Top spots for gamers to visit on Long Island
Stephen Cooney, who recently won an IBS Award for 'Retro Game Show,' picks his best game spots. 🎮
By Stephen Cooney
Long Island is home to many places where fans of video games, both old and new, can visit for a fun time.
1. Round 1, Hicksville
Located inside the Broadway Commons Mall in Hicksville, Round1 has something for everybody. The arcade features several floors of arcade machines, including some familiar favorites and newer games for the adventurous types. It’s worth a mention that there are more claw machines than you can even imagine.
Many visitors point out the selection of prizes. While most arcades stock cheap-feeling stuffed animals, Round1 has a wide variety, including vinyl figurines. Even the plushes in stock are higher quality than most other arcades.
Fernando Gomez took a trip there and spoke about his experience. “I spent way too much money to not take home that Gogeta Figure, so the fact that I won made my wallet feel a little better.”
They even have activities for those not interested in video games, with a full bowling alley, karaoke rooms, a billiards hall, and plenty of food and drinks for those looking for a break from the screens.
2. Blast From the Past, Bay Shore
For our retro fans, Blast From the Past is the perfect destination for those looking to walk home with their favorite childhood games. The store has a vast selection of games and toys, ranging from the 70’s to the modern age.
They also have an eBay store where you can browse inventory that isn’t on the sales floor. Zachary H. shared his thoughts in his review on Google. “I can’t say enough amazing things about this store! They have super amazing memorabilia from your childhood that will bring you right back to when you were a kid, modern things, and things even older than yourself that you’ll love just as much!”
Don’t let the name fool you, this arcade has far more than retro games. Sure, they have a large selection of arcade machines, but they also have setups for playing newer games, from the Xbox 360 to the Nintendo Switch.
Located in the food court of Smith Haven Mall, Game On Retro Arcade is a great stop for anyone looking for some extra activities during their mall trip. The aesthetic does a great job of blending that 90’s arcade vibe with a more modern twist.
At most arcades, it would cost you a fortune to play such a wide range of games, but at Game On, you get unlimited play for only $15, making it a must for any gamers who find themselves in the area.
Daniel Irizarry on Google highlighted the unlimited play in his review. “If you’re looking for an awesome, family-friendly place to game, this is it! There are tons of arcade games and a huge selection of pinball machines, making it perfect for kids and adults alike. The best part is that for just $15 you get unlimited play, so there’s no need to keep feeding money into a token machine.”
S1ckH4ndsRBN on YouTube shared a full tour of the arcade, showing the range of games on display:
Whether you’re looking to relive your childhood or have an affinity for newer games, there are plenty of spots for you to play the games that you’ve been craving.
