Once few and far between, arcades and pay-to-play gaming centers have rapidly become a fixture of Northern Virginia — especially in breweries and malls across the region. Not only are these neon-washed venues redefining nightlife in NoVA, but they also provide places to make new friends while indulging in some much-needed nostalgia. No matter how you game, these classic pinball and gaming centers promise a world of paddle-slapping, button-pressing, heart-racing fun.
Jackpot Pinball Arcade
The creation of brothers Eric and David Basile, Jackpot Pinball Arcade will become downtown Purcellville’s newest arcade addition after its expected February grand opening. The pair got the idea to open an arcade after becoming obsessed with pinball machines earlier this year. Eric, who owns Hit N Run Sports Cards, purchased over 13 machines for personal enjoyment in less than a year. Now, the New Jersey–born brothers will debut a new shared location for both the sports card shop and pinball arcade. 144 N. 21st St., Purcellville
The Pinball Basement
Pie and pinball make a winning combination — or, at least, the folks at the Pinball Basement think so. That’s why Fred Freimark and Jason Good jumped at the chance to make a lifelong dream into reality, opening an arcade in the back of Arlington’s ACME Pie Company in December. After the successful trial run, Freimark and Good now charge flat rates for unlimited play on over 18 pinball machines. Guests pay by the day or month, and you can even grab a fresh slice of pie between rounds. 2803 Columbia Pk., Arlington, $10 per day, $40 for monthly subscriptions
Sandbox VR at The Boro
Have you ever dreamed of stepping inside a virtual world? Well, now you can at Sandbox VR’s newest location at The Boro. Since opening in December, this modern arcade reinvention has been turning heads for its bleeding-edge technology. The action starts by strapping on goggles and donning a full-body motion-tracking suit. Choose from proprietary games like Squid Game, Amber Sky 2088, and Star Trek: Discovery Away Mission. After selecting, watch as you’re virtually transported into the game, complete with precise, lifelike movements thanks to the motion-capture suit. Each experience lasts an hour and a half, and you need to be 4 feet tall. 1656 Silver Hill Dr., McLean, starting at $50 per session
Silverball Sanctum at Lost Rhino Brewing Company
Check out the Silverball Sanctum inside Lost Rhino Brewing Company for its 10 pinball machines. Not only does this arcade feature classic and modern pinball machines, its 10-week pinball league starts at the end of January. Players can compete all month for top spots on the leaderboard, not to mention cash prizes and bragging rights. You can also book a party there. 21730 Red Rum Dr., Ste. 142, Ashburn
Reclaim Arcade
This arcade and pinball hall is a guaranteed night of entertainment for friends and family. Choose from over 50 classic arcade games, 17 different pinball machines, and a wide rotating selection of craft beers. 2324 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg, starting at $15 per day
The Cave Gaming Center
For PC gamers, the Cave Gaming Center promises friendly environs and powerful computers that guests can rent to play by the hour. While gamers are welcome to play any games in the center’s catalog, they can also access their entire personal libraries for platforms like Steam, Epic, and Riot. If you think you have what it takes to be the best, register and compete in one of the center’s weekly or monthly gaming tournaments. 10621 Braddock Rd., Ste. B, Fairfax, $20 for a day pass
Feature image courtesy Reclaim Arcade
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