BELFAST’S first ever retro arcade will open in the city’s Cathedral Quarter next month.
BASE Arcade will initially be launched as pop-up experience at the Oh Yeah music centre on Gordon Street, opening to the public on May 13.
Founded by David Hughes, Stephen Currie and Marty Neill, the trio have turned their enthusiasm for 80s and 90s nostalgia into a new social arcade experience for Belfast.
The retro arcade will operate as ticketed weekend venture, featuring free-play gaming, a retro market with vintage clothing, memorabilia and collectables plus themed drinks and entertainment.
Co-founder Stephen Currie said:“We’re excited to bring these arcade games to the Belfast public, not just for those, who like us, will remember these from their childhood, but for the younger generation who will get to enjoy the social experience of arcade gaming for the very first time.”
![BASE Arcade co-founders David Hughes, Stephen Currie and Marty Neill.](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/QHOYVDL5MFNIPCH5NJ37DA6BC4.jpg?auth=df368e1ecc5ce9ac43da38d12008cefbc5f64f7e1c042c74e4d74921e8654415&width=800&height=533)
He said the trio have sourced popular and rare arcade machines from the UK, Ireland and Europe, with classic titles such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Galaga plus fan favourites including House of the Dead and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle four-player.
Mr Currie said BASE Arcade is also working alongside the Irish Pinball League to bring even more machines from the golden age of gaming to their collection.