Classic arcade-style games are making a comeback. Need proof?
Gather all the gamers in your life and visit the Game Terminal Super Arcade & Bar, a massive new arcade tucked away in a renovated open-air shipping terminal at 201 Terminal Court in South Nashville.
The 18,000-square-foot complex, which opened its doors in November of 2020, features 260 machines, approximately 100 pinball machines and more than 150 arcade games. The best part? The arcade games are set to “free play” and there is no admission fee.
“Game Terminal is a destination for enthusiasts, pinheads, out-of-towners, and the curious local: bringing an excited, diverse mix of casual gamers and old pros together amid the vibrant glow of vintage gaming,” the business’ Facebook page says.
Although many of the games are free, the pinball machines cost $1 to play, and a few of their premium arcade games require some tokens. You can purchase tokens from the waitstaff or use cash in token machines available near the bars.
If you’re wondering if this place is family friendly, the answer is yes … until 8 p.m. After that, it’s ages 21 and over only. In addition to all the arcade games, Game Terminal also has outdoor cornhole, shuffleboard, a basketball court and food trucks.
Indoors, the space features more than 200 vintage and new arcade games and pinball machines. Game Terminal’s outdoor lounge area, dubbed “The Backyard,” offers a dining area, ping pong, shuffleboard, corn hole and more fun lawn games.
A rotating selection of food trucks such as Hattie B’s, the Gambling Stick and IL Forno will provide food for Game Terminal that will be serviced by waiters so there’s no waiting in line for guests. Even though the food is prepared in a food truck, it is ordered from waitstaff inside Game Terminal and brought to your table just like any other restaurant. The food truck schedule and menus can be found on the Game Terminal website.
A Nashvillian and local entrepreneur, McKennon founded Music City Pinball in October 2017, a dealership and showroom where customers can test and purchase their favorite machines, which will be incorporated onsite at Game Terminal.
“Opening Game Terminal is a lifelong dream of mine, and I’m thrilled to bring this unparalleled experience to the Nashville community,” owner Patrick McKennon said in a news release. “The opportunities to enjoy Game Terminal are endless, whether you are looking for museum-quality gaming or a place to eat, drink and get outside with your family and friends. I can’t wait to open our doors and bring some nostalgic joy to Nashvillians at a time when we all need it the most.”
For more information, call 615-610-2460 or visit gameterminal.com.
For a full list of Game Terminal's arcade games, click here.
For a full list of Game Terminal's pinball machines, click here.
More photos of Game Terminal
