Arcades are Making a Comeback
LOS BANOS, Calif — Arcades are making a comeback in the Central Valley.
In the 80s, arcades took over the entertainment world. It was a hot spot for teens and families. But as the world grew, technology was evolving, and gaming changed.
By the early 2000s, living rooms took over arcades. Gaming had switched to online and unplugged in-person connections.
Online Gaming was not only the “new trend,” but it was also convenient and isolated. Just like all trends, arcades were replaced and started shutting down. Players may have connected globally but disconnected locally.
Of course, online gaming has its issues. It caused social disconnection and separation, but the world still picked up at-home consoles instead of arcades. It wasn’t until COVID that people started to miss in-person interaction and childhood games.
A family in Los Banos viewed gaming culture the same way as they did when they were kids. Retro and traditional. The Tarin family started buying old school gaming machines as they noticed companies across the Valley sold them for a low price.
The Tarin family wanted to give the machines a new life. They noticed the lack of things to do in their small town and wanted to create a safe area for kids. They had a small idea that grew into something more. At the time, they did not know it would shift the gaming community in the Valley.
Nancy Tarin, Owner of Retro Rewind 209, wanted to give back to the community. Her family’s love for traditional games was shared with her small town.
“It brings back nostalgia. It’s a great way to connect with our children. It’s a good way to spend some time, to get everyone out of the house and off of their cell phones, ” Train said.
The nostalgic sound of coins clacking to Pac-Man eating those small yellow dots soon amplified. Since opening in January, Retro Rewind has been a popular hangout spot for gamers of all ages.
“We have adults who come in without their kids. We love seeing the families. We have a lot of families coming. And then we just have a lot of teenagers,” Tarin said.
Games like Donkey Kong and Street Fighter are more than just games. It transports many players to their childhood, a simple and safe time.
The gaming prices take you back in time, too. The Nickel Arcade speaks for itself.
With only five cents, you can play machines from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. The Nickel Arcade has two locations in the Central Valley: Fresno and Merced. They have kept their prices the same since opening. Now, spending quality time with friends and family does not have to break your bank.
“It makes us happy if we want to spend time together. This is the place to come.” Lizbeth Garcia, a Fresno local, said.
Garcia believes going back to arcades can connect with all ages, as her parents love the games and even her younger siblings. The Nickel Arcade even gives out printed tickets just like traditional arcades used to.
Arcades across the Central Valley have given arcades a new meaning. Now, gaming does not have to be so lonely, as there are many arcades reopening.