Hardware

The Great Arcade Debate: Funspot vs. Galloping Ghost

March 6, 2026By Ars Technica
The Great Arcade Debate: Funspot vs. Galloping Ghost
Photo by Carl Raw / Unsplash
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AI's Take|Why it Matters?

Two iconic American arcades, Funspot in New Hampshire and Galloping Ghost in Illinois, both lay claim to the title of "world's largest arcade." This friendly rivalry highlights the enduring appeal of classic gaming and the passion behind preserving these nostalgic havens.

Reklam

Hey there, mobikolik.com readers! Ever wondered where the world's largest arcade might be? You might be surprised to learn that there isn't just one clear answer. It seems we have a fascinating debate on our hands, pitting two incredible American institutions against each other for the coveted title: Funspot in New Hampshire and Galloping Ghost Arcade in Illinois.

Let's take a trip to Laconia, New Hampshire, a town that usually hums along quietly with a population under 17,000. That is, until Bike Week rolls around, when it's swarmed by hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists. But for the rest of the year, Laconia is perhaps best known as the unlikely home of Funspot. For decades, Funspot has proudly held the banner as the "world's largest arcade," a true testament to the golden age of gaming. It's a sprawling complex that takes you back in time, offering a vast array of classic and modern arcade games, a bowling alley, and even an indoor golf course. It's more than just an arcade; it's a family entertainment center that has captured the hearts of generations.

Now, let's jet over to Brookfield, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago. Here, you'll discover the Galloping Ghost Arcade. From the outside, it might look unassuming, but step inside, and you're immediately transported to a gamer's paradise. With over 1,000 arcade cabinets and an additional 46 pinball machines, Galloping Ghost makes a very strong case for being the world's largest. Their collection is meticulously curated, focusing heavily on classic video games, many of which are incredibly rare and hard to find elsewhere. It's a place built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, dedicated to preserving the history of arcade gaming.

So, which one truly holds the title? Well, that's where the paradox comes in. While both are undoubtedly massive and offer unparalleled gaming experiences, the "largest" claim often comes down to different metrics – perhaps total square footage, number of unique games, or even the sheer volume of cabinets. What's clear, though, is that both Funspot and Galloping Ghost are titans in the arcade world, each offering a unique and unforgettable journey into gaming history. Whether you're chasing high scores on Pac-Man or discovering a forgotten gem, these arcades prove that the magic of coin-op gaming is alive and well. And honestly, for us avid gamers, does it really matter which one is technically larger? The fact that such incredible havens exist is a win for everyone!

Reklam

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