Venture into Hong Kong's top arcades and game centres, where the nostalgia of retro gaming blends with immersive experiences for every kind of gamer.
Forget another night glued to online games or belting out karaoke tunes, Honeys! Hong Kong is the ultimate playground for fun-seekers. Of course, you could stick to League of Legends or whip out the board games with your flatmates. But with the city’s arcade scene just a stone’s throw away, why would you want to stay cooped up indoors? Packed with personality, the game arcades and game centres in Hong Kong serve up everything from throwback thrills to beat-matching bliss. So, take a break between your Netflix marathon and dive into HK’s eclectic arcade game centres instead.
Quarters up! A gamer’s guide to the best arcades and game centres in Hong Kong
1. Game Zone
Right in the heart of Mong Kok, Game Zone is the top spot for gamers and groove-movers alike. It keeps the adrenaline pumping into the wee hours, dishing up a mix of intense gaming duels and non-stop dancing. If competitive gameplay is your jam, you can get stuck into classic fighters like Street Fighter, King of Fighters, and Tekken. Gather your mates for some friendly one-on-one on the linked Street Fighter 5 machines – it’s brilliant fun! And if busting moves is more your style, go solo or take on your pals in a Just Dance-style face-off on Danz Base and Dance Evolution Arcade. The top-up cards system here makes paying to play easy peasy – just load one up at the counter when you walk in.
Game Zone, B/F, Mong Kok New Town Mall, 65 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
2. Chon Shing Game Centre
Think Hong Kong Island’s short on cool gaming spots? Think again! Situated close to Central Station and the lively Lan Kwai Fong, Chon Shing Game Centre is the hidden gem you’ve been searching for. It’s a paradise for gamers, offering old-school favourites as well as the latest rhythm and racing games to keep you entertained. For a bargain, you can channel your inner rock star on the drums or the guitar, or let loose on quirky minigames like “Hyper Pie Throwing” in Bishi Bashi. Although Chon Shing Game Centre closes at 11:30pm, with a location this handy, it’s easy to drop by for a quick arcade fix before your night wraps up.
Chon Shing Game Centre, B/F, Haleson Building, 1-4 Jubilee Street, Central, Hong Kong
3. Jumpin Gym USA
Arcade games are a blast, but they’re not always a hit with the whole family. Enter Jumpin Gym USA, the famous indoor wonderland that’s got something for everyone, no matter your age! This place has been the go-to for kiddie thrills since the 90s, brimming with the most exciting games you could imagine. The claw machines are the crowd favourite, offering the cutest plushies ready for the taking. Not feeling lucky at the notorious Coin Toss Rainbow booth? Try your luck (and skill) at the basketball shooting machine and the Train Coin Pusher – our all-time favourites! With oodles of play zones, Jumpin Gym is all about unlocking that pure, childlike happiness. Remember to redeem some delightful kiddie rewards with your tickets, too.
Jumpin Gym USA has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
4. American Pool
Fancy a bit of gaming magic? Then grab your coins and adventurous spirit and leg it over to American Pool. Don’t be thrown off by the name – the pool tables have given way to a legendary gaming extravaganza. Right at the entrance, for a blast from the past, you’ll be greeted by the classic clang and glitz of pinball machines. This game centre in Hong Kong is perfect for button-mashing enthusiasts, boasting a lineup with the likes of Super Street Fighter IV and King of Fighters cabinets for those who love a proper brawl. If racing’s your jam, you can zoom into high-octane thrills with Midnight 5X Maximum Tune, or take on the twisty turns in Initial D Stage 8. Not to be left out, rhythm game buffs will have a grand time dancing, drumming, and tapping away at the Project Diva and Taiko Drum Machine.
American Pool, 13 Man Tai Street, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, p. 2333 2081
5. Silvercord Amusement & Games
Hidden beneath the bustling Silvercord mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, Silvercord Amusement & Games offers arcade delights, alive with the buzz of gaming day and night. Should the urge for a rhythmic duel strike, snag a friend, march up to the original Taiko Master, and hammer out the beats to your heart’s content. For the speed demons among us, strap in for an adrenaline-pumping jaunt on one of the 16 Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5 or Initial D Stage Zero racing simulators. Here’s where you can customise your very own virtual speedster, clutch the six-speed gear stick, and blaze a trail on the digital tarmac. And the best bit? With doors open from 8am right through to 2am, this game centre in Hong Kong is your perfect pit stop for a splash of nostalgic fun or a fierce bout of competition.
Silvercord Amusement & Games, B03, B/F, Silvercord, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2730 3632
6. Namco
Pulsing with bright lights and a rainbow of colours, Namco is one of our favourite arcades and game centres in Hong Kong. Step into any of its locations and you’ll find a world where traditional arcade machines make room for gacha wonders and a vibrant coin toss that’s pure carnival fun. Come and round up your pals for a blast at the Pac-Man Smash Air Hockey table, where the action’s cranked up to eleven with more pucks than you can swipe at. After the high-energy showdown, mellow out in a Purikura photo booth, adding a dash of whimsy to your snaps with kawaii filters and effects. When it’s time to take it easy, grab a seat at the free-to-play Nintendo Switch area. With multiplayer options on hand, it’s the perfect way to unwind and flex those gaming muscles in a laid-back atmosphere.
Namco has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
7. Retrocity Concept
Retrocity Concept might have a sleek, modern look, but inside, it’s a retreat for those itching for a blast from the past. Situated right in the city centre, this place invites you to relive the glory days of old-time video arcade games. It’s not all about hitting the top score, though – you’ve also got the chance to grab classic games to spruce up your own collection at home. Whether you’re looking to unwind with some classic games or throw together a casual get-together, Retrocity Concept has the space and the games to make it a cracking experience.
Retrocity Concept, LG23, LG/F, Houston Centre, 63 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 6576 6680
