As an avid gamer and tech enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new and unique gaming experiences, which is how I stumbled across Game Nest in Las Vegas. Located in Chinatown just minutes from the Strip, Game Nest advertises itself as an arcade specializing in Japanese arcade games and classics. That was enough to pique my interest, so last weekend I rounded up my wife Patty and kids John and Jenette for a family outing to check this place out.
When we first arrived at the small, unassuming storefront, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as soon as we stepped inside, my inner gamer nerd was activated. Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling arcade cabinets of every shape, size, and color imaginable. And games I’ve never even seen or heard of before with crazy Japanese names like Mobile Suit Gundam, Dance Evolution Arcade, and MaiMai. This was going to be fun.
Game Selection
I was thoroughly impressed by the diversity of games on offer at the Game Nest arcade in Las Vegas. All the classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Pinball were represented. They must have had at least 10 racing games, from Daytona USA to Tokyo Extreme Racer. First-person shooters like House of the Dead, basketball toss games, and even a couple of racing motorcycle simulators you could sit on. And of course, Dance Dance Revolution, which brought me right back to high school.
But the real stars were the weird and exotic Japanese imports I’d never seen in any American arcade before. UFO catchers (claw machines), rhythm/music games with colorful buttons and touch screens, and something called a “print club” that seemed to involve dressing up and taking sticker pictures. And a bunch of fighting games featuring popular anime characters that my son was obsessed with. I even came across something called a “tipping game” which is exactly what it sounds like – two players face off trying to literally tip the other person’s video game desk over before they get tipped themselves.
So strange but awesome! After exploring the entire space, I knew there was no way we’d get bored here.
Facilities and Pricing
Unlike many Vegas attractions designed to siphon as much money as possible from tourists, I found Game Nest’s facilities and pricing to be very reasonable for families. The venue itself was smaller than I imagined but clean and well organized, with a lounge area containing couches and console gaming stations for Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch connected to several large-screen TVs. A nice perk if you need a break from arcade gaming or want to play multiplayer console games. We also spotted a party room in the back available for events or birthdays, which looked like it came equipped with karaoke and its own console station.
As for pricing, the arcade works on an hourly model at just $10 per person for unlimited play. The only exception is physical redemption games like the claw machines which cost separately per round. Considering the sheer variety of entertainment on hand, I felt $10 per hour was an incredible bargain to enjoy everything unlimited. Between all the games, activities and facilities Game Nest has to offer, it’s clear this place was designed by gamers for gamers. I could already tell we were in for an amazing day reliving our gaming glory days!
Experiencing the Games
After paying for our wristbands, the family dispersed to indulge their gaming passions. My son John made a beeline for the fighting games, while Jenette was dazzled by the colors and sounds emanating from the anime rhythm game called MaiMai. As for Patty and I, we decided to kick things off with a friendly round of air hockey before I challenged her to a race on a vintage 90s game called Hydro Thunder.
It felt so nostalgic to play games from my childhood and introduce my kids to the classics I grew up with. However I have to admit, after an hour I was feeling pretty ancient trying to keep up with some of the modern Japanese games with their blinding lights, loud sounds, and complex controls. I guess my gaming reflexes aren’t what they used to be!
Eventually, we regrouped to catch our breath, grab some refreshments, and plot our next move. The kids were eager to show me this crazy interactive 3-player boxing game that was basically human whack-a-mole. While waiting in line, I discovered they have an extensive merchandise section filled with collectibles, anime figures, and branded apparel targeted toward loyal retro gamers and Japanese gaming fans. I couldn’t resist buying matching Game Nest shirts for the family to commemorate our visit. Afterward, we battled head-to-head in a punching strength tester to settle a debate over who the strongest Howse really was (for the record – still dear old Dad!).
I have to say, one of my favorite discoveries was this innovative 3-player virtual reality simulator called VR Zone Portal. Each of us donned a headset and haptic vest connected in a shared virtual environment, then worked together to complete an objective by physically running, ducking, shooting, or completing puzzles. It was such an immersive, realistic experience and so much fun cooperating as a family to defeat enemies and clear each stage. The future is now! We ended our epic gaming marathon gathered around an arcade bowling alley competing fiercely but all smiling and bonding over our common love for gaming.
Overall Impressions
After a solid three hours tearing it up at Game Nest Vegas, I can definitively say this place is a hidden Las Vegas gem perfectly suited for gamers and families. As an old-school arcade purist, I loved having access to retro classics I hadn’t seen in years alongside modern fighting, music, and rhythm games popular in Japan but hard to find in American arcades. The variety and uniqueness of the Japanese imports alone make Game Nest worth a visit for gamers looking for something different.
My family and I had an absolute blast rediscovering old games and challenging each other on fun multiplayer titles. Even my wife Patty, who normally avoids noisy chaotic arcades, was all smiles and laughter while we battled in friendly competition. Thanks to the affordable $10 per hour unlimited play model, we didn’t have to worry about continually feeding quarters into machines and could instead focus on pure gaming enjoyment. Considering similar venues on the Vegas Strip would easily charge double or triple that rate, Game Nest is fantastic value for visitors of all ages.
I do have to mention the only real negatives for me were the small venue size and lack of food options (though outside catering is allowed for events). More variety in concessions beyond basic vending machine snacks would be nice for prolonged gaming sessions. Still, there was ample seating between cushy lounge chairs by the consoles and a party room available to book for larger groups. For parents like me, it was also reassuring to see staff vigilantly monitoring for safety and cleaning machines regularly.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it friends, my grand arcade adventure at Game Nest with the family! It’s been a while since I’ve felt that pure, nostalgic joy of playing classic arcade games from my childhood alongside the next generation of gamers. And I have to give Game Nest credit for curating a fantastic mix of retro cabinets and modern Japanese imports you won’t find anywhere else.
For parents looking to share their old-school gaming passions with kids too young for the Vegas strip, or gamers hoping to discover unique imported titles, Game Nest Arcade is a must-visit hidden gem I’m so glad I uncovered.
With affordable hourly pricing that won’t drain your wallet, a lounge area for multiplayer console gaming, and a party room available for events, Game Nest has thought of everything to deliver a quality arcade experience to visitors of all types. My family and I will definitely be back next time we’re wandering Chinatown in need of some gaming therapy.