In the past, going to the arcade meant carrying a pocketful of tokens, crowding around game cabinets and watching someone battle through another round of Street Fighter. It was noisy, competitive and surprisingly social.
As home consoles and mobile games became more advanced, arcades had to offer experiences that could not be recreated at home. PLAYON, a new 13,200 sq ft next-generation arcade at Downtown East, does this with more than 25 digital games, including VR paragliding, multiplayer virtual reality missions and motion racing.
Instead of simply sitting and pressing buttons, players steer, punch, aim, balance and move their bodies through many of the activities. The result feels more active and immersive than a traditional arcade visit.
S$29 For Two Hours Of Unlimited Play
Unlike traditional arcades where visitors pay for each game, PLAYON charges a time-based admission fee. Each ticket gives visitors two hours of access to all the games and zones, although popular machines may require some waiting during busier periods.
The five-visit and ten-visit PlayPasses can be shared among friends and family. They remain valid for 12 months, do not carry a peak surcharge and include two complimentary pairs of grip socks per pass.
Five Types Of Games Under One Roof
PLAYON is divided into five broad playgrounds: VR and Immersive, Racing and Riding, Shooting and Target, Sports and Competition, and Active and Motion. Together, they cover more than 25 experiences, ranging from VR flight and motion racing to archery, basketball, boxing and light-up floor challenges.
The mix caters to different age groups and energy levels. Some games focus on immersive solo experiences, while others are designed for head-to-head competition or active group play.
Games You Must Try At PLAYON
With only two hours to cover more than 25 games, plus possible waiting time for popular machines, it helps to choose what to play first. Much like planning your route at a theme park, prioritising the standout experiences could help you make better use of your session.
VR Paraglider
Feeling brave? Strap on a headset and step onto the VR Paraglider, which recreates the thrill of a skydive without sending you anywhere near a real aircraft.
One moment, you are standing at the open door of a virtual plane. The next, the platform shifts beneath your feet as you plunge into free fall, deploy your parachute and glide towards the landing zone.
The movement comes from an underfoot platform rather than a seat, making every drop and change in direction feel more immediate. Expect a stomach-lurching sensation as the ground rushes into view, followed by a calmer descent as you steer your virtual canopy back to safety.
Hyper-Drift Arena
Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled race where every corner, collision and last-second overtake could decide who finishes first. Choose from more than 20 circuits, then race solo or challenge up to five friends on the same grid.
You will be strapped into a full-motion racing rig that pitches, rolls and jolts with every sharp turn and kerb. Three curved screens fill almost your entire field of vision, while the steering wheel and pedals push back against you.
The setup feels much closer to a real cockpit than a standard arcade racer. Each race lasts about eight minutes, making this one to prioritise when your group wants bragging rights before the session ends.
Image from PLAYON
Five-Screen Basketball
The old-school arcade basketball machine gives you one mechanical hoop and a pile of balls to shoot before time runs out. Five-Screen Basketball upgrades the formula into a digital reaction game, with targets appearing across five screens at different heights and angles.
Some targets stay still, while others move, spin or light up for bonus points. Friends can take turns, compare scores and challenge one another to beat the high score, while selected sessions may also support head-to-head play depending on the setup.
Image from PLAYON
Sensor-Based Archery
Take aim with a sensor-equipped bow and fire at moving digital targets before time runs out. Some zones are worth more points than others, so you will need a steady hand, quick reflexes and good timing to climb the leaderboard.
There are no real arrows, making the game easy for beginners to pick up. The fun starts when the targets speed up and your friends begin comparing scores, turning a simple round of archery into a surprisingly intense rematch.
Image from PLAYON
Colorful Grid
Think of it as a high-tech version of “the floor is lava”, the playground game that has become especially popular with Gen Alpha. Instead of avoiding the ground completely, players race across a glowing grid and step on the correct illuminated tiles before each prompt disappears.
The game starts simply but soon fires out several cues in quick succession. Wrong steps cost points, clean streaks boost your score, and up to six players can compete at the same time.
The result is a frantic mix of sprinting, dodging and shouting across the floor. It is basically cardio disguised as a game, and you may not realise how hard you have been working until the round ends.
Image from PLAYON
What To Know Before Visiting PLAYON
Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. Sports shoes with regular socks are suitable, while visitors arriving in slippers or sandals will need grip socks from any brand or a pair purchased at the venue for S$3.50.
Leave loose jewellery at home, especially for experiences involving motion platforms or VR equipment. Each admission covers a two-hour session, so arrive a little earlier for check-in, storage and any safety briefing.
PLAYON caters to children, teenagers and adults, although individual games may have their own height, weight or safety limits. Children below four may enter free with an adult holding a single admission ticket, but they may not be able to take part in every activity.
