How Rod Jones Saved Australia’s Largest Game Collection

BRISBANE : Retro gaming fans have reason to celebrate as 1UP Arcade, home to Australia’s most extensive collection of 80s and 90s video games, has officially reopened. After a period of uncertainty that saw the arcade nearly disappear, it has found a permanent new home in the heart of Woolloongabba.

The collection was rescued from storage after a partnership was formed with Rod Jones, the owner of Laserforce Brisbane. The arcade now occupies the ground floor of the iconic Laserforce premises on Ipswich Road.

While the new space is slightly more curated than the original venue, it still boasts a massive lineup:

• Including legends like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Galaga.
• An additional 50 games are kept in rotation to ensure every visit feels fresh.
• Fans can play Ninja Turtles, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, and many more on original CRT monitors.

In a move that mirrors the games themselves, the pricing remains “stuck in the 80s.”

• Unlimited play all day for under $30 ($25 on weekdays / $30 on weekends).
• 55 Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102.
• Open 7 days a week from 10:00 AM.

Traveler Tip: The venue is fully licensed upstairs at the Space Marines Café, making it a perfect spot for both families and adult “kid-ults” looking for nostalgia.