'Wall-to-wall nostalgia': Newsweek names Portland-area arcade best in the US
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Hillsboro, Oregon is home to America’s best arcade, according to Newsweek.
The outlet recently released the winners of its Readers Choice Awards, naming the top 10 arcades in the United States -- including a few hailing from the Pacific Northwest.
“Thanks to the power of nostalgia, retro arcades have made a comeback, filled with the flashing lights and beep-boop sounds that made you beg your mom for quarters. But this time around, modern arcades offer something more: an ideal blend of classic games (like the original 1978 Space Invaders), new tech that even the youngest pinball wizard will love and a thriving community that's been built one Pac-Man tournament at a time," Newsweek said.
Number one on the list: Next Level Pinball Museum.
“As if the over 300 pinball machines and over 300 arcade games from the 1980s to the present weren't enough, Next Level Pinball Museum draws in pop culture lovers too with thousands of vintage lunch boxes, pieces of movie memorabilia and toys that'll take you back to your childhood. It's one of the largest arcades in the world, so big that it takes almost four days to play every game,” Newsweek said of the Hillsboro arcade.
The awards process began with a panel of travel experts and editors selecting the top 16 arcades in the U.S. based on uniqueness, historical value and visitor experience before selecting the top 10 arcades.
For Next Level, the recognition is part of the dream.
“We’re thrilled to receive this honor at Next Level,” said Jordan Carlson, owner of Next Level Pinball Museum. “Every few years we expand our collection because of our amazing staff and fans who support us. It was our dream to build a world class experience for people of all ages and we’re proud to have something so unique and fun right here in Oregon.”
Next Level spans 27,000 square feet with “an unmatched collection of playable games, retro memorabilia, and wall-to-wall nostalgia,” the arcade says.
Another Pacific Northwest arcade earning a top spot on the list was Jedi Alliance in Spokane, Washington.
“The Force (of nostalgia) is strong at Jedi Alliance, where you can play over 150 arcade and pinball games before wandering through its fascinating pop culture museum,” Newsweek said of the Spokane arcade. “After testing your skills on vintage favorites like Mortal Kombat and Theatre of Magic, go geek out over the museum's unique collection of movie props from sci-fi greats, such as Terminator 2 and Galaxy Quest, along with tons of Star Wars memorabilia.”
Claiming the ninth spot on the list: Portland’s Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade.
“At Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade, your mission is to have fun with more than a hundred pinball machines and video games, both new and retro. Families are welcome from noon to 5 pm, perfect for challenging your kids to an NBA Jam game while downing tasty snacks and mocktails from the full bar,” Newsweek said. “In the evening, the arcade switches to 21+ and hosts mixers, karaoke nights and Stern Army tournaments.”
Other arcades making the list include Silverball Retro Arcade in Delray Beach, Florida; Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, Illinois; Asheville pinball Museum in Asheville, North Carolina and Captain Crazy’s Paradise in Foley, Alabama.