Vancouver's new secret arcade is hidden in a 118-year-old building
Local gamers are in for a good time this month. Not only is the region’s largest video game convention just around the corner, but a new Vancouver arcade has officially opened its doors.
Secret Arcade is a historical gaming and art-inspired space inside the 118-year-old Ellis Building, steps away from the Main Street SkyTrain Station.
Owner Kyle Seller told Daily Hive that he hopes that guests will enjoy the classic, old-school feel of Secret Arcade.
View this post on Instagram
- You might also like:
- The best arcades in Metro Vancouver to release your inner child
- 7 virtual reality arcades in Metro Vancouver to get your game on
- Inside Activate Coquitlam's giant new futuristic gaming facility
“Arcades nowadays are so ‘meh’ with too many redemption games, almost like a kids’ casino,” said Seller. “This is a proper arcade, like back in the days, where you would find one in a corner store or at a strip mall.
“Some of the best days of my life were spent hanging with my pals at the arcade, trying to get replays or scoring the most points possible. It was a social outing, something that just isn’t around anymore.”
Secret Arcade is home to 10 pinballs, five arcade cabinets, and a foosball table, all set to free-play once you pay a flat entry fee. Many of the machines have their own history in Vancouver, having been previously set up in bars such as Pub 340 and 12 Kings, as well as at Good Co., the Vancouver Fringe, and more.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
Seller is also the owner of East Van Amusements and Industry Arcade in New Westminster. He found the space inside the Ellis Building from his friend, Andy, who operates Owen’s Oddities.
“He noticed the room was recently vacated, and said ‘Man, this is the coolest room for an arcade,'” explained Seller. “We weren’t really looking to do this, it just sort of happened organically.
“The Ellis is a beautiful, special place, with many artists and creative people who embrace the building’s culture. It’s an honour to be here.”
Pinball machines inside the Vancouver arcade range from classics like FunHouse and Jack Bot to modern tables based on The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
Arcade machines include retro titles like Arkanoid and Bubble Bobble. And no gaming space is complete without Street Fighter II.
Secret Arcade is available for drop-ins on Sunday evenings from 6 to 11 p.m. for a flat fee of $7 for 30 minutes or $12 for 60 minutes. Private rentals can also be made from Wednesday to Saturday through the arcade’s Instagram account.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
“We’re not just about games,” added Seller. “At Secret Arcade, you can see old music posters, retro artwork from classic machines, vintage playfields and old Vancouver music posters surrounding the space. We will also be collaborating with individuals in the community, such as Colin from Poco Pinball, who will assist in running the space.”
Secret Arcade
Address: The Ellis Building — 1024 Main St., Vancouver