Location Watch: Mikado Europe (Spain); ArCains (UK); Arcade Club #3 (UK); Park & Rec Tampa and more;

We’re in the middle of December already, so it’s a good time to get you up-to-date on the latest happenings in the wonderful world of new arcades – specifically, arcade locations/businesses that have opened their doors. Hopefully one of these locations is near you; if so, be sure to drop in, buy some tokens or a card and give them some love.

One more reminder: Our Game of the Decade poll ends tomorrow, so make sure that you vote in case you haven’t already!

Let’s jump in:

Mikado Game Center Europe (Navarra, Spain)

Known for making a traditional arcade work in the heart of Japan, Mikado took a somewhat odd jump for their first international location – setting up a base in the challenging market of Europe. I know that Arcade Belgium has been able to find some success in focusing on Japanese gaming in their neck of the woods, so perhaps that all MGCE needs to do in Spain. The people behind this one are also very supportive of retro gaming events in Spain. If you are able to drop by, then you’ll find a strong line-up of Japanese arcade games, including: 19XX; Aka & Blue Type-R (first location in Europe with the Exa-Arcadia); Battle Garegga; DonPachi; F355 Ferrari Challenge; Initial D Ver. 2; Let’s Go Jungle DX; Sega Rally 2; Super Street Fighter II X; Toki; Top Skater; and many more. The best place to follow their progress and news seems to be Twitter.

ArCains (Liverpool, UK)

Did I mention that Europe is a challenge? Well, that’s fortunately not a deterrent for those opening new locations right now, as we have a 2nd European location to mention today (generally if we mention any at all, it’s just one spot). This venue is hoping to be “the largest arcade in Europe,” although with this article being the only one I’ve come across with details so far, there isn’t much information on what games will be available to play. By the looks of it, the mix will span the ages, so perhaps you’ll be playing Taito’s Arkanoid one moment, then Raw Thrills’ Terminator Salvation the next while people race on OutRun 2 SDX nearby.

Arcade Club #3 Coming In 2020 (Blackpool, UK)

Since there’s so much love going around Europe at the moment, let’s pile on. Reader Kieran May sent me a message not long ago that Arcade Club is continuing their expansion, aiming to have their 3rd location open for business sometime next year in Blackpool. It’s still too early to say much else about it, but I imagine that it will share plenty of similarities with the two existing locations. Overall, it’s more good news for the UK arcade scene!

Anata No Warehouse Closes, But The Games Live On

Since the last Location Watch post, the famous Anata No Warehouse closed their doors in Japan, but fortunately, the games have been finding homes. Thanks to Arcade Belgium for catching this news. RIP Anata No Warehouse.

Park & Rec #2 Opens In Tampa, FL

A bar/arcade has opened their doors in Tampa, FL by the name of Park & Rec. Looking at their social media, most of their focus is on the bar culture side of things, but they do have some arcade gaming to enjoy: Guitar Hero Arcade, Ms. Pac-Man, NBA Jam, Playchoice-10, Radikal Bikers, Super Bikes 2 & more; pinball machines like GhostBusters & WrestleMania; and some ICE Ball alley bowlers. Find them on Facebook here.

Headquarters Beercade Location #2 Coming To Pilsen, IL

If you have been looking for a bar/arcade experience in the Pilsen area of Chicago, then you’ll have a such a place to drink and game at come early 2020, per this article on the Chicago Eater. Not much else to say about it yet, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled for more info.

Round1USA Openings

Round1USA has been very busy in opening locations across the States. To get you up to speed:

The Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek, OH (Nov. 25th)

Towson Town Center in Towson, MD (Dec. 7th)

Fashion District Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA (Dec. 21st)

Japanese Location Watch:

For locations that are or have recently opened their doors in Japan:

Family Farm Kids Arcade Opens in Kawasaki (Dec. 13th)

Namco’s Ikebukuro Store soft opening on the 21st; grand opening on the 27th

That’s all I’ve come across for now…which might make this the last new location watch post for the decade.