Being the unparalleled pop culture mainstay it’s always been in movies, TV shows, and comic books, it’s no surprise at all that New York has also been prominently featured in many best-selling, well-known video games. From industry classics like Max Payne to colossal productions such as Spider-Man or Grand Theft Auto IV — where we’re even allowed to roam painstakingly detailed recreations of Manhattan and beyond –, the city that never sleeps sure shows its pulse in the most accurate digital realms we can imagine, and you get to game at real money online pokies australia easily.
Though, as fun as it’s to explore the big city through our gamepads, nothing beats the experience of being there IRL (you know, “in real life”). Especially if you love video games. Because NYC has plenty of cool places intended to satisfy the needs of one of the most demanding, passionate, and loyal fan communities around gamers. From vintage 8-bit icons to the most advanced VR experiments, video games keep the world running as the most profitable entertainment industry on the planet and a pop culture powerhouse on its own. And that’s something you definitely can feel throughout the city’s five boroughs.
So it doesn’t matter if you grew up with Space Invaders, adore The Legend of Zelda, or just casually play Angry Birds in the subway: if you enjoy electronic entertainment, be sure to not miss out on these video game locations in New York City!
Videogames New York
The absolute first stop for any digital entertainment buff visiting the Big Apple, Videogames New York is a true paradise to video game players of all ages and backgrounds, especially to those who enjoyed first-hand the golden age of 8, 16, or 32-bit systems while growing up. Considered by critics and fans alike one of the best video games stores on the planet, this small and cramped space located at the heart of Manhattan’s East Village might feel a bit tedious to navigate — even claustrophobic — on busy days, but it’s absolutely worth it. More than a store, this is a lovingly curated museum devoted to the history of video games. From the world’s first home video game console (the Magnavox Odyssey) and a brand new copy of the most hated video game ever released (Atari’s E.T. The Extraterrestrial) to a Nintendo DS signed by guru Shigeru Miyamoto himself and obscure accessories never sold beyond Japanese frontiers, every visit feels like an exciting and one-of-a-kind time travel to the roots of the industry. You’ll also love to play best payout online casino usa in this haven, and you’ll enjoy it to the maximum.
J+L Game
Located a couple of streets away from Bryant Park, this beloved store is an old friend to any gamer in the city. Starting its business in 1992 as a modest glass showcase in Chinatown, J+L Game made the big splash when it settled in its current 1000 sq. feet store in Midtown Manhattan. Its staff is specialized in retro gaming and new releases alike, which makes this spot a welcoming meeting point for both old-school gamers and promising newbies. It’s also a great place to go if your video game console gets broken, thanks to its high-regarded repair services. Looking for that sought-after Amiibo figurine? A Game Gear Micro? Japanese-imported PS1 oddities, maybe? They got it. As it’s boldly stated on their website, “If it’s hot, it’s here!”
Midtown Comics
Arguably the best comic book store in all of New York (and that’s saying something!), Midtown Comics has plenty of stuff that will make any gamer more than happy. Fair enough, none of its three iconic Manhattan locations sells actual video games, but anything else stemming from digital entertainment mythos has a featured spot here. Huge, dynamic and hyper-detailed statues of Street Fighter and Mega Man characters strike an epic pose on shelves located above dozens of art books focused on the design of Overwatch, Monster Hunter, and Doom Eternal. At the other side of the aisle, comic books set on the Halo, Quake, and Sonic The Hedgehog universes share space with fully articulated figures from the Metal Gear Solid games and detailed Super Mario Bros playsets.
Barcade
We put an end to our tour with what many consider the purest and most fulfilling gaming experience you can get: going to the arcades! Sure, now it’s easy to play online with virtually anyone in the world from our living rooms for a monthly or annual fee. But there was a time when you needed all your gaming skills to make the most out of your precious quarters at your neighbourhood’s arcade saloon. Nothing could compare to that feeling of clearing one stage after another while a small crowd gathered over your shoulder to check your progress. Those were the days. That’s why the old timers still love going to arcade saloons, which explains the immediate success of Barcade. A beloved icon in New York’s video games scene, this “Original Arcade Bar” is the perfect place to gulp your stress away with a hamburger and a couple of beers while playing revered classic video games with your homies. You can find fighting legends like X-Men: Children of the Atom and the first Street Fighter, as well as vintage treasures such as Mappy, Galaga, Centipede and a hilarious 4-player Pac-Man. Of course, such a magical place wouldn’t be complete without a cool selection of elaborate pinball machines. It’s pure geek nostalgia!