The Palace Arcade
Do you miss ‘the good old days’ from the 80s and 90s, when you would head down to the local arcade for a round of NBA Jam, or the latest blockbuster movie-themed pinball game?
Perhaps you missed that era, and are curious to see what the fuss was all about?
Well, People of Perth and beyond, you are in for an absolute treat because we have just the place, or should I say palace, for you.
The Palace Arcade in Northbridge, known as Perth’s first arcade gaming bar, is haven for those who long to return to their arcade roots and new to the arcade gaming scene alike. To see what all the fuss was about yours truly, together with recurring Perth Gaming Crew podcast guest Ludley, headed on down and boy were we in for a treat. The minute we entered the nostalgia came flooding back. Flashing arcade screens showing games across the generations, from Bubble Bobble to Space Invaders. The joy of watching fellow gamers playing co-op classics like Konami’s 1991 The Simpsons on the same screen (yes, we really used to do that!). And lo and behold, true to form, posted high up on a wall for all to see was a gigantic leaderboard with all the top scores chalked up for each arcade and pinball game champion and challenger to see.
And that’s just the first floor.
Downstairs you’ll find more classics, from Mortal Kombat 2 to Street Fighter 2, to Sega Rally and the even the original Double Dragon. The moment I tapped my Palace Arcade card to boot up Mortal Kombat 2 I felt right at home, and was throwing ice blasts left and right in no time, Scorprion, Raiden and the others be damned! I must say, I did feel  tentative at first when Ludley and I tried out Sega Rally as 3D classics tend not to age as well as 2D classics, but as soon as we jumped into our respective arcade cabinets and put our pedals to the metal it was game on, and Sega Rally’s classic slippery driving mechanics balanced with immersive speed brought on the thrills from the 90s all over again.
Lined up against the wall downstairs you’ll find The Palace Arcade’s assortment of classic pinball machines, all beautifully maintained, perfectly spaced apart and buzzing with their classic pinball lights and sounds. Personally, I prefer classic arcade games over pinball machines, but it was a real treat to try out the likes of Ghostbusters, WWF Royal Rumble, Star Wars and not to mention an original 1993 version of Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure.
While the heart of The Palace Arcade is the classic arcade gaming and pinball experience that is on offer, it is of course also a bar with a particular focus on the go-to classic feed for gamers, pizza. Gluten free and vegetarian options are available, and as someone intolerant to gluten it was nice to know I didn’t have to duck off early just to get a feed in somewhere else. The pizzas, by the way, are superb.
I’d also be doing The Palace Arcade a disservice if I didn’t highlight the fact that we ate right in front of what I can only describe as a giant Ryu-Pizza-Hadouken light display. Absolute crossover gold.
There are of course plenty of other share-food options, ranging from fries to chicken wings, and being a bar drinks are a ‘plenty too. Daily specials are of course available, and for those of you who are keen to go big and host a special function, or want a join an upcoming event open to the public, then those are on offer too. With games being a dollar or two apiece, and half-price every Sunday, it all makes for a very affordable outing.
What made the Palace Arcade a complete experience for us though was the friendly staff who clearly love just being there. It was an absolute pleasure spending time with venue manager Darren. Darren’s love for the place, pride in its original pinball cabinets, and depth of knowledge for so many of the classic games on display clearly reflects just what a labour of love The Palace Arcade really is.
If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, or simply want to head out with friends to experience the glory days of arcade and pinball gaming in the 1980s and 1990s, then absolutely check out The Palace Arcade over on 84 Beaufort Street on Northbridge. Live south of the river? Not a problem, there’s even venues at Victoria Park and in the heart of Fremantle!
Keen to know more? Why not head over to The Palace Arcade’s Instagram page.
--- Jon @ PGC
8/2/25