Plymouth's awesome games arcade is now even bigger

Plymouth’s “retro gaming lounge” has been such a hit it has created a new extension just months after opening. Continue Arcades has expanded into the empty 1,000sq ft unit next to its Royal Parade base and created “party rooms” for special occasions and corporate events.

The business only launched in late May, in the former Dreams bedding store near the Barcode. But its mix of old and new video games, plus pinball machines, has been an overwhelming success with its owner deciding to double its size.

The extension, in a unit which has been vacant since H Samuel closed in 2020, now offers a variety of exciting updates, including additional arcade machines, more space for competition, and a range of new features designed to enhance the customer experience. Notably, the unit will now host private rooms available for parties and events, offering an exclusive space for groups to enjoy gaming together, whether for a birthday party, corporate get-together or celebration.

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"We've been amazed by the support from the Plymouth community since we opened in May," said Austin Wood, founder of Continue Arcades. "The response has been so positive, and we’ve quickly realised that our original space just wasn’t enough to accommodate the growing demand.

“The expansion allows us to serve our customers even better, offering more variety, options and improved capacity, while maintaining the same affordable pricing structure that our visitors have come to love."

With the additional space, Continue Arcades has increased its capacity, meaning fewer customers will be turned away at the door due the arcade being fully booked. This will provide a more accessible experience for both walk-in guests and those with bookings. Mr Wood, who moved back to his home city after nine years in the USA to launch the business, said Continue Arcades is committed to keeping its prices unchanged, ensuring the arcade remains an “affordable and enjoyable destination”. He said the expansion also “brings new energy to the top of town”, transforming two previously vacant units into “a buzzing, dynamic hub of activity”.

Mr Wood said Continue Arcades has become a key part of Plymouth’s entertainment scene, attracting gamers of all ages and backgrounds. He said: "We're incredibly proud to have contributed to the revitalization of this area. By transforming these vacant units into a thriving arcade, we’re not only creating a great place for people to gather and have fun, but we’re also helping to breathe new life into Plymouth’s city centre."

Continue Arcades’ expansion is a significant milestone for the business, and Mr Wood said the team is excited for what lies ahead. He said: “With more machines, more events, and even more opportunities for customers to enjoy, Continue Arcades is poised to become an even bigger part of Plymouth’s cultural fabric.”

Mr Wood initially invested about £100,000 into opening the Continue Arcades, where people pay a flat fee to enter and can then to play as many games as they want for as long as they want without having to pump change into any of the machines. That means they can enjoy classics such as Space Invaders, Pac-man, Aliens Extermination, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more. And alongside Plants v Zombies, Outrun, MarioKart, Golden Axe, Guitar Hero, Donkey Kong and Giant Streetfighter, there is shuffleboard, table football and air hockey.

Mr Wood was born and raised in Plymouth but moved to Florida in 2015. He describes himself as an experienced business owner, corporate leader and entrepreneur who has owned a kayak tour company in the States and has been the director of a non-profit business stretching across the USA.

He decided it was time to return to the UK - and Plymouth - so moved back with his American wife and small son who he wants to see grow up in this country. Mr Wood was looking for a new career in Plymouth - and then realised his gaming hobby was the answer.

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