Tilt West Covina

Tilt West Covina

Reviews Summary

The arcade receives mixed reviews, with many complaints about broken machines, rude staff, and rigged games, particularly claw machines. Multiple 1-star reviews cite wasted money and poor customer service. However, some enjoy the nostalgic vibe, rare games, and fun experiences, especially for kids. Common issues include non-functional games, lack of refunds, and outdated equipment. While a few praise the selection and staff, the overall consensus leans negative due to maintenance and service problems.

About This Listing

Has Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
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 Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

What to Expect from Virtual Reality in Arcades

Step into virtual reality for a breathtaking adventure! Arcade VR stations boast advanced headsets (like Oculus or HTC Vive), motion controllers, and sometimes full-body tracking or treadmills. You’ll dive into games like Beat Saber or VR shooters, swinging, dodging, or aiming in 360-degree worlds with vivid visuals and immersive sound. Gameplay spans solo quests to multiplayer battles, with intuitive controls for all levels. Arcades offer vibrant, social VR zones, delivering a thrilling, cutting-edge experience 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 Tournaments
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Food
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Virtual Reality
Has Prizes
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

531 Plaza Dr

West Covina, California 91790

Hours

Monday 11AM-8PM
Tuesday 11AM-8PM
Wednesday 11AM-8PM
Thursday 11AM-8PM
Friday 11AM-8PM
Saturday 11AM-8PM
Sunday 11AM-7PM

Customer Reviews

Tilt. Irony at its finest. An arcade name born out of pineball that has NO pinball machines. It does have skeeball though, which is always a fun way to lose your money.

We went here several years ago and it was great. We got a decent amount from the claws and a decent ticket prize. We drove 30 miles to go back today, it was a HUGE let down. A $100 card lasted maybe 10 minutes. The claws must be set at very high payouts. Half of them didn't even close and they were cheap prizes. The games are very expensive. I thought the goal was to make money but to also make people want to come back to make more money. We dont ever want to come back.

The employees seemed to really hate being there. Their system for game cards is confusing, and when I asked for clarity regarding how it worked, the guys behind the counter acted annoyed. Two different guys gave me different rundowns of pricing and how the family pack works. One guy told me that if I buy the family pack that the type of games we could play would be limited to specific games, and I should just buy points instead. The other guy told me that if I get the pack, I would have unlimited play on

Was there today been going there for years over 10 years walked in with my daughter a employee white man asked me if I was gonna buy a game card and I told him that I wasn't sure we had just walked in. He told me that if I didn't buy a game card that we had to leave that this wasn't a playground which me and my daughter we're not playing around. He was very rude seem unhappy my daughter left crying. I am an older retired man, and in my history of businesses, I've never had anyone tell me that I had to leave

I love arcades in general but this one, is pretty expensive to play. I tried playing $5 to get a taste of the claw machines. All of them were rigged. Not to mention that the point system is weird. $5 = 20 points when games are 5.10 credits and up; can only get you 3 games. The big choice which is supposed to be a skill game is rigged.The claw machines vans are rigged as well. I suggest making small claw machines $1 (4 credits) a play if it's going to be that rigged.

. Last time I was in there they had Marvel vs Capcom 2. 1000 bonus points just for that alone. If an arcade today has just one classic fighting game, that's five stars from me.

Don't waste your money. After the first 4 games we played had something off about them (no sound on a shooting video game, 2nd player mode not working on a kids game, claw dropping immediately upon payment, scoring not working, no balls on the clown knocking over game, etc) I asked for more credit, which the young attendant gave. The next game we played (a water shooting game, that had no water) I gave up and asked for my money back. Young kid side only the manager could do that, so I said call them. No lu

I've been going to this arcade for months with my husband and we always have a blast. Now that the weather has been getting warmer it feels like a sauna inside the arcade..we couldn't even play comfortably. The ac needs to be made a priority and fixed. The customers and the staff will benefit from it immensely. Please please please get a move on it. We don't need anyone passing out. As soon as you step out of the arcade and into the mall it feels waaaay better. The ac in the mall actually works. Update: AC

Only for kids. No adult games like initial D or time crisis.

Fun, the inner child in me can't get enough

I would give this place a 0 if I was able to came in an hr before closing seen they had a sale on the screen that said last two hrs u can get $40 for the price of $20 so I said ok that seems like a good idea well I went up to the old gentleman and asked how to get it do I use the kiosk or do I do it with him and he shook his head no and I said no and he said it's an hr before closing I politely said it's ok an hr is ok and he shook his head no to me again and I said oh u can't do it and he said very rudely

Horrible experience. Took the kid out for his bday. Spent $40 on the card, and about 75% of the games are broken. Money was wasted on the same games just trying to get them to work (where we had multiple credits we didn't want), the water gun games didn't shoot water, the ice hockey puck needs to be wiggled by the workers with a screw driver when it gets stuck, and many of the arcades didn't work. He was disappointed when the card was empty, and the workers were very little help. This place has been forgott

Ok experience. A lot of games were out of order. Beware of trying to win a game with gift cards or high ticket items as prizes, they make you jump through hoops and wait 8-10 weeks after mailing in voucher with several disclaimers saying they could not award prize for any reason.

Avoid the claw machine directly out front with the giant Grogu stuffies. It's broken and only moves right, can't go left, forward, or backward. Got a refund from the clerk.

They have decent games, most of them work and are reasonably priced. Was able to win my significant other a ring after just one game that was fun and rewarding. Great place to take the kids, or drop off the older ones as you shop around.

Pretty clean and neat, some of the games were out of order. I won a cute Hello Kitty plush on my second try. The machines take quarters not those reloadable cards which is a plus for me.

Just your average arcade. Nothing special about it. Its a good place to take your kids to kill some time so your significant other can shop in peace. The prizes are very cheap, definitly not worth what you pay but it makes the kids happy.

The mall closes at 10pm , I was here 25 minutes before closing, their was other customers inside but the older man in the front told us we can't come In , i rate this place 0 Stars very Rude and unprofessional, in the past I have came here and the arcade is always really dirty and alot of games are always broken

This place is very disappointing! All the claw machines are rigged to make the claw super weak. Don't waste your money here! Dave and Busters is way better! Plus, there was some weird meth head walking around trying to sell candy to kids. Gross place.

A lot of broken games. Took a trip down nostalgia lane with my son and we couldn't have much fun here. Oh well. Spent $5 and we played a few games and turned in our tickets for a mini yo-yo LOL We made the best of it and had fun anyway. Would love to find a really good arcade somewhere.

It was fun our 2 year old had a nice time. Just sucks some of the games were broken but the lady working at the time was very nice and accommodating

Not too many arcades are opened now a days, instant nostalgia.

This place is sick it got old big choice claw machine and it also has rare games you don't normally see won 12000 tickets with 50 bucks

Guys it's crazy old in there, but the dude working was super nice and helpful. I wish they invested some ?? and renovated the place. It would be such a hit!

Most ticket games are out of tickets, a lot of out of service games. I waited for help with a machine but I gave up and left after 20 minutes. ....UPDATED** it's even worse now. I will never be back

It has some cool teen titans plush, and some cute hello kitty plushes too. I spent $10 max and I did not win either one of those plushes.

Really fun place to bring your kids lots of arcade games for kids not gear tours little ones but more tours teens and up.

they close all of the fair priced tilts and replaced them with expensive card swipe tilt studios or tilts. wont be back here

Some broken machines even when they still accept credits. Staff is scammy. Just an old arcade.

Rude old man who gives you attitude and didn't give us our quarters back because the machines don't work. Do not recommend going to this arcade. Avoid!

If you want to get a lot of ticket fast, go to ghostbusters, easily get 500 by beating stay puft

First time there it was amazing they just need to keep up with the machines.. cause some just eat up your coins

Not many games to play co-OP with and not many of the games will give you tickets for kids to cash in to get prizes... maybe a couple too many claw machines.

Its was cool i took my daughter there and she liked it, just some of the machines were down. -khan won

My daughter loves this place.We visit this place once a week.

It's was a nice place to many games not working but fun day

Fun place, air hockey game glitched yet employee took care of us - great place to play games

All the games are very old, and the guy is mean, I use to come when I was in high school close to 12 years ago, and now it's not as updated

I used to go back then wen i was in high school nice place to have a good time couple of ur friends

An okay small arcade. Spent some time here while the little kids were next door in Jumpin N Jammin =)

I believe their getting rid of older machines and replacing them, how exciting.??

There's an old creep, not a real man, who works at this arcade. Very rude.

don't bother stop here...broken machines and the games are totally rigged...

its a good place to go to relax claw machines are outdated and the arcade is very dirty most of the games are out of order

A lot of games but the prizes aren't worth it. It's a little out dated too.

They don't give back quarters for broken machines. Staff was very rude. Do not go here.

Super fun place to hang out with friends and family ??????????

In West Covina mall it was huge and I used to play the many arcade games since I was teen age 13 at Houston

Machines stole our money, dirty consoles, and the staff was no where to he found for a while.

The games could be better but I still spent money on them

Great time to spend with ur kiddos n friends

Played multiple games and uses real quarters not tokens.

Great arcade, cool claw machines! Loved it ????

It relaxes me! I enjoy playing the pirates!

Old games...kind of dirty place. A lot of the games are broken

Disappointed use to be better without the play card.

Love this place since I was a kid

Ive come here since i was 2, F TO THE U to the N .!!!!

bESt day of my lifE !

Its alright not that good but not bad

Take your kids to another arcade . .

Really enjoyed the games

Bring back dance dance revolution

Dull atmosphere, broken machines

It's a stupid ass it's a ripoff

Great place for kids

Very addictive games

Employees are always cranky

Needs more attendants

Not the best selection

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 pinball tables still good in this modern age?

Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.

Are virtual reality games in arcades worth playing?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) games in arcades are a top attraction in 2025! Titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx deliver immersive thrills with cutting-edge headsets, motion tracking, and responsive controllers. High-resolution displays and spatial audio create heart-pounding experiences, from slashing rhythms to battling zombies. Arcades feature multiplayer VR zones and tournaments, fostering lively communities. VR booths are regularly packed, proving their captivating, next-level gameplay makes them a must-try arcade experience.

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.