Somewhere in Hillsboro, a pile of quarters has become useless, and nobody seems upset about it. Past the front counter, hundreds of pinball tables sit switched on and set to free play, with classic arcade cabinets, racing seats, and fighting games filling room after room. Toys, posters, and collectibles cover the walls up to the ceiling and even spill into the bathrooms.
One flat admission covers almost every machine, and people regularly stay for six hours or more without planning to. For Oregon families watching what a day out costs, that math matters. Keep reading to learn where this place is, what makes the collection so special, how the entry fee works, and the smart tips that help first-timers get the most out of a long day of play.
A Hillsboro Warehouse Full of Flippers
Out on the west side of the Portland metro area sits Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum, at 1458 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124, in the United States. It is officially listed as a video arcade, though that label barely covers it.
Part shop, part museum, and mostly a giant playground, the building holds close to 700 games and tables. Over 600 of those are pinball machines, which makes it one of the largest collections of its kind anywhere.
The setup is refreshingly simple. Guests pay once at the door and then play nearly everything on free play for the rest of the day.
Getting there is easy if you live nearby, and a bit of a trek if you do not. Folks coming from the east side of Portland like to joke that the drive through the tunnel feels endless.
Even so, plenty of people make the trip again and again. Some treat it as a regular stop whenever they are in the area, and others build entire West Coast trips around it.
The building is large, with many separate rooms, and parking is plentiful. Food trucks often set up on the property, too.
So what turned a warehouse in Hillsboro into a destination people cross the country to see? The answer starts with a couple of very dedicated collectors.
Decades of Collecting, Shared With Everyone
Collections like this do not appear overnight. The owners spent decades gathering machines and memorabilia, and then chose to open the doors so the public could enjoy it all.
That choice is a big part of the appeal. Instead of locking classic games away in a private garage, the collection is kept running and available to anyone with an admission wristband.
The museum side shows up in small details. Almost every pinball machine carries a small placard with facts about the game, such as when it was made and behind-the-scenes notes about its production and release.
Reading those cards between games turns a casual session into a quiet history lesson. Many guests find themselves checking the dates and designer names on each table as they wander.
The team also used downtime wisely. During the COVID closure, staff built specialized display cabinets that stretch floor to ceiling and wall to wall to hold the growing collection.
For Oregonians who worry about beloved local places disappearing, this one is a reassuring story. It is a hobby that grew into a community landmark, and it keeps getting better.
Of course, history is only half the fun. The real headline is the sheer number of tables waiting to be played.
Six Hundred Tables and Counting
Over 600 pinball machines, all switched on at once. That number is hard to grasp until you start walking the aisles.
The range covers every decade and every major brand. Early electromechanical classics share floor space with rare modern tables that most arcades never get their hands on.
Longtime fans hunt down old favorites. Titles like Twilight Zone and Phantom of the Opera are part of the lineup, and some players find tables here they have not touched since the late 1980s.
Condition is a point of pride. The machines are kept clean, restored, and in solid working order, which is no small task with this many moving parts.
There is also a smart maintenance habit in place. Machines that need repair get pulled from the floor and swapped for alternatives, so the variety never runs thin.
Serious pinball players often say one visit is not enough. A full day barely scratches the surface, and some recommend budgeting two days to properly explore.
Even guests who come strictly for pinball tend to get distracted, though. The video game side of the building has its own long list of surprises.
Racing Seats, Fighters, and a Real Sega Genesis
Not a pinball person? No problem at all.
Beyond the flippers, the arcade packs in an impressive spread of video games. There are racing games for two to four players, rows of fighting games, and plenty of side-scrollers and platformers.
The genre list keeps going. Shooters with pistol controllers, maze and action games, puzzle games, sports titles, beat ’em ups, RPGs, and carnival-style games all have a home here.
Classic cabinets sit near newer, flashier machines. That mix means kids can try games their parents grew up with, while adults get to show off long-buried skills.
Fans of 1990s and early 2000s gaming will feel right at home. There is even an actual Sega Genesis set up for play.
With this many cabinets, finding a specific title can be its own challenge. One guest searching for a certain fighting game admitted it might have been there, just hidden among the hundreds of options.
Multiplayer games are everywhere, which makes the place a strong pick for groups of friends. Friendly rivalries tend to start fast and last all afternoon.
All of that action happens under a ceiling that deserves its own section.
Memorabilia From Floor to Ceiling
Look up, look left, look anywhere. Pop culture memorabilia fills almost every surface of the building.
Vintage toys, action figures, collectibles, and posters line the walls from the floor all the way up. Some pieces are mounted on the ceiling itself.
The displays do not stop at the game rooms either. Even the bathrooms are decorated, and one of them is themed like a castle.
Many guests say the collection alone could fill an entire visit. It is easy to wander for an hour without playing a single game, just scanning the shelves for childhood favorites.
The custom cabinets built during the pandemic closure keep everything organized and protected. That is what makes the sheer volume feel tidy instead of cluttered.
Fun idea for your group: turn the displays into a scavenger hunt. Pick a few classic characters and see who spots them first.
The poster and toy collections tend to spark the most conversation, especially between generations. Parents point out things they owned, and kids point out things they have only seen in old cartoons.
With so much to see and play, the next big question is how the cost works.
One Fee, Almost Endless Free Play
Here is where the no-quarters promise pays off. Instead of feeding coins into machines, guests pay a single admission at the door.
Admission has commonly been around $23, though some guests have mentioned paying $20 or $25 depending on timing and deals. Checking the official website before you go is the safest way to confirm the current price.
That fee covers roughly 95 percent of the machines. Pinball, classic cabinets, and modern video games are all on free play.
A small number of games still take money. Claw machines, prize games, air hockey, and VR sit in a separate area, and the claws run about $1 per try.
Word of advice on those claws: they are the slippery kind. Most regulars suggest saving your dollars for snacks instead.
There is also a rewards program, and members have been able to get a $20 price on Thursdays. However, signing up the same day may not qualify you, so join ahead of time.
For Oregon families comparing the cost of a day out, the value is a big selling point. Paying once and playing for hours often beats spending far more at a typical coin-operated arcade.
An ATM is on site if you need cash for the extras.
Couches, Food Trucks, and Long Afternoons
Plan on staying a while. People who show up just to take a quick look often end up spending six hours or more.
Comfort helps make those long days possible. Seating is spread throughout the building, including couches where tired players can rest between rounds.
Guests can leave and come back on the same admission. That makes it easy to step out for lunch and then return for another round.
Food trucks frequently park on the property, and there are dining areas both inside and outside. Guests have also been able to bring in their own food and drinks, though eating rules inside may vary, so plan to use the designated dining spots.
A shop near the entrance sells snacks, drinks, and fun merchandise. Vending machines are also scattered around the building.
There is no bar on site, which keeps the space family-friendly from open to close. Kids of all ages are a common sight.
The building stays notably clean, bathrooms included, and the air conditioning works well. Comfortable shoes are a smart move, since many people walk until their feet ache.
All this comfort matters even more once you factor in how busy and bright the rooms get.
Who Will Love It Most
Kids raised on the 1990s arcade scene tend to light up first. Many say the place feels like walking straight into a childhood dream.
Younger players have just as much fun. Children who have never seen an old cabinet quickly get hooked on classic games, while newer machines keep teens busy.
Pinball fanatics may find it the best arcade they have ever visited. Some who have toured other well-known pinball spots around the country say this one comes out ahead.
Groups and families get plenty of value from the multiplayer games. It is also a popular pick for birthdays, and party rooms are available.
One note for sensitive guests: the rooms can be busy and loud, with lots of flashing machines. People who are sensitive to noise may want to bring ear protection and plan breaks.
Weekend afternoons can bring big crowds of kids. Adults hoping for a quieter session might aim for a weekday opening.
Collectors and pop culture fans will also feel right at home. The memorabilia is enough reason to visit even for those who rarely play games.
Knowing the schedule will help you choose the best time to go.
Planning Your Visit and a Fond Farewell
Timing matters, because the doors are not open every day. The arcade is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
On Mondays, hours run from 12 to 9 pm. Thursdays and Fridays stretch from 12 to 11 pm.
Saturdays offer the longest stretch, from 10 am to 11 pm. Sundays run from 10 am to 9 pm.
Hours and prices can change, so check the official website before heading out. That is also the best spot to learn about the rewards program and party rooms.
Bring a little cash or a card for the prize games, and leave snacks in the car if you want an easy break. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.
Above all, give yourself time. A few hours will feel short, and a full day may still leave games untouched.
In a state where many favorite hangouts have faded away, this Hillsboro arcade stands as a place worth protecting and celebrating. It keeps classic machines alive, shares a lifetime of collecting, and offers a day of fun at a fair price.
Leave your quarters at home. The only thing you really need is a free afternoon and a good pair of flipper fingers.
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