Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
September 12th is National Video Game Day, and whether your thumbs are fine-tuned for a lightning-fast combo or you're just here to relive a little Pac-Man nostalgia, today's your excuse to celebrate. Video games aren't just entertainment — they've shaped pop culture, connected communities, and given us all at least one late night shouting "just one more level."
National Video Game Day has been floating around since the early 1990s, but it's gained traction in recent years thanks to the sheer size of the gaming community. What started as simple blips on a screen in the 1950s grew into an industry bigger than movies and music combined. From arcades to home consoles, handhelds to VR headsets, video games have transformed the way we play, compete, and connect.
Fun fact: Long Island had its fair share of arcades in the 1980s and 90s — and the spirit lives on. Nassau County still offers plenty of places to hit "Continue" on that tradition.
Stress relief with a side of fun: Gaming has been shown to sharpen problem-solving skills, reduce stress, and even boost teamwork.
Local perks: Supporting Nassau's independent gaming businesses keeps the fun close to home — and keeps the community thriving.
If you're ready to step away from the living room and celebrate IRL, here are some of Nassau's best gaming spots still going strong today:
ClawCADE (Garden City, at Roosevelt Field Mall) – A modern arcade with a retro soul. Located inside Roosevelt Field Mall on Old Country Road, ClawCADE is packed with claw machines, arcade classics, and family-friendly fun. It's a place where kids and adults alike can feel like they've hit the jackpot.
Q-ZAR (Carle Place) – More than an arcade, Q-ZAR mixes laser tag with a wide range of video games. Perfect for groups, birthdays, or anyone who secretly wants to re-live their "arcade warrior" glory days.
Laser Bounce Family Fun Center (Levittown) – A full-scale arcade and entertainment space that proves gaming isn't just for kids. It's bright, loud, and endlessly fun — the kind of place you go for "just an hour" and somehow stay all afternoon.
The Gamers Club (West Hempstead) – Located at 334 Hempstead Avenue, this two-story gaming lounge offers consoles, arcade-style play, tournaments, and a cozy place to hang with friends. It's social, competitive, and a great way to turn online connections into real-life friendships.
Challenge your kids to your favorite old-school game (and prove you've still got it).
Visit one of Nassau's arcades or lounges — and support a local business in the process.
Pick up a retro console or game you loved growing up.
Host a mini-tournament at home and crown a household champion.
Living in Nassau County means you don't have to choose between modern convenience and local charm — you've got both. On National Video Game Day, that means being able to celebrate with a trip to an independent arcade, a family-friendly gaming center, or a lounge where you can test your skills against other players.
It's just another reminder: whether you're buying a home, raising a family, or just looking for a great way to spend a Saturday, Nassau County has the places (and the high scores) to make life more fun.
Game on, Nassau!
|
|
We respect your concerns about privacy and value the relationship that we have with you.
Like many sites, we use cookies on our website to collect information to help improve your browsing experience. The cookies that we use allow our website to work and help us to understand what information is most useful to visitors.
For the best website browsing experience, please enable cookies. Go here for instructions on how to enable cookies on your browser.