Tucked into the vibrant outskirts of Portland, the Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro has clinched the top spot in Newsweek’s 2025 ranking of arcades across the United States — securing its reputation as the best in the nation.
Spread across a sprawling 27,000 square feet, this expansive arcade offers visitors truly immersive free-play access to an enormous collection that blends nostalgia with modern excitement. With around 300 pinball machines complemented by approximately 350 arcade games, the museum delivers an electrifying experience for both retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
What sets Next Level apart isn’t just its impressive inventory, but the striking fact that every single machine is set to free play — meaning no quarters, no cards, just continuous enjoyment from open to close. It’s a refreshing throwback to arcade culture’s golden age, redefined for today’s audiences.
Founded in 2017, Next Level has steadily expanded both in size and scope. Following a major addition in March 2024, the museum grew by 7,000 square feet, introducing roughly 150 more games to its already vast lineup. This growth reflects not just ambition, but a commitment to offering visitors something new with each visit.
Beyond the games, the museum showcases over 3,000 pieces from collector Fred Carlson’s lunchbox collection — a playful and rare touch that highlights the pop-culture artistry and quirky memorabilia that complement the arcade experience.
“Voted the best place to play pinball in the world… With just under 500 games (about half of which are pinball)… this 20,000-square-foot museum boasts a $22 entry for an entire day’s worth of games set on free play!”
What Makes Next Level Pinball Museum Stand Out?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| National Recognition | Named Best Arcade in the U.S. by Newsweek’s 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards. |
| Size & Scale | Encompasses approximately 27,000 sq ft filled with 650+ games. |
| Free Play | All machines are free to play, making it a budget-friendly arcade day out. |
| Expansion | Expanded significantly in 2024 with hundreds of new games added. |
| Unique Displays | Features a massive lunchbox memorabilia collection alongside the gaming collection. |
| Atmosphere | Described by fans as a dazzling, pop-culture-rich haven of pinball and arcade nostalgia. |
In Summary
With its massive size, all-you-can-play model, and unique memorabilia displays, Next Level Pinball Museum delivers an arcade experience that’s both nostalgic and novel. From casual gamers to devoted flipper enthusiasts, the free-play format and ever-changing game lineup make every visit feel fresh — earning it the crown of most beloved arcade in America for 2025.
Author: ArcadeDB
ArcadeDB
