during, and after the party. If you're looking for a place for your kids birthday, this for sure is it!

Love this place! So many fun games. Pinball and guitar hero are my favorites. I'm so sad they got rid of the ddr. They do have different games for people of all ages though. Love the location at Old Taylor high.

They have pinball!! It's amazing. Elvira pinball is the best or at least my favorite. I love the fact that my husband and 7 year old both love family bonding over pinball. My kiddo loves the claw machines they have as well. The owner is always having fun tournaments, not just of pinball but tekken, guitar hero, and even DDR competitions. It's small, cozy, and fun for all. Did I mention it's also located inside old Taylor high, truly fun for everyone. Update: they moved into a larger space from one small c

This place is wonderful! Magical! I had my son?s birthday party here. They treated us like kings. The kids had a blast, the adults sang karaoke. This place is a real gift to Taylor. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. They have dart tournaments, Mario cart tournaments, karaoke, table up game nights, D&D events, and I've even heard rumors they will start a Comic-Con event.

Sooo much fun. We held my son's birthday party here. The staff and owners made everything so easy and were extremely helpful. It was an extremely excellent value for what it cost. We always have so much fun here on regular trips, but it's also a great place to host a party.

the best owners in the best space! we had an incredible experience for an adult birthday party and we've always had a great time at Mario Kart and Smash tournaments. Taylor is lucky to have them!

My favorite spot in Taylor, TX. Awesome staff who care about the games and the players. Great selection of games to play and also some cool stuff to buy! Make sure to play the claw machines and win some prizes.

This place is awesome!!! The owners are so cool and informative, $10 gets you unlimited plays each day while they are open!! It's in the old taylor high which also has a craft brewery and multiple food options! Go play some pinball and fun arcade games!!

My kids and I love coming in and playing all the games. Pinball, guitar hero, batman, & their favorite claw games! Pair with a fun and enthusiastic couple that runs the place. It's just a nice local spot to come in and feel welcome to the community. You can bring in a cocktail from down the hall from the new cocktail bar in Old Taylor High. Win, win win!

Nice relaxing place. If your looking for a more relaxed arcade this is the place. I mainly went for the pinball few machines have issues the stranger thing machine sometimes the ball gets stuck under the machine you'll hear the game try to shoot it back out sometimes it works sometimes it will do this 4/5 times then just ends your game. Side not please people going to this place respect the machine's. I hear in other reviews they used to do a $10 dollor all day pinball and had more machines. Me and my girlf

My wife and I visited on a Monday. The arcade is located inside the Old Taylor High School. The actual arcade is not very large, maybe the size of a small classroom. It is decorated very dark. You purchase a play card via a kiosk. We came to play pinball, they had 8 machines, two were out of order. Most of them cost $1.50, a couple were .75c. We have played pinball at quite a number of places and at $1.50 the prices were the highest we have paid. The machines were in decent shape but nowhere near new. A co

Great spot for playing pinball. They have a few beers and there's the bar across the hall if you want more selection. $10 for all the free play pinball you can handle is awesome! Update: They recently changed to a pay per play model and reduced number of pins.

Small but wonderful BYOB arcade space! You can bring drinks in from the awesome bar across the hall. At only $10 per person, with unlimited free play I'd highly recommend this as a fun date spot, or a place to bring your kids on a summer afternoon. The owners are very friendly and personable! I will definitely be returning!

Owners are friendly, the vibes are good, and if you buy your points in bulk, you save a ton of money. They're great about refunds and their occasional events are a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people!

The place is tiny, but the owners are super cool, the plushie selection is fun, and I immediately fell in love with their Alien pinball machine. Definitely a great spot for a date night!

Great place for pinball! $10 for all you can play. Nice mix of classic and new machines and they're all in good working order. You can get a beer there or from the place across the hall. I will return.

A hidden gem in Taylor. You'd never expect a place like this to be here and its awesome!

What a great little spot! Awesome collection of games to chose from. You pay to get in and everything is set to free play! Beer selection is top notch and the staff and owners are super friendly!

This is where the magic happens. After work I love to grab a beer from loose screw and take it across the hall to Press Start and unwind with some pinball or bowling with my daughter. I love this place.

Awesome little place. All machines are on free play, just pay a one time entry fee to get in for the day. There is also a bar across the hall with craft beer on tap you can bring in with you.

It was a smelly dive Pinball place. Strong stench from the carpet

Kiosk didn't work. Scanned the QR code to report an issue and it didn't work either? couldn't submit the report. Edit: Hi, I saw the instructions on the kiosk but that wasn't it. The screen was completely blank except when you put in the credit card it turned blue and the script (error message) said ?irrupted?.

Can't say how much I love putting my initials in the high scores on a Pinball machine. And with their all you can play for $10 there's no better place to master a michine to the point of high score status! Thanks Hangout Pinball Lounge for being a block away from my house!! ??

Thank you for bringing Back Pinball there! Fun place to Be, looking forward to playing again soon and hours are good

Great service ,friendly people,amazing vibes

It's a great place to bring your kids to have fun Eloisa and Jorge were great a help us lot to understand the games.

So glad to have a neighborhood arcade with all the best games from pinball to claw games!

Great place to get your pin fix!

Love the arcade . Great place t o have fun !

Seriously, what a gem. Look for my name in the high scores ??

Great place for kiddos

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.

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.