Vancouver's newest arcade is a pinball heaven with over 70 games

Warm up your thumbs and get ready to set the high score, because Vancouver’s newest arcade has officially opened its doors.

VanCity Pinball & Arcade is a gaming destination located at 1739 Venables St., at the corner of Commercial Drive.

Owner Angelo Muro told Daily Hive that opening VanCity Pinball & Arcade at the beginning of March was the realization of a lifelong dream.

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“Over the years, as I bought and sold games, I found myself holding onto the ones that meant something to me emotionally,” Muro told Daily Hive. “Each machine has its own personality and unique features, and many of them were just too special to let go of.

“Opening an arcade has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, bringing the best eras of pinball machines together in one room and letting people experience the unique feeling each game creates when you play them.”

VanCity Pinball & Arcade is home to over 60 pinball machines, with vintage titles like Evel Knievel from 1977 and The Addams Family from 1992, to newer ones such as Deadpool from 2018 and Godzilla from 2021.

There are also more than 10 arcade machines, ranging from classic titles to modern-day games like Big Buck Hunter, Skee-Ball, and Mario Kart.

“There will always be a rotation of pinball machines,” explained Muro. “What’s on the floor right now is just under half of my collection, and I also have quite a few machines currently being worked on and fully overhauled before they join the lineup.

“What’s really exciting is that I have many more games to bring in and share with the community, along with some other really cool additions that I can’t share just yet.”

VanCity Pinball & Arcade is currently open on Thursdays and Sundays from 2 to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 2 p.m. to midnight.

“We’re using a flat-rate model, with all machines set to Free Play, no coins or credits required,” explained Muro.

“Guests can enjoy unlimited gameplay for $15 for a half hour or $35 for an all-day pass, so once you’re inside, you can focus entirely on playing and having fun.”

There are high-top tables designed to look like pinball bumpers, a giant mural on the wall, and vintage artwork decorating the space. Much of the design was curated by Muro’s wife.

“My wife has been just as excited to start this journey with me. We really built this arcade together. I put her in charge of the décor, and she’s played a big role in shaping the look and feel of the space.

“I’ve also had support from a generous friend, Jordan Melville, who has loaned some of his special collectible games so they can be shared with the pinball community alongside my own collection.”

Muro said that he is excited to share his passion for arcades and pinball with everyone who comes to play.

“There’s something we call the ‘pinball bug’ in the gaming community, and once you catch it, you just can’t get enough,” he said. “I originally thought my interest would only last a couple of years, but here I am more than 20 years later and still just as passionate about it.

“I think arcades appeal to people of all ages because they create real, shared experiences, whether it’s nostalgia for someone who grew up playing or a brand-new discovery for someone trying it for the first time. What I hope people get out of visiting VanCity Pinball & Arcade is that same feeling of excitement, connection, and fun that keeps people coming back again and again.”

VanCity Pinball & Arcade

Address: 1739 Venables St., Vancouver

With files from Daily Hive staff