Ryan's NanoArcade

The NanoArcade

So, the big question is: why do you collect old arcade games? Well, there are a couple of answers to that question. First of all I like to play them! I have an XBOX and other console systems and they are great for 'modern' games but the old games are still my favorite.

Some people note that you can now buy these games for your computer/console system or get small boxes that plug into your TV. With these options why bother with the trouble of owning the actual arcade machine? Well, simply said, these games were designed with the experience in mind. Playing Star Wars, for example, just isn't the same on the computer. To really have fun with the game you need to be staring at the color vector monitor, frantically firing at Tie Fighters with an X-Wing Fighters control yolk in your hands and hearing Obi Wan's words of wisdom over the arcade speakers. Nothing beats it!

I also like the technical challenge. Many of my games are purchased non-working and I fix and restore them. This lets me build on and learn all kinds of skills including woodworking, artwork touchup, mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, and electronic repair (which I normally have someone else do). I am a gear head at heart so this is right up my alley. Below are some pictures of the games in my collection.

At 10ft x 11ft I don't have much space to work with but I am making the most out of it. Typically the games I am interested in were first released between 1979 and 1987. 1980 to 1983 is right about the sweet spot when many of the best games came out (Pac-Man, Galaga, Asteroids, Donkey Kong, etc, etc).

On Tap:
Star Wars
Galaga
Asteroids
Donkey Kong
Tempest
Space Invaders
Ms. Pac-Man
Defender

Not Pictured:
I, Robot
Cheyenne
Robotron: 2084
Pole Position II

Selling Soon:
Defender
Joust
Asteroids
Qix 48-1
Space Invaders (proj)
Pro Monaco GP
Out Run
Space Duel Cocktail
Centipede
Red DK (proj)