A new arcade has opened in Southampton offering customers more than 35 retro cabinets, pinball and air hockey tables, with a modest entrance fee intended to help create “safe, affordable space” for families. 

Totton Arcade was founded by local entrepreneurs Sasikumar Arumugam and Yi Li in order to offer “something families can enjoy together” after noticing a lack of low-cost activities in the area.

“A family trip to a modern arcade can be costly nowadays,” Li told the Daily Echo. “But we’ve gone retro – most of our games are between five and 30 years old – and people still love them.” 

“That means we can offer a much lower entry price, making this one of the most affordable entertainment options in southern England, especially during the school holidays.”

Sessions at Totton Arcade last 50 minutes, with all machines set to free play.

“We didn’t want to see kids pestering their parents for more coins,” added Li. “We wanted everyone to be able to relax and enjoy their time.”

“We wanted to create a safe, affordable space where kids can get off the sofa, move around, laugh, and connect with others. It’s physical, it’s social, and it’s something families can enjoy together.”