This Oregon pinball museum has been named the best arcade in America

In the gaming industry, Oregon has triumphed: Newsweek awarded the Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro the Best Arcade in America.

With more than 675 playable arcade and pinball games spread across 27,000 square feet of vintage gaming and memorabilia, Next Level is already known as the second-largest arcade in the world. After a five-week public voting, a panel of travel experts chose 16 exceptional arcades around the country to win the title through Newsweek’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

Owner Jordan Carlson attributed the victory to the museum’s devoted patrons and employees, stating that the team’s mission has always been to provide Oregon residents of all ages with an experience of the highest caliber.

Accolades are nothing new to Next Level. The pinball world’s people’s choice honor, the TWIPY honor for Favorite Pinball Location, was given to the arcade in 2023. The family-run museum has gained popularity among both casual tourists and seasoned gamers due to its free-play approach, which allows visitors to play endless games for a single admission charge, and its walls adorned with thousands of pop culture items.

Furthermore, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade in downtown Portland was named No. 9, placing Oregon in second place on Newsweek’s list. More than 100 vintage and new games and pinball machines may be found at the renowned arcade. While the evenings shift to 21+ with parties, karaoke nights, and Stern Army pinball games, families are welcome during the day.

The popularity of pinball and arcade culture in Oregon is still growing. In addition to its nationally renowned attractions, the area recently received Special When Litin King City, a nostalgic, coin-operated arcade that evokes the traditional arcade experience of the 1980s with 46 pinball machines and vintage games.

Other Portland favorites are Star Tropics, a pinball arcade in the Lloyd Center that sells $8 wristbands for a full day of unlimited pinball, and QuarterWorld Arcade, which is well-known for its combination of pinball and vintage video games and is located on Southeast Hawthorne and Wedgehead on Northeast Sandy. The latter boasts 150 pinball machines from all eras and offers unlimited freeplay pinball for just $12.

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Chiara Profenna discusses faith, religion, and cultural ties. You may contact her at cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiaraprofenna, or 503-221-4327.

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