Round1 Bowling & Arcade Deptford Mall

Round1 Bowling & Arcade Deptford Mall

Reviews Summary

Round1 receives mixed reviews, with many praising its diverse games, clean environment, and fun atmosphere, especially for families and arcade enthusiasts. Positive highlights include well-maintained facilities, good service, and unique Japanese games. However, criticisms focus on broken or overpriced machines, poor management, and inconsistent service. Some visitors report frustration with malfunctioning equipment, high costs, and long wait times. While many enjoy bowling and arcade options, others feel the value doesn’t justify the expense. Overall, it’s a popular spot but suffers from operational issues that detract from the experience.

About This Listing

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

Contact Information

Address

1750 Deptford Center Rd Ste 2350

Deptford, New Jersey 08096

Hours

Monday 10AM-2AM
Tuesday 10AM-2AM
Wednesday 10AM-2AM
Thursday 10AM-2AM
Friday 10AM-2AM
Saturday 10AM-2AM
Sunday 10AM-2AM

Customer Reviews

Really good place, decent competitor to Dave and busters. Conveniently inside the mall. Has a good amount of games available. Only downside is quite a few of them are down or end of breaking while you play, usally it's the claw machines break here and there. Still lots of games to play that are always running you can easily spend hours in here. Worth a checkout if you want to chill and have fun with some friends.

It's a fun place to go has lots of different types of arcades to choose from different styles of gameplays and also lots of claw machine mostly anime plushies. The atmosphere of the places is decent.

Beautiful place, unfortunately spent $285 here on game cards for 80% of the games to be off or out of order and the only thing I was offered to compensate was a bowling voucher for a single person. It's sad they have zero compassion for people that want to spend their hardworking money to have some family fun.

Earlier this month, my sister bought a card and loaded it with $50. She planned to save her points for another day, but when we returned, the card showed a zero balance. We went straight to the customer service desk, and the staff was very nice. The manager was especially understanding and helpful. They sorted everything out quickly, and my sister was able to get a new card. Great customer service experience!

Took the day off to spend with my 7yo son for his first day of summer. He wanted to come to round1. After we purchased a game card, it appeared that over 30% of the games were out of service. Seemed like every game he was excited to play was out of service. Once he was over the selection of games to be played, he wanted to bowl. So we purchased 2 rounds. During our first round all the balls got stuck, so I hit the service button. After about 15 mins I had to go up to the counter and tell someone. They come,

First time and probably our last time. Took my son bowling and was charged $50 for one hour because it was ?holiday pricing? today. (Juneteenth). It started off fine but then the machine get getting stuck when it tried to reset the pins. It happened constantly and I had to keep hitting the ?need service? button but nobody came (after trying 4 times to get help), meanwhile the time keeps ticking down. My son and I finally figured out that we could throw a few gutters balls to get it ?unstuck?. There's

Been coming here with my kids since they opened up at least twice a month for the 1 hour timed play. Allowed a family like ours to have fun and enjoy some games. Which was a very limited set of games to begin with but it was enjoyable either way. Today we went and was informed they stoped the time play and must buy credits to play which went from a 30$ day to a 300$ day. ( we didn't pay as that's obscene) Will never come here again. Thanks round1 for not considering the struggling families in your area.

This visit was on a Thursday around 8PM This is a large Fun Plex type entertainment center attached to the Deptford Mall and has it's own separate entrance. It's open late until 2AM At the time of this visit there was not a lot of customers most of the bowling lanes were available and all the pool tables were available. The is a large assortment of video and other games. I did not see any pinball machines. There is food available and a full service bar. Bar closed at time of visit. I did not see a sec

Round One is an Utter Disaster ? Avoid at All Costs Round One is hands-down the worst entertainment venue I've ever visited. Three trips to this deplorable place confirmed it's a complete waste of time and money. Every aspect is a failure, and I'm stunned it's still in business. Here's why you should steer clear: 1. Nonexistent Food: They advertise a menu they can't deliver. Every visit, the promoted dishes were unavailable, leaving you with overpriced, subpar options or nothing at all. It's a bait-and-swi

Visted on my birthday, they had so many good beers there my boyfriend and I each had a flight. We usually just share one! I want to go back in the future.

I came here for my birthday and it was one of the best times I've ever had! Super clean and beautiful atmosphere. Easy to navigate and easy to get tickets. So much fun! So many different games- from air hockey to basketball to driving to zombie to claw games and so so much more I cannot wait to go back. The bowling was amazing too! I got quite a few strikes!! Very clean restrooms. I recommend this for any age- it's a game paradise! There are also refreshments! Just be careful going 295 during rush hour-- if

Worst win rates in the tristate, only plus is that it only costs 10 credits instead of 14 credits for a chance to win a big plush. Coin pushers almost always broken or errors out after a single play. No strategy or skill based cranes. Only old eclaw machines, no Gemini bigs. Avoid, save your money. Drive another 15min to the Philly location, tiers better in experience, winning and value.

I ate here and there were so many fruit flies you couldn't even leave your food out in front of you without pest going on your food and in your cups. They air dive into your drinks and it's absolutely DISGUSTING. Several at once. It's a complete infestation I think the health department should get involved and shut them down. That was the most disgusting experience ever I know someone else had to experience that. I'm not just talking one or two it's grosssssss please shut that kitchen down

Me and my friends go here very often and always have great time !! Awesome place for kids as well ! They have a time play card that lets u play certain games unlimited for an hour only $10 ! The bowling is very good and not pricey , food runs out early so I suggest eat before u come or after !

It's a nice arcade and they upkeep the place. The games are a bit pricey but they have a good variety that caters to different tastes and preferences. Also can't beat $1 ice cream.

The claw mechens pick up thing is not getting the prizes. They always drop the prizes. Round 1 please fix your machine's. The boling balls look like basketballs just in different colors and with three holes. Payed 150$ here.

Have lots of cute prizes and fun games. However there are a lot of machines were out of service. Another downside is the cost was pretty pricey. Like each machine is like 7-14 credits and $44 recharge is like 100 something credit. The plushie I got cost around $190. Machine is kinda rigged just like any other arcade. Still a pretty good place to chill and have fun with friends. Have food, drinks, bowling and pool too.

The prizes are pretty decent. There's a good selection of rhythm and music games from Japan. There's a good amount of unlimited games if you buy the one hour pass although the Philly has more. The crane games are all with claws and none have the other styles

Outside of bowling save your money on this place have the stuff is broke

Lots of options available and the bowling inclusion is great. Food, drinks soft and alcoholic available makes it a one stop destination for fun ????

I've been to a handful of Round1 locations and the Deptford location is my family's favorite. The energy and games are great. The environment is also nice. Some of the other locations seemed like less arcades and felt less organized. This location seems to have more organization and staff as well.

This might be my new favorite arcade. I plan to go alot. I love the marvels avengers coin pusher game. Sadly, it's really hard to get the Thanos card so I suspect someone is hoarding them lol. Other than that, it really is a awesome arcade. You even have to mall to go into if it isn't closed.

Came on my Granddaughter Birthday ?? 3/31. This place is awesome, lots of games and keeping the kids busy is a must. We played a few rounds of bowling and had game play for the kids. Nice and friendly atmosphere for families and friends.

Dave and Busters whooooooo? I used to love them but as a girl who loves cute things (such as sanrio + san-x), japanese rhythm games, and karaoke... Round 1 blows them out of the water HAHA. With my little to no claw machine experience, I was able to win three plushies with approximately $20 worth of credits! I was so happy. The staff is kind, the place is pretty clean, and the mall is nice to explore too!! I think the biggest shock for me was the fact that they have nendoroids and other figures available fo

Arcade selection is decent. Party rooms for karaoke are good. Unlike every other Round1 I have been to, the only games to win plushies or anime figmas are claw games... Which are all set on hard mode. (Experienced player.)

Didn't care for there customer service they are kinda rude but we enjoyed our time there great arcade games

Management is gonna run this place into the ground. Kiosks to order food would speed up everything but hasn't worked since this place opened years ago. Most of the food they don't ever have that's on the menu. Sometimes they don't have a bartender so the whole bar is closed. A higher up needs to come here and evaluate this place. Otherwise this place has bowling and an arcade. Not much else to ask for I guess.. Update 08/11/24: Nothing has changed but the bar was open. A nice few of the games are messed up

A really cute place! Got a ton of stuff to do for all ages! And the food is unbelievable for an arcade/bowling alley! Prices are pretty decent to if you go during a week day

Amazing my kids had so much fun and my daughter made new friends it's great for even adults -pool tables, drinks, bar, games n bowling! All reasonably priced resourceful food n games! N they text u when ur alley is almost ready n than ready!

I go to Round1 for one reason: to play DDR. There are 2 Dance Dance Revolution machines (there used to be 3 but they put in a new game in that spot). The staff behind the counters can seem uninterested in helping you out sometimes, but you don't usually have to interact with them since you can reload your card with credits at any of the kiosks or on your phone. Round1 in general is a thrill to step into with all the flsshing colorful lights and music. There are a bunch of awesome Japanese rhythm games that

He light show is amazing and the food is very good for a bowling ally. The time it takes to be served, seated and catered to takes very long. It took over an hour for us.

Day 5 and no response. Event info Round 1 deptford Date 2/16th 45 kids in attendance Problems, 20 minutes after party started we received the game cards. A bunch of cards did not work. Pizza arrived 30 minutes late for 1st round, 2nd round came 20 minutes before party was over. Most of the cranes were empty, etc. total waste of money. I sent an email the Tuesday after the event - No response I called corporate 5 days ago and no response Terrible party and service was terrible as well. No customer servic

There were so many games that were out of order and I didn't see anybody trying to fix them. I've never seen so many out of order games at any other arcade before. Also the Ticket Monster wheel game was rigged. It landed on 4 tickets every time I played.

Round 1 is such a great place to go for whether you're having family night, girls night, or date night. You will have a blast!! I enjoyed Karaoke night with 2 games of bowling and fun at the arcade. ???? definitely going back !!!

Round 1 Bowling and Amusement is a great place to take the kids or even a night out for the adults. It's basically a Dave and Busters with a bowling alley, inside the Deptford mall. It's on the second floor of the mall. My daughter and I were looking for something different to do on a daddy-daughter date day. This was the perfect place to spend the afternoon. We played some games- won some really cool prizes, and than bowled 2 games each for $23.00 (shoes included). There is some unique games styles to play

Nice selection of games and I like that bowling is offered. They have some very cool and unique prizes in the shop to spend your points on. My kids love going here. My only gripe is the claws are super loose on the claw machines now. I used to be able to win in them but now, once a toy is picked up, it is almost always dropped due to the claws being too loose.

Called an hour before heading out to get details about bowling . Drive 45 mins there never once on the phone remind u I called after 10 was told that u had to be 21 or older to get in. My son and a few friends who are over 18 wanted to bowl but due to them not being 21 weren't allowed in. This was never told on the phone. What a way to ruin a kid birthday! There should be better commination and whoever is answering the phone should make people aware!

I hate this place, and I will never recommend coming here. The arcade is overpriced for the quality of the games. You will get better prices anywhere else. The claw machines are absolutely terrible. Most of the claw machines claim to give you a prize if you pick up a special item, but the item is too big for the claw to pick it up. Most of the games also claim to give you tickets to win prizes at the gift shop, but most of the games don't give you anything for playing them. The bowling was fine, but it's th

Went here by myself in the early morning and it was great. Everything is clean, there's so much happening and it was fun :)

I always have a good time here but last night was unacceptable. They took my friend?s ID for pool and when he went to go retrieve it they had given his ID to someone else. Manager told him he didn't have a solution for him and offered no compensation, no refund no game credits. He literally had to go back up to the counter and ask for something so that he wouldn't leave empty handed so they gave him $25 worth of credits. Totally ruined our night and no longer wants to play pool here. The person didn't even

The claw machines at Round 1 are always a hit or miss, with me sometimes winning prizes my first attempts or never winning anything that day. Always a good experience having fun with my brother or friends here. Plus there is a vary of games to play and even bowling. Though pricey still worth it.

Parking sucks but there is a public lot about a block away that only cost $1 to park for the duration of the YONDER concert.

We had a great time. There were 11 of us and they accommodated us easily on a Tuesday night. The negative? Bar closed at 9pm... they are open til midnight.

This place is terrible, nothing works, the ppl ignore you , service for black families is Awful,they don't have menus,the staff asks you a LOT of questions while ordering things and that sent me over the edge, the bar tender was no where to be found, the service is HORRIBLR if you want food, a drink, help with anything you MUST wait 50 mins .

Amazing place to relax and enjoy as the employees are really well trained and hospitable. The managers and security make you feel safe well informed. There is so much to do between the Arcade, Bowling, Pool, Bar, and prizes to win you never get bored. I'm come back every week to relax and have fun. Don't miss out on a great time!

It beautiful,nice State of the Art fun center. Many fun games there.

What a gem! Such a variety of games especially Japanese games. Very unique. They serve food, alcohol, bowling ally, claw machines where you can actually win many times, unique Japanese games, billiards, and more. What was even better for us at least was that it wasn't crowded on a Sunday (although it may be possible that it wasnt busy due to the eagles game).

Staff was rude. Messed up my food order. A lot of games were out if service. I downloaded the app and clearly spent enough for extras but they don't scan it a video games or concessions. My son was a few points short of a prize that he wanted to get for his mom but would not let me pay the difference.

The biggest issue right now is masks; most people wear them, but I see a tremendous number of noses sticking out and usually leave much earlier than I'd like to because of that. It would be good if they went on nose patrol more thoroughly. I'd also really like to see them implement temperature checks at the door. Otherwise, this is the absolute greatest arcade for real video games, and the best music game lineup you'll find anywhere (except maybe the exton location.) Beatmania IIDX (one lightning cab and on

Great experience games are a little junky and whenever you go to employees about it tgey come to see what's wrong with the game but never give you credits or even offer about it

such a fun place! we went for a date night after dinner and we had a great time! we will definitely be back!

It's pretty great entertainment for the whole family! I took 1 star off because their claw machines were in desperate need of restocking. Very few machines had mechindise in them.

Apparently there's a new rule that prohibits people under 21 to go in after 10pm. After getting turned away, I saw multiple other groups get turned away for the same thing. Had no idea arcades were classified as night clubs now. Horrible idea from a business standpoint

Below I have added two pictures. You can see a huge price increase, almost double. We were told the price per lane for 60 minutes is a promo that could be removed shortly and as of right now this is the only option of value that my girlfriend and I see fit for us. Once this is removed we will bowl else where. These prices are outrageous and even the employees agree with us. I believe there will be a lot of people who will stop bowling here as well as these prices are not even close to average. This is a hug

Just made a quick walk through. There are lots of games for many ages. There are party rooms. There's also food and a bar. Looks like fun

Lots of Arcade games with many out of service. Many games cost 12+ credits which is $3+. Many games look fun and all you do is press a button, watch a ball drop, and you earn a few points. 1,000 points gets you a $3 candy. I spent $104 on credits and walked away with 400 points ($1.50 worth of prize value). The cranes are rigged and cost 10-15 credits. I played a handful and the claw doesn't even close. It's all rigged. Looks like a fun spot to take your kids but it's mainly a money grab. $100 got us about

So much fun!! Got there when it opened at 10am to bowl was getting crowded by 10:45 and by noon was very busy. Looks like a great hangout space for all ages just depends on times

Wao the customer service on this place is below 1 star specially at the bar and the manager is a non educated guy that can care less about customers opinions and concerns. First and last time on this place never again will I come back here or bring any friends or family to this place. Please keep in mind that the place is not cheap and is your hard earn money you spending.

Had a lot of fun on my first visit here. It was clean and the staff were friendly. We spent about $30 and won a decent amount of tickets and a stuffed animal from a crane machine. Got us about an hour of play time. Not bad.

Since the last review, quality has gone down noticeably. More machine just out of order. And the big thing for me was the claw machine. However, unlike other locations, this location has their machine based on pay-out rather than double skill press.

I will tell you the deptford location is to be rated one of the cleanest, well run establishments for teen,pre-teen and even adult. I have never been to a place that tailors so well to all ages. However I must comment on the staff that always goes above and beyond? I have said it to the manager previously, but the staff really makes a difference and this location has nailed it. You can tell when there's an engaged management staff- because the associates clearly exceed expectations. I hope you bring you

Very nice place to take your family at the mall. Very clean. Has pretty much everything. A bar, food, pool tables, bowling lanes and a arcade. You can only bowl two games the max which is the only thing that I do not like but everything else is good. Food is over priced and so is the bar but it is still a nice fun place to visit during the week or weekend.

Everyone will have different experiences at Round 1..It is a nice place and the employees are descent, the food is pretty good and the place is VERY clean..Do not listen to anyone, just go and see for urself..This place just opened give em a chance it was open the day they said it would b open and No alot of games aren't open yet but give them a chance..Talking about Bowling is expensive, bowling is expensive everywhere I would just be happy to have somewhere to go and have some fun..#covid19..As far as the

Clean. Several machines were broken but staff were very helpful and friendly. 99 cent ice cream is fire, would recommend.

They got a lot of very interesting games, like some Japanese drumming games, motorcycle racing games, games where you played the piano, traditional arcade games like Skee-Ball and basketball, etc. we had a lot of fun while charging our car!

Love Round 1. It's a little pricey, but it's definitely worth it. We've had several amazing family nights here.

My kids love this place. Good drink deals for parents.

Great fun! The prize shop is top notch. Very crowded on the weekends.

Right outside Margaritaville Resort. The whole outdoor setup reminds me of South Street in Philly, palm trees. Inside is like Dave and Busters... really reasonable gaming and great prices to let the kids unwind.

Nice enough place which is comparable to Dave and Buster's. I believe it's more expensive, but has bowling and a few other things.

Round 1 offers a lot of diverse games, Japanese games and the like. The games are expensive but it's fun

Always a fun place to spend the day! It would be nice if they would tighten the claw games a bit so we could win once in a while. Also, please make it so the Initial D game can be a versus with the person next to me again! It's not as much fun playing by myself.

Brought my kids here to bowl. Paid for my kids to bowl for 2 hrs. I got the five minute remaining timer when I technically still had 20 minutes left. Went to front counter to say something. They didn't care. Bowling lanes barely worked. Kept happening to jam. Worse machines and customer service. Will never return here again

I rate it 5 star because there is only one game I play there that is thankfully 5 minutes away from me. I'm always there and having a good time meeting new people to play with. It can be very expensive hobby but is worth enjoying what we all love, games! I definitely recommend playing wangan midnight maximum tune 5 it's worth it if you love racing like i do

Had lots of fun bowling. Nice environment. Respectful n helpful staff. Will be back soon.

I tried to go in at 8pm to go bowling and do karaoke! But I got to the door and I wasn't aloud in because I am 17 and not 18. So once I asked the security why am I not aloud in he gave me no reasoning and said it's just the rules. I would have been more understanding if there was a reasoning but I didn't get one. So I will never coming back!!

The arcade is good and good games. The service to get more points is good. You can can some free gift. The atmosphere is very good and clean. Customer service is very good. Also the place has a shop so for example, if you had 20 points from playing a game you can get that prize. Very good arcade. 5 star

UPDATE: Due to new changes in this arcade, i have to drop my rating. Some machines will stay out of order for months, skeeball no longer nets a jackpot as advertised on the scoreboard above it, and the prize redemption shop is not properly restocked. Saved up points for a particular prize, only to be told it was out of stock and would be restocked next week. Next week rolls around and now the prize is just completely removed and hasn't been added in months later. The particular prize it available at other r

Nice and fun spot to go to that's open late but poorly managed. Needs new management and real bartenders.

We always have a good time when we come here. There's a little bit of everything to entertain kids and adults.

I had a party for my son?s birthday in January 2024. From beginning to end I was very disappointed. My party was at 2pm which we arrived on time, they ran out of bowling shoes so not every child in my party had shoes. It's about an hour into my two hour party, and no one checked on us so I went to ask about my food. Then finally my party attendant came over (without introducing himself) and asked if we wanted something to drink. When he brought the pitchers over they had things floating in them. 30mins go b

I had fun :) Edit: Went recently and saw that the Flappy Tickets machine doesn't reward tickets. ITS IN THE NAME...

Mics don't really work for karaoke but otherwise it was a fun place to go.

I want to go to this place and check it out. Unfortunately I won't. I like to see how much stuff will cost me for I go. Even restaurants, I look at pricing. This place has nothing on their website. No food pricing, no arcade cost, nothing. Except bowling prices. Businesses that do not openly advertise their prices, do so to lure people in. They force you to come in and see, then since you are there already, most people stay. It's one of the oldest scams ever.

Had such a great time. You don't feel like your even in a mall. And prices were decent especially for weekdays. I can't wait to go back

Extremely rude staff. Went there 3 hours before closing and 5 staff members were behind the counter talking while 1 was working. Other 5 told me to get in line. I asked for 1 hour of bowling they said can only purchase single games. 1 game is roughly the same cost as 1 hour. There were 3 business hours so I feel our request wasn't unreasonable. They were rude and rolled their eyes. I don't expect top notch service from a bowling alley but come one this is terrible

I like this place. The machines are usually working well and the staff is mostly attentive. The couches at the bowling alley could really use an update though. The 1st lane is pretty much all duct tape at this point and they've only been open a year or two. I can't speak to the food. But a 16oz bottles of water was $2.99. use that info as you will. The prizes here are better than Dave and Busters too.

I loved playing crane games but they also have a variety of different types of games you could play which keeps me entertained. It's always so fun to go!

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 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.