Where Can I Play Classic Arcade Games?

WINTRUST SPORTS COMPLEX

classic arcade games

You might think that the days of going to an arcade to play classic games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Pong are long gone. Nowadays, these titles have crossed over onto many different platforms and you can play them virtually anywhere. The same or similar games with slightly different titles to avoid copyright issues that you played in arcades as a kid are available with the tap of a button on your phone. All you have to do is download an app, and you can play to your heart’s content.

But it’s not really the same, is it? Let’s face it: it’s not just the games that you might miss. It’s also the atmosphere. An authentic arcade can bring back the nostalgia of going out with your friends on weekends and spending hours in the arcade trying to beat your high score. Gaming on your phone is incredibly accessible and can be a lot of fun, but playing on a retro gaming system is entirely different. There are so many benefits to the more social aspects of gaming.  

You can set your phone down at any time, but you have to be in the moment and pay attention when you’re physically present in an arcade. Most people who grew up visiting arcades to pass the time or to hang out with friends probably miss the days when you could drop by the arcade and have true immersion in the video game experience. Luckily, retro-style arcades are coming back into the mainstream.

arcade

Old School Games

Maybe you have an interest in reliving a nostalgic period of your life by going to an arcade with friends, or you want to show your kids how people would game back in the day. Maybe you’ve never visited an arcade before but want to see what all the hype is about. 

Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, arcades are simply fun places to hang out and game. For a long time after genuine arcades began shuttering their doors, you would have to visit some corporate chain that doesn’t even allow kids in the vicinity in order to have this type of gaming experience. 

Family-friendly arcades are still relatively hard to come by, which seems ridiculous considering the fact that kids were by far the ones who frequented arcades the most in their heyday. This is why it was so important for us at Wintrust Sports Complex as a family establishment that celebrates e-sports and video games to include an arcade in our facility. 

Not only do we know that those who grew up frequenting the arcade down the street would have an interest in old-school arcade games, but we also know that having an arcade would introduce younger generations to the more social aspects of gaming. In 2022, gaming is becoming more of a social hobby than it has been in years. Almost every game now has the option to play online with friends or strangers around the world, and e-sports tournaments have only grown in popularity.

This wasn’t always the case. For a long time after arcades went out of style and there was the introduction of the home console, the most social interaction you could get out of gaming was inviting a few friends over to compete against each other. Of course, multiplayer gaming never really went out of style, but the introduction of individual consoles certainly changed the culture around video games.

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Classic Arcade Games

While many different iterations of classic arcade games are now on consoles, they have often been beefed up. For instance, Pac-Man is one of the oldest and most iconic old-school games. It was first released in 1980 and several versions continue to appear on different consoles over the years, one of the more recent ones being for Nintendo Switch, dubbed Pac-Man World Re-Pac.

In this latest release, there’s an entire world for Pac-Man to explore. The gameplay is more complicated and Pac-Man has come a long way from being chased around a maze trying to eat all the dots he can. The innovation we’ve seen over the years in video games is amazing, but sometimes you just get in the mood to keep things simple. Everyone has that one classic arcade game staple–something they can be in the mood to play no matter what.

At Wintrust Sports Complex, we want to cater to all of the gamers out there, whether they enjoy classic arcade games or the latest titles. At our arcade, you can have the best of both worlds. Hop on a PC in our e-sports cafe and battle others in a game of Fortnite or head over to the redemption arcade and play your favorite classic.

classic arcade games

Play Arcade Games in the Chicagoland Area

If you’re looking for a fun classic arcade game experience and you live in the Chicago area, check us out at Wintrust Sports Complex. Our facility is conveniently in Bedford Park, right by the Midway Airport and just minutes away from downtown Chicago. So even if you’re just in town for a night or two, you can hop over and enjoy drinks, food, and games.

At Wintrust Sports Complex, in addition to our redemption arcade that features many old-school titles, we also have laser tag, an e-sports cafe, regular sporting events, and a fully operational restaurant and bar called Station Grille. You can also plan your trip and customize a party experience for kids and adults alike. 

Wintrust is a sports and gaming enthusiast’s dream destination for entertainment. There’s never a dull moment here. Drop by for a guaranteed good time and bring whoever you want–friends, kids, family. There’s something for everyone here, and we welcome all people regardless of age. 

So come relive your childhood memories of gaming in the arcade with friends or introduce your kids to the games you grew up on. For more information about gameplay at Wintrust Sports Complex, head over to our website. If you’re interested in visiting our facility, contact us today.