Back to Discover

Which of these two arcades is the "world largest"—and does it matter?

March 7, 2026
•Ars technica
Which of these two arcades is the "world largest"—and does it matter?

Here's something you don't hear every day — there are two contenders for the title of 'world's largest arcade' in the US, and honestly, it might not matter which one wins. In Laconia, New Hampshire, Funspot is famous for being huge, especially during Bike Week when thousands flock there. But over in Brookfield, Illinois, Galloping Ghost boasts over 1,000 arcade cabinets, claiming the crown for the largest. According to Tim Stevens from Ars Technica, while only one can be officially the biggest, both arcades have their own kind of greatness. Funspot’s charm is tied to history and nostalgia, while Galloping Ghost impresses with sheer size and variety. So, what does this really mean? Not much in the grand scheme — it's more about celebrating the love for arcade gaming and community. And get this — both places show that size isn’t everything; passion and history matter just as much. So next time you’re craving some arcade action, remember, it’s about the experience, not just the numbers.

In New Hampshire, just off the western shore of the vacation destination Lake Winnipesaukee, there's a town called Laconia. With a population somewhere south of 17,000, it's barely a blip on a map—except on Bike Week, when around 300,000 motorcyclists swarm the place. On the other, quieter weeks of the year, Laconia is best known as the unlikely home of Funspot, the world's largest arcade.

Meanwhile, in Brookfield, Illinois, about 45 minutes west of Chicago and the shores of Lake Michigan, you'll find Galloping Ghost Arcade, a sprawling suburban palace with a nondescript exterior hiding a mind-blowing collection. With over 1,000 arcade cabinets (plus a further 46 pinball machines), Galloping Ghost is the world's largest arcade.

Yes, there are two arcades in the US labeled as the world's largest, and while that may seem a bit paradoxical, a visit to both proves that while only one can be the biggest, both are the greatest.

Read full article

Comments

Audio Transcript

In New Hampshire, just off the western shore of the vacation destination Lake Winnipesaukee, there's a town called Laconia. With a population somewhere south of 17,000, it's barely a blip on a map—except on Bike Week, when around 300,000 motorcyclists swarm the place. On the other, quieter weeks of the year, Laconia is best known as the unlikely home of Funspot, the world's largest arcade.

Meanwhile, in Brookfield, Illinois, about 45 minutes west of Chicago and the shores of Lake Michigan, you'll find Galloping Ghost Arcade, a sprawling suburban palace with a nondescript exterior hiding a mind-blowing collection. With over 1,000 arcade cabinets (plus a further 46 pinball machines), Galloping Ghost is the world's largest arcade.

Yes, there are two arcades in the US labeled as the world's largest, and while that may seem a bit paradoxical, a visit to both proves that while only one can be the biggest, both are the greatest.

Read full article

Comments

View original article
0:00/0:00