Let's Discuss! - "Arcades" - The Great Revival

 Let's Discuss

"Arcades" - The Great Revival

Hello, world! Nice to see you again, my name is Benjamin! Today I would like to discuss something that has been brewing for a while now...a great revival is happening...arcades are coming back again! If you can't find one near you, don't worry...I'll be exploring ways that you can join the fun from your living room...Let's Discuss! 

Wait...haven't arcades always been around? 

Technically the answer is yes...However, not in the traditional video game context. Back in the late 1980s, right through the 1990s and into the early 2000s, the video game arcade scene was HUGE! In the context of the UK, most big towns and almost every city would have at least one, if not two, or even three arcades, all of which would be stocked with a range of "cabinets" for guests to enjoy!  

The humble video game arcade - Oh how I miss this!

So...what happened to these "video game arcades"? 

As a result of the ever-increasing popularity of home consoles, which became not only more powerful, but ultimately more affordable, the popularity of the humble video game arcade started to decrease. Home consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Sega Megadrive, Sony Playstation, and the Sega Saturn all received impressive "Arcade Ports". 

What is a "port"? 

An "Arcade Port" is a game that was designed to be played on an arcade cabinet, which was later converted to a home video game console. For instance, a very famous arcade port is Donkey Kong for the NES, which is touted as an "Arcade-Perfect-Port". This meant that rather than paying 20p or even 50p for one turn of Donkey Kong at your local arcade, you could simply purchase the game for the NES for a one-time fee (Around £40-50) and play it as much as you like, for free, whenever you wanted to! 

Over time, the video game arcade business model started to become redundant. Instead, many of these video game arcades were converted into casinos and even bingo halls, replacing arcade cabinets for more profitable slot machines, fruit machines, and elderly women screaming "BINGO!" 

*Sigh*...how depressing!   

What happened to all of those lovely arcade cabinets?! 

Great question! Most of these cabinets were either scrapped or sold! Many of them would have been purchased by video game enthusiasts, while many would have been sold to people like Play Leisure, a UK company that specializes in the purchase, refurbishment, and sale of arcade cabinets! 

Didn't you say something about a revival? 

I certainly did! The video game arcade scene is back in full swing! There are a whole host of brand new venues scattered across the UK that provide guests with an opportunity to go back to the '80s, 90's and early 2000s and play awesome arcade games! For instance, NQ64, and the Pixel Bunker are just two venues that have popped up recently! Plus, if you don't have a venue near you that offers the arcade experience, there are plenty of ways to play at home! 

Cool! How do you play at home? 

Personally, I enjoy emulating a range of classic arcade games on my Nintendo Switch and occasionally on my PC...especially titles that were exclusively available on the NEO GEO MVS (Multi Video System). Hamster Corporation a Japanese video game publisher is doing a fantastic job with their Arcade Archives series, which has been re-creating the arcade experience, all from the comfort of your sofa. 

Of course, the best way to enjoy these games is with a classic arcade joystick, complete with bright, clicky buttons for that authentic, nostalgic experience. Check out my 8BitDo Arcade Stick below, available on Amazon here! This is a must-have for any arcade lovers! I have customized my controller with colourful face buttons. A simple task to undertake with a basic set of screwdrivers and some patience. 

8BitDo Arcade Stick - Complete with custom buttons

That's about everything for today, folks! Thanks for stopping by...I know I haven't been around for AGES! But hey! Who cares, I'm here now! Keep your eyes peeled for another post coming soon, where I'll discuss my love for the NEO GEO system, as well as some nostalgic memories of how I introduced myself to the world of arcade gaming! 

Till next time! 

Benjamin Andrew 95!