It doesn’t matter what incredible gaming consoles you might have at home or what cool apps you’ve got on your smartphone, there’s still nothing quite like the experience of playing video games the way they were meant to be played, in an arcade. Whether it’s a rainy day or you’re simply looking for somewhere to switch off and be entertained in the city, Manchester and the surrounding areas boast a number of spots where you can hit the arcades and unleash your competitive side. From neon-splattered, nostalgic bars to huge venues decked with entertaining games (both IRL or virtual), here’s our round-up of the best arcades to visit in and around Manchester.
1. NQ64
Offering a huge dose nostalgia is Manc institution and bar NQ64 – better still there are two Manchester venues brimming with retro arcades for you to choose from. One of the venues is hidden down an alley-like street in the Northern Quarter, just next door into the former Dive Bar space, allowing even more space for more retro games. Offering classic games such as Mortal Kombat, Pac Man, Street Fighter II, Tekken and newer classics such as Guitar Hero, guests can take their pick of games to play in the neon-paint splattered spot, as well as try out consoles such as the Sega Mega Drive, Super Nintendo, N64 and an original Playstation.
📍NQ64, 12 Tib Street, M4 1SH | 23 Peter St, M2 5QR.
2. Arcade Club
Named one of the best gaming arcades in the UK, Arcade Club can be found in the Greater Manchester town of Bury – plus, it even featured in Netflix series Fool Me Once. Arcade Club Bury boasts the largest collection of video arcade games in Europe. Spread across four floors of gaming heaven, experience the long lost classics, dance floors, rhythm games, bizarre rarities and brand new imports you won’t find anywhere else – all lovingly cared for by the team and made available to you, free to play. There are more than 400 games and attractions at the Bury arcade alone, so the trip out of the city centre is most definitely worth it.
📍Arcade Club, Ela Mill, Cork St, Bury, BL9 7BW.
3. DNA VR
Offering an alternative to classic arcades in Manchester is DNA VR, which allows visitors to dive into unimaginable virtual worlds spanning horror, fantasy and music. Visitors can experience true escapism with both solo and group virtual reality modes on 70 games, providing hours of gameplay. Up to 15 people can be plugged into the VR pods and explore new worlds including Skyfront VR, Ragnarok, Elven Assassin and Arizona Sunshine. While the ‘Free Roam’ arcade offers longer-form escape rooms, explorative experiences and horror game modes for up to four players, such as Hospital Of Horror, Space Station Tiberia and Depths Of Osiris.
📍DNA VR, 30 Brown St, M2 1DH.
4. NAMCO Funscape
With more than 100 arcade games, plus 18 bowling lanes, some of Europe’s fastest dodgems and an American pool table, there is plenty do at NAMCO Funscape. Housed within The Trafford Centre, the gaming spot offers an escape from the endless clothes shopping for a few hours as well as a great location for a party or family fun day. Here you’ll find arcades to suit both big and small kids including shoot ‘em ups, race car simulators, dancing machines, zombies, Mario Kart GP, and PAC-MAN Smash. There are even claw machines where you can win a soft toy if you really want a challenge.
📍NAMCO Funscape, 14 The Orient, The Trafford Centre, Stretford, M17 8ED.
5. Pixel Bar
One for the big kids in Manchester is Pixel Bar and it’s a great spot to hang out with mates for fantastic games to enjoy as well as Pokemon-themed cocktails and delicious pizzas, too. Soundtracked by pop-punk hits, guests can hire out their very own console booths, and enjoy the likes of PS5, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch, alongside a number of free-to-play arcade cabinets dotted around the venue. The bar hosts competitions and watch parties as well as offering shot deals every day, student deals and has a happy hour where you can get 16″ pizzas for £15.
📍Pixel Bar, 10 Thomas St, M4 1DH.