Arcades in Singapore
Fun fact: Arcades were once banned in Singapore. Some felt the games were a bad influence, others said the time spent there was useless, but one thing’s for sure: we’re so glad those days are over.
While the nature of the games has changed over the years – now having both old-school carnival and new VR games – what doesn’t change is the timeless fun derived from playing with these machines with our friends.
1. The Wonderful World of Whimsy – Tokens from $0.16
Image credit: The Wonderful World of Whimsy via Facebook
The essence of the Singaporean arcade experience can be found at The Wonderful World of Whimsy. Here, you can find fan favourites like the tabletop fish hunting game, ski ball, and basketball. With tokens as low as $0.16 each, you’ll be able to try all the games and machines they have to offer without having to empty your wallet.
Image credit: The Wonderful World of Whimsy via Facebook
Newer arcades may have fancy prizes like Nintendo Switches to claim but here you’ll find major childhood throwbacks. 90s kids might remember ones like the rainbow slinkies, tubs of slime, mama shop snacks, and bubble bottles.
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2. Cow Play Cow Moo – 10 locations in Singapore
Drawing your attention with their fancy neon lights and peculiar but witty name is Cow Play Cow Moo, one of Singapore’s largest arcades. A big area means there’s more space for more fun – the games range from fishing and Space Invaders to UFO catcher games.
Image credit: @charlotte.eden.charlize
Each game needs about 3 tokens, but if you’re looking to control your spending, they also have many 1-token games. Each token costs 20 cents, but if you purchase $20 at one go, you’ll get an extra $5 worth of tokens. That makes each token just $0.16.
Image credit: @thekittytan
They also have a truckload of claw machines, many of which carry licensed stuffed toys from Japanese brands like Sanrio.
Full list of Cow Play Cow Moo locations.
3. Virtualand – Popular & updated rhythm games
Image credit: Virtualand SG via Facebook
Bobbing your head and tapping your feet to EDM can be hard to resist, and that natural groove might just help you ace the many rhythm games Virtualand is popular for. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to be the first to know when Jubeat, Maimai and Rhythm Vaders will be dropping their latest tunes.
High-level arcade gamers, awaken your competitive streak at Virtualand’s game tournaments, and you might just walk away carrying the grand title of a gaming champion.
Each game costs from $0.50 to $2.
4. Timezone – Has social bowling, bumper cars & VR stations
Turn back time with Timezone, where you can play classic favourites like table hockey and newer features like VR rides and mini bowling alleys. You can even find flashy bumper cars and bowling alleys at their latest outlet, Timezone Orchard Xchange. This is their largest outlet yet at 22,000sqft, enough to house all the classics and even a VR arena.
To enjoy benefits like daily free games and discounted game plays, sign up for their Timezone Playwave Card ($10) online or in stores. You’ll also be the first to know the latest games and promotions.
Timezone runs regular promotions, such as double the credit for a $50 top-up. Some deals also include an e-ticket bonus – great for those who have their eyes on big ticket prizes like Apple AirPods.
Pro-tip: Save your Timezone card information onto the Timezone app. There are usually app-exclusive promos that you won’t be able to get if you top up in store.
Full list of Timezone locations.
5. Zone X – Old school arcade games
Image credit: Zone X Singapore via Facebook
90s’ kids should be familiar with Zone X, which has brought in new games like the dance simulation game Pump It Up Prime 2, collectable card battle game Hero of Robots Ver. 10 Planet Buster, and World Club Champion Football 2016-2017.
Hardcore gamers may want to get their loyalty T@pz card. You start off on the Red tier but as you earn more points through playing games, you’ll be able to level up to Gold, Platinum, and Black membership levels. You’ll get perks like 10% off credits when you top up during your birthday month, as well as free tickets and weekly free tokens in Platinum and Black levels.
Full list of Zone X locations.
6. Prize Station – Claw machines with variety of prizes
Image credit: Prize Station via Facebook
Put your toy catching skills to the test at Prize Station, where you might be lugging home lots of Pokemon plushies to brag about. While the claw machines are the main highlight in Prize Station, you can also find other standard arcade games like electronic basketball and car-racing machines.
Each game costs about $1 to $2.
For ticket redemption, head to their sister arcade, Paco FunWorld, located in the same building, at unit #05-07.
7. Paco FunWorld – Kid-friendly arcade games
Kids that may have difficulty playing classic arcade games like the racing or basketball ones can head to Paco FunWorld with their parents instead. Most of the games here are lower in height and require less dexterity and aim, so they’re easier for little ones to reach the controls and win.
Image credit: Paco FunWorld Facebook
When you do win, the machines spit out nostalgic paper tickets, which you can then use to redeem prizes like small toys and snacks.
Image credit: @jjloves86 via Instagram
Parents who need a break can even drop their kids off at the mini playground. Your offspring will be able to burn off the rest of their energy climbing through obstacles, scaling mini rock walls, and jumping into ball pits.
[Closed] Arcade Planet
A sister company to the well-loved Cow Play Cow Moo, Arcade Planet is another electrifying spot to have a go at rhythmic games. There are plenty of old school hits here that 90’s kids will recognise, from Dance Dance Revolution to Jubeat. Newer machines like Nostalgia Op.2 also fill the space if you’re looking to try something fresh.
You may already be sold – but that’s not all. Other games here include Pokémon pinball, a 4-player Bishi Bashi machine that’s an upgrade from the usual 3-player version, and 40 claw machines to get addicted to.
Games are priced from $1 and the variety of high-quality games more than makes it worth a trip.
[Closed] Arcade 1998
Image credit: @arcade_1998 via Instagram
At Arcade 1998, have a ball of a time playing the games, but know that’s not all. This arcade is known for its high frequency of prize-winners with plenty of players taking home Nintendo Switches, PS4s and giant plushies.
Machines here are mainly ticket-dispensing luck-based games, though there’s also skill-based claw machines and scissors machines where players use fine joystick movements to cut a string. Make sure to ready your phone to capture the moment you hit the jackpot!
Image credit: @arcade_1998 via Instagram
Each attempt at their claw machines will cost you from $1 each. Meanwhile, tokens for the arcade games are priced between $0.12 to $0.20 each, depending on how many tokens you’re redeeming.
[Closed] Fat Cat Arcade
Image credit: Fat Cat Arcade Facebook
There’s a new arcade in town – Fat Cat Arcade , which opened just last year at 313@somerset, is centrally-located for a convenient meet-up with your arcade gang gang. An affordable hangout spot compared to other entertainment facilities in the area, this arcade has tokens priced from $0.16 to $0.25; and each game takes up 1 to 6 tokens.
P.S. After, check out these cheap food in Orchard under $10.
They’ve also got another branch in Bedok, known to be the largest in the area, stocked with over 100 machines for Easties to go wild with.
Almost all the classics you can think of can be found at both of their outlets. Think Bishi Bashi, Basketball Toss, Daytona and claw machines. For those gunning for the rewards, their prizes are also known to be pretty sweet – featuring board games like Monopoly and plushies of all shapes and sizes.
Have fun at these arcades in Singapore
Arcades make a great spot for a group activity, romantic date, or even a solo day out – so bid goodbye to loitering aimlessly around malls with this list of arcades in Singapore!
More places to play:
Cover image adapted from: Virtualand SG via Facebook
Original article published by Charlotte Chong on 27th April 2018. Last updated by Raiz Redwan on 29th April 2023