For children growing up in the vibrant atmosphere of the late 1970s and early 1980s, no shopping excursion to the local mall was considered complete without a thrilling stop at Space Port, a predominant video arcade that brought joy and excitement to countless neighborhoods across the country.
As the landscape of gaming shifted rapidly with the rise of powerful home consoles, the beloved Space Port, like many other arcades, faced its downfall. However, the treasured memories of afternoons spent mastering games like Pac-Man, Frogger, and Donkey Kong linger fondly in the mind of Brian Nelson.
“Space Port was like stepping into a dream,” Nelson recollected, reflecting on his cherished memories from Oxford Valley Mall and Neshaminy Mall, where Space Port arcades were universally present.
Now, Nelson has brilliantly revived that nostalgia by opening a classic video arcade in Bristol, filled with iconic games that blink, flash, and exude the warm, familiar sounds of yesteryear.
He has named it “Players Only Arcade,” which opened just last month at 201 Radcliffe Street, taking over a former insurance sales office. With the resurgence of video game nostalgia in today’s culture, Nelson is seizing this opportunity to connect with his community.
“I’m striving to recreate the whole vibe of that era,” says the 53-year-old Nelson, who reminisces about his childhood in Bristol.
His journey into the world of arcade gaming began at Gerome’s Deli, where he and his friends would happily gather, drawn in by the presence of a couple of arcade machines.
He quickly became hooked on the thrill of the games. After becoming an Asteroids World Record Holder six years ago, Nelson humorously acknowledges that he has now dropped to fourth place but remains determined to reclaim his top position when time allows.
His rekindled love for classic games in his thirties turned into a passion for collecting them. Searching websites like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace, he has built a network with other enthusiasts, sharing tips on newly available games.
Inside Players Only Arcade, the place comes alive with the unmistakable sounds of Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Q*bert, Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Dragon’s Lair, Mortal Kombat, Defender, and Centipede, with many machines still proudly bearing the name of the defunct “Williams” game manufacturer.
Among the collection is Frogger, adorned with an overhead screen that showcases a classic clip from a 1998 episode of “Seinfeld,” featuring George Costanza’s humorous attempt to navigate a Frogger machine across a bustling street to uphold his high score.
“While I never intended to open an arcade, the journey led to an obsession, and before I knew it, I had over 50 games which prompted the decision to bring this arcade to life,” he shared with a smile.
Most machines in his arcade date back to the golden era of video games, between 1979 and 1983, and they evoke memories for many.
“Modern games have incredible graphics, but they lack the fun factor …. In the past, when you died, 95 percent of the time, you had to start over. You kept spending your quarters trying to go further each time,” he explained, his voice resonating over the joyful chaos of bleeps and blips.
One sound conspicuously absent at Players Only Arcade is the familiar clinking of quarters as they drop into the machines to ignite game play.
“We don’t operate on quarters anymore,” Nelson explained. “A quarter’s value has diminished significantly over the last 40 years. Instead, we have adopted a time-based system allowing patrons to enjoy unlimited play during their allotted time.”
As the clock winds down on gameplay, visitors will find that they’ll have to return home to their gaming consoles, reflecting on the delightful nostalgia of the arcade.
(Players Only Arcade is located at 201 Radcliffe Street, Bristol. The arcade operates on Wednesday and Friday from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
JD Mullane can be reached at jmullane@couriertimes.com.
How did your early gaming experiences shape the vision for Players Only Arcade?
**Interview with Brian Nelson, Owner of Players Only Arcade**
**Editor:** Brian, thank you for joining us today. Your new arcade, Players Only, is stirring up a lot of nostalgia for many. What motivated you to open this arcade?
**Brian Nelson:** Thank you for having me! Growing up in the late 70s and 80s, places like Space Port were central to my childhood. Those afternoons spent playing Pac-Man and Donkey Kong shaped my love for gaming. I wanted to recreate that sense of community and excitement—a place where families could come together and share in the joy of classic arcade games.
**Editor:** That sounds wonderful! Can you tell us about the journey that led you to open Players Only Arcade?
**Brian Nelson:** Absolutely. It all began at Gerome’s Deli, where my friends and I would gather around a couple of arcade machines. I was instantly hooked! Fast forward to six years ago, I became the Asteroids World Record Holder, although I’ve slipped to fourth place since then. I’m eager to reclaim that title when I get the chance. Collecting arcade games became a passion of mine, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to share that love with the community.
**Editor:** It’s impressive to hear how you turned your passion into a business. What can visitors expect when they step into Players Only Arcade?
**Brian Nelson:** When you walk in, you’re hit with the sights and sounds of classic games—everything from Q*bert to Mortal Kombat. The games I’ve selected are all iconic and many feature the historic “Williams” branding. It’s designed to feel like a trip back in time. I want everyone, regardless of age, to experience the joy and excitement of those classic titles.
**Editor:** That sounds like a blast! Given the rise of home gaming, why do you think arcades like yours are making a comeback?
**Brian Nelson:** There’s definitely a nostalgic resurgence. People crave that social experience, that rush of competition and laughter with friends and family. Players Only Arcade serves as a space to reminisce and build new memories. Plus, in the age of digital gaming, there’s something incredibly engaging about the tactile experience of classic arcade machines.
**Editor:** It sounds like you’re really tapping into something special. Any final thoughts as you embark on this new venture?
**Brian Nelson:** Just that I’m so grateful for the support from the community so far. I hope everyone will come out to enjoy the games and share in the nostalgia. Let’s keep the spirit of those glorious arcade days alive together!
**Editor:** Thank you, Brian! We look forward to seeing how Players Only Arcade evolves. Best of luck!
