Brisbane’s Iconic Retro Arcade Saved by New Partnership

BRISBANE : Australia’s largest collection of retro video games has been pulled back from the brink of “Game Over.” Following a period of uncertainty that threatened to dismantle a decades-long effort of gaming preservation, One Up Arcade has officially found a new permanent home.

The collection’s owner, Stephen Holmes, had spent years amassing a treasure trove of 80s and 90s classics at his Brisbane-based arcade. However, the triple threat of COVID-19 shutdowns, subsequent financial strain, and a landlord eviction earlier this year nearly forced the collection into permanent storage—or worse, liquidation.

The rescue effort was spearheaded by Rod Jones, owner of Laser Force Brisbane. After seeing a televised report on the arcade’s plight, Jones recognized an opportunity to preserve a unique cultural asset while expanding his own entertainment venue in Woolloongabba.

“These guys have developed something fantastic; why throw that away?” Jones said. “I saw what they did and they’re so good at it. They’re experts.”

The partnership has resulted in the bottom floor of the Laser Force premises being transformed into the new One Up Retro Arcade. While the footprint is slightly more compact than its previous iteration, the venue still boasts 150 machines on the floor at any given time, with an additional 50 titles rotating through the collection to keep the experience fresh for regulars.

For Stephen Holmes, the move is more than just a business relocation; it is about ensuring that the arcade experience survives for the next generation.

“It’s like walking into a video store—they don’t exist anymore,” Holmes said. “We didn’t want arcades to go the way of the dodo. I’m over the moon that these games, which were out of circulation, can still be played.”

The arcade remains committed to its accessible pricing model, offering unlimited play for under $30, a move intended to keep the “80s spirit” alive in both gameplay and cost. The collection features legendary titles including Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mortal Kombat, and NBA Jam.

The new One Up Retro Arcade is now open to the public at Laser Force Woolloongabba.