Gaming
Games
6 top gaming spots in NYC that every gamer should know
Each top NYC gaming spot such as OS NYC and BrookLAN have a unique atmosphere and ethos, so you’ll be sure to find something compatible with your play style.
With its vibrant culture and endless social niches, New York City is, naturally, home to countless enticing gaming spots. From big-name arcades to smaller mom-and-pop gaming venues, there’s something for every gamer in NYC. These spots are great places for getting in your gaming fix.
With the New York Regional of Red Bull Ready Check freshly in the rearview mirror, you might feel inspired enough to dive fully into gaming. Below are the top six gaming spots in NYC.
01
OS NYC
Arslan Ash competes in TEKKEN 7 at OS NYC in New York
© Patrick Maloney / Red Bull Content Pool
One of Red Bull Ready Check’s homes, OS NYC is a one-stop shop for all things gaming, streaming, and content creation. At OS, you can play a vast array of PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch games, from sports to fighting games. If you create gaming content, OS NYC has you covered, with streaming booths available when you sign up for a monthly membership.
This swanky, Lower Manhattan gaming lounge also features a full bar and a menu of classic late-night eats, such as burgers and poutine. Plus, with frequent mixers and tournaments, this spot is perfect for the New Yorker who enjoys gaming in a vibrant social scene.
02
Next Level Arcade
If you’re looking to join a well-developed community of gamers and trading card enthusiasts, Brooklyn’s Next Level Arcade might be the place for you. Established in 2011, this arcade is home to steep competition, especially in the world of fighting games. The location features several rows of classic games, such as Street Fighter and Smash, as well as ping pong tables in the basement. Be ready for some fierce competition when you visit Next Level Arcade, especially during this top NYC gaming spot’s peak hours and Friday tournaments.
03
Microsoft Experience Center
Situated on New York’s illustrious Fifth Avenue, the Microsoft Experience Center is anything but your average electronics store. While you can learn about computers, gaming consoles, and virtual reality on the Center’s ground floors, the main attraction for gamers is the third floor.
Complete with dimmed lights and rows of PC gaming systems, this unique gaming spot offers visitors a completely immersive experience. Plus, while you’re there, you can ask the store’s employees for a personal tour of the entire Microsoft Experience Center facilities. They’ll give you the chance to try out innovative gaming technology and VR experiences for yourself.
04
Waypoint Cafe
Located on the Lower East Side, Waypoint is New York City’s premier gaming cafe. In between sips of a seasonal latte and bites of a sandwich or pizza, you can take advantage of Waypoint’s 30-PC setup.
Waypoint specializes in esports, but its game selection is anything but limited. From newer, mobile-friendly games like Among Us and Fortnite to classics like Minecraft and Halo, Waypoint has a game for everyone. This top gaming spot in NYC keeps solo gamers in mind as well, with partitions between each computer screen. However, if you’re looking to connect with other gamers over great food, the cafe doubles as a dynamic social spot.
05
BrookLAN
This Brooklyn gaming spot — the other NYC Red Bull Ready Check location — offers a range of PC and console games, from Overwatch to Mario Party. This spot, which also hosts many non-gaming events such as trivia and DJ nights, is the perfect fit for a more social gamer. Even serious gamers will feel like a kid in a candy store at BrookLAN when exploring its 5,000-plus square feet of gaming space. There’s also bar food and signature cocktails to accompany the large selection of games — this top NYC gaming spot covers all the bases.
06
Barcade
With a prime East Village location, Barcade is an old-school arcade bar with some modern flair. It boasts more than 50 classic arcade games, from Tetris to Frogger to Pac-Man, alongside plenty of pinball machines.
Despite its vintage consoles, Barcade also offers some higher-tech features. For example, if you have a competitive streak, you can scope out Barcade’s current high scores online before making your trip. Whether or not you top these scores, the shareable bar food will be sure to keep your spirits high. If Galaga and skee ball are the first things that come to mind when you think of gaming, then Barcade might be your paradise.
Get your game on in NYC
Whether or not you consider yourself a gamer, NYC is the perfect landscape for honing your skills in an enthusiastic, competitive community. Just travel mere blocks or subway stops to dip your toes — or take the full plunge — into all things gaming, from PC to pinball. Because each top NYC gaming spot has a unique atmosphere and ethos, you’ll be sure to find something compatible with your play style. You’ll also have plenty of time to prepare for the next Red Bull Ready Check — there’s no time like the present to get started.
