The arcade has always been aligned with the coin-operated amusements industry, and - since the birth of pinball - with youth. To understand the ecosystem that Bushnell and his ilk injected themselves into to create the modern video game arcade, however, you have to go back a lot farther than the 1970s. In 1971, however, Computer Space looked anything but illustrious, and the idea that there would soon be arcades dedicated entirely to video games was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind - except for maybe Nolan Bushnell’s. It also marked the beginning of a long, illustrious, and world-changing career for Nolan Bushnell. Though considered a failure at the time, the game was revolutionary, and formed the foundations of a new industry. The video game arcade had its roots in 1971, when Computer Space, the first commercially sold, coin-operated video game, was designed by Bushnell and Ted Dabney. It is also undeniable, however, that the video game arcade would not have happened without him. To say that Nolan Bushnell single-handedly created the arcade would probably be overstating it: coin-operated machines had been popular in America for decades by the time he got his start in the early '70s, and the pinball arcade had a storied (and notorious) spot in American history. The defining feature of a “real” arcade, however, is that there aren’t really any left. In earlier days (though well into the ‘90s), it’s sometimes smoky inside, and the cabinets bear the scars of many a forgotten cig left hanging off the edge while its owner tries one last time for a high score, inevitably ending in his or her death. It’s noisy, with all the kids yelling and the video games on permanent demo mode, beckoning you to waste just one more quarter. This is a place for kids to be with other kids, teens to be with other teens, and early-stage adults to serve as the ambassador badasses in residence for the younger generation. Your mom wouldn’t want to be there, and nobody would want her there, anyway. There’s no sign outside that says you “must be 21 to enter.” These are rarely family-friendly institutions, either. You can make an exception for a lonely vending machine, sure, but full meals? No thanks. They’re dark (so that you can see the screens better), and they don’t sell food or booze. Lots and lots of video games, and (usually) pinball machines. Authenticity is a hard nut to crack, but there are a few hallmarks of the video game arcade of days gone by: first, they have video games. The Main Street arcade boasts over 100 pinball machines.If you’ve never been inside a “real” arcade, it could be hard to distinguish one from say, oh, a Dave & Buster’s. Top: Joshua Guskin with his wife, Marissa (L) and staffer Deanna Denenkamp (R) at Saturday’s opening of Pinball Long island in Patchogue. “I hope everyone can come down and enjoy themselves just as much as I enjoyed creating this place,” Guskin said. Once inside, players get unlimited access to more than 100 machines - including an array of vintage machines - and they can stay for as long as they like. The entry fee is $20, or $10 for kids under 10. “Pinball Long Island finally came together and opening up our doors has been a dream come true,” he said. He announced plans for the space in July. “Patchogue is the perfect spot for Pinball Long Island,” he said, pointing to all the shops and restaurants. So says owner Joshua Guskin, a pinball fanatic who has collected, restored and sold classic and modern pinball machines for nearly two decades. What’s not to be excited about? The South Shore village is now home to the largest collection of pinball machines anywhere in New York state. This pinball wizard has people flipping for his new Pinball Long Island in Patchogue. GreaterPatchogue coverage is funded in part by New Village at Patchogue, open-concept rental residences with sleek contemporary design.
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