The video games released in the recent years have been good. A lot of were successful enough that they've sold millions and even spawned adaptations. However, long-time gamers can't help but feel nostalgic for the older and simpler games. In the event that you want to create a retro game room, here are items you'll need.
1. Arcade Cabinets
If you really want to commit to creating a retro game room, you can purchase full-size arcade cabinets. There are several of them online, but they won't be cheap. Arcade1Up offers a variety of them where you can play the video game classics.
For example, you can purchase the Mortal Kombat II Deluxe arcade game, which will cost you $499.99. Although the exterior has the Mortal Kombat theme, it has other games like Rampage, Rootbeer Tapper, Paperboy, and more.
2. Retro Gaming Console
If you don't feel like lugging around a huge cabinet or if you don't have space for a few of them (because you have to have more than one, of course), you can always just purchase an old arcade console.
There available versions that can hold hundreds of games that you might recognize. This particular console has 621 classic games you can choose from. You can connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable so you won't have to look for cable adapters.
3. LED Lights
This one is optional, but it adds a whole different mood to your game room if you have a LED lighting. Arcade rooms were usually illuminated by all the lights from arcade cabinets, which is why a bright overhead light was not really necessary.
You can buy LED strips since they are easier to install, but you can also purchase LED light tubes, especially if you want a brighter light output. They'll take more effort to install but if that's what you want to add, then it might just be worth the extra work.
4. Retro Game Posters
Also optional, but a great addition, no doubt. You can put up posters to make the game room seem more like an actual retro arcade. It's your choice if you want them framed or just straight up tape a couple of prints on your wall.
You can find several of them on Etsy. There are posters of popular titles like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and more. You can also choose over a variety of material to print on liek cardstock, paper, or even metal.
5. Stool Seats
If you've actually been to arcades, you might have a vivid memory of the uncomfortable stool seats infront of the arcade machines. In short periods, they're probably okay, it's just that we tend to sit for hours on end when we're on a roll.
These heavy duty stools are 30.5 inches in height, so they're high enough for you to reach the controls comfortably if you do buy an arcade cabinet. Its colors of black and silver also makes it easier to match if you decide to apply a theme for your game room.
Add More Elements
To make your retro arcade room more alive, you can add a few more elements than the ones mentioned above. Maybe try placing houseplants in the corner or adding shelves to you can put action figures on display.
You can even add a mini-fridge to relive your days of surviving on soda and junk food the entire time you're playing. Either way, creating a retro game room not only takes you back to your childhood, it could also serve as place to relax and isolate yourself from the world from time to time.
