Source: Japan Game Industry Times, Late 2025

Traditional street-side arcades in Japan have not declined; instead, they are undergoing accelerated transformation and upgrading. Leading brands such as SEGA and Bandai have closed old small stores and focused on building high-end complex arcade entertainment centers.

They combine classic claw machines, fighting arcade games with VR somatosensory games, offline e-sports events and anime IP themed halls. Targeting both family visitors and young players, the arcades launch monthly membership cards, limited peripheral redemption and offline player ranking tournaments.

Industry analysis points out that Japanese arcades have moved beyond simple coin-operated entertainment. By integrating IP linkage, social interaction and e-sports, they successfully maintain customer flow and have become an indispensable offline entertainment scenario.