8 great arcades and gaming experiences in Switzerland

It’s safe to say that arcades in Switzerland and across the world have come a long way from the boxy game consoles of the 1980s. Today, the top arcades offer everything from cutting-edge virtual reality experiences to the “insert coin” games like Pacman and Space Invaders we all know and love.

8 top arcades and game centres in Switzerland

Though the golden age of classic arcades in Switzerland is behind us, it’s certainly not game over for the industry. Many places have adapted, offering brand-new and exciting gaming experiences alongside traditional video games and pinball machines.

With this in mind, here are eight arcades and game centres you have to try:

1. Gameorama, Lucerne

Blending old-fashioned machines with board games, tabletop experiences and consoles both new and old, Gamorama in Lucerne is the perfect modern arcade. The self-styled interactive museum features playable exhibits, from the very inception of gaming to the pinball machines of the 1960s, the arcade classics of the 1980s and the game consoles of the 1990s to today.

Fans of dice and role-playing games should check out board game café, where adventures and intrigue can be had over a cup of coffee or beer. Be sure to book ahead though, as Gameorama can only take 50 people at a time - and once you plug in and play, it will be hard to stop!

Video: Gameorama Luzern / YouTube

2. Fun Planet, Rennaz

The venue most akin to a “modern” arcade in Switzerland can be found at Fun Planet in Rennaz (Vaud). The facility offers 45 different arcade games, from classics like Mario Kart to SegaRally 3, and even a collection of pinball machines.

Once you’ve asserted yourself as the Mario Kart champion, visitors to Fun Planet can also enjoy bowling, billiards, shuffleboard, darts, a bucking bronco and a variety of virtual reality experiences. Alongside its main site in Rennaz, Fun Planet has other fantastic facilities in Bulle (Fribourg) and Brig (Valais).

3. JungfrauPark, Interlaken

Gamers across Switzerland can have a fabulous day out at the arcade at JungfrauPark in Interlaken, Canton Bern, with its 100.000 square metres of attractions. Their game zone features all the classic arcade games, from Wing War and Daytona to the white heat of competition every family feels when playing air hockey.

If you want to take your fun to the next level, the park also has a collection of fabulous virtual reality games!

4. VR City in Basel

Coming in at a whopping 580 square metres, VR City in Basel is by far the largest virtual reality game centre in Switzerland. Designated VR arenas allow users to play mystifying escape rooms, intense gun battles and other free-roam games.

Is Switzerland’s city on the Rhine too far away? No worries! VR City also has huge venues in Zurich and Geneva for gamers to enjoy.

Video: VR City / YouTube

5. Virtual Room, Geneva

Though the arcade games of old have largely been consigned to bowling alleys in Geneva, the city was one of the first to offer pioneering virtual reality adventures. At Virtual Room, groups of two to four players spend 45 minutes enjoying home-produced adventures exploring time travel, the zombie apocalypse and even the wonderful world of Asterix.

If you want a gaming experience which is out of this world, you can’t go far wrong at Virtual Room! 

Video: Virtual Room / YouTube

6. Racing Unleashed | Racing Lounge, Zurich

Do you want to channel your inner Max Verstappen? Or do you want to give the Flying Dutchman a run for his money? Either way, budding racers can bring their dreams to life at Racing Unleashed at Zurich Airport.

Strap yourself into its racing simulators - produced in Marinello, the home of Ferrari - and experience all the thrills and spills of a modern racing driver. Drive some of the most iconic tracks in the Formula 1 calendar, while experiencing forces up to 5G!

Of course, you don’t need to be a budding Sebastian Vettel to have fun. Automatic driving modes and kids' simulators make a day at Racing Unleashed fun for all the family.

Video: Racing Unleashed / YouTube

7. Fusion Arena Virtual Reality Center, Zurich 

At the Fusion Arena in Zurich, the idea of virtual reality gaming is taken to a whole new level. Alongside the traditional headset, users are also fitted with a full sensor suit, meaning you will feel every knock, push or twinge as if you were really in the game.

Be it solving puzzles in a Mayan temple or finding out how long you would really last in a zombie apocalypse, Fusion Arena has games to suit all ages and preferences. If you want to see just how immersive VR can be, this experience is for you.

8. The Silverball, Killwangen-Spreitenbach

For all the pinball wizards out there, a trip to The Silverball in Killwangen-Spreitenbach is a must. Run by the Swiss “Flipperclub”, the venue offers around 70 different pinball machines for users to try, making it a true vintage gaming paradise!

There is one catch before you can take to the bumpers: you’ll have to visit one of their designated game days (typically on Fridays) to be given access to the machines, and after three visits, you will have to become a member.

Video: Marco Lucchi / YouTube

Arcades and gaming in Switzerland

Whether it be on the cutting edge of gaming or the classic beloved arcade games of the last century, Switzerland has something for you. Are you more a fan of solving puzzles with your friends and family, then check out this list of top escape rooms in Switzerland.