For decades, arcades filled with video games – played by the quarter or token – were one of the most popular forms of entertainment, but they’ve mostly disappeared. In Las Vegas, Game Nest is one of the few arcades keeping the old dream alive, notably by importing relatively new Japanese games alongside some American classics, while offering either hourly flat price access ($10) or old fashioned token-style credits to play games. Outside of Orange County, it’s one of the most intriguing arcades we’ve seen (including LA’s Family Arcade), though not close in execution (or geography) to Illinois’ world-class Galloping Ghost.
Unlike Galloping Ghost, the Game Nest arcade does include redemption machines that dispense prizes, as well as (recent) rhythm/dancing games, modern car and animal (Monster Hunter) racing games, plus a Halo on-rails shooter – this is closer to a Dave & Buster’s than a pure classic arcade game collection. While that does mean fewer games and a smaller footprint, it also translates to a newer looking, cleaner space that’s easier to reach from a major city (including parking in a Las Vegas Chinatown plaza). But it’s worth checking out if you love video games, and worth the price of admission even if you only stop in for an hour.
