Arcade Odysseus - Konbo Arcade Cafe Vs NQ64, Edinburgh

[RygarR]

Evening Everyone,

Bad weather keeping you stuck at home? Why not check out my latest blogpost where I compare and contrast Edinburgh's late, lamented Konbo Arcade Cafe, with the new branch of NQ64...

Clickee linkee

 

[Mr20to5]

A great read as always and already replied on your blog, as you know, but it worth repeating just how great Konbo was. For all the reasons you mentioned, it was a great little community that I would have loved to have been more involved in (100 miles betwixt stopped that). They really had it nailed down, but I agree on location, foot fall must have been entirely non-existent, but would a more central location have taken away the 'village community' feel that made it so special. I think it probably would.

NQ64 are clearly set for people who are both younger than ourselves, with the machines as a novelty rather than the reason to go. Great that they exist, but not for me.

Where are we going next, Alan?

 

[Flinnster]

Sobs for Konbo. I recall the opening photos with the delivery of Astros lined up on the pavement outside. Does anyone know who got those cabs in the end?

 

[RygarR]

A great read as always and already replied on your blog, as you know, but it worth repeating just how great Konbo was. For all the reasons you mentioned, it was a great little community that I would have loved to have been more involved in (100 miles betwixt stopped that). They really had it nailed down, but I agree on location, foot fall must have been entirely non-existent, but would a more central location have taken away the 'village community' feel that made it so special. I think it probably would.

NQ64 are clearly set for people who are both younger than ourselves, with the machines as a novelty rather than the reason to go. Great that they exist, but not for me.

Where are we going next, Alan?

Cheers Neil. It's a sad story, but as we discuss in the comments, it does point to some potentially interesting business strategies for the cosy arcades of the future. Next up on the blog will be Valletta in Malta. Next up in my current timeline (!) will hopefully be a trip down to the Club in Bury. Whether that happens before Christmas, however, remains to be seen...

 

[RygarR]

A great read as always and already replied on your blog, as you know, but it worth repeating just how great Konbo was. For all the reasons you mentioned, it was a great little community that I would have loved to have been more involved in (100 miles betwixt stopped that). They really had it nailed down, but I agree on location, foot fall must have been entirely non-existent, but would a more central location have taken away the 'village community' feel that made it so special. I think it probably would.

NQ64 are clearly set for people who are both younger than ourselves, with the machines as a novelty rather than the reason to go. Great that they exist, but not for me.

Where are we going next, Alan?

Cheers Neil. It's a sad story, but as we discuss in the comments, it does point to some potentially interesting business strategies for the cosy arcades of the future. Next up on the blog will be Valletta in Malta. Next up in my current timeline (!) will hopefully be a trip down to the Club in Bury. Whether that happens before Christmas, however, remains to be seen...

 

[RygarR]

Sobs for Konbo. I recall the opening photos with the delivery of Astros lined up on the pavement outside. Does anyone know who got those cabs in the end?

I remember watching the ads as if in slow motion, and wishing I had more space for cabs. As for who got them? I only know that they grabbed themselves a bargain!

 

[jimmerd]

I'd recommend trying NQ64 in Soho London. They have token machines if you don't want to visit the bar. They could do with servicing the machines a bit more often but other than that lot's of original classic cabinets. Even stuff like Donkey Kong,Punch Out, Galaga,Space invaders, they quite often switch stuff around. Free to go in 3pm-9pm.
If you do go in later, then yes music can be way to loud and it's mostly younger crowd but have popped in with friends for a drink and generally a good vibe.
Not sure how it compares to the one in Edinburgh, does have the same bunker layout but with plenty of seating.
Maybe not the best environment for arcade games, but they seem to be doing well as a business.

If you are in London the you might enjoy something like http://www.chief-coffee.com/japanese-arcade which is much more chilled out.