Before gaming consoles became household staples, arcades were the heartbeat of entertainment. These vibrant hubs, filled with the glow of pixelated screens and the hum of competition, brought together gamers of all ages to try their hand at now-iconic titles like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Street Fighter II.
While the gaming industry has evolved dramatically over the decades, the charm of these arcades has never faded. To explore just how much these games still resonate, we analyzed search data trends from the past two decades to uncover which classic arcade games each U.S. state loves the most.
The Most Popular Classic Arcade Game in Every U.S. State
In six states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Minnesota, Ms. Pac-Man gobbles up the competition as the most searched game, proving her legacy is as strong as ever. Meanwhile, Street Fighter II dominates search trends in California and Hawaii, with its fast-paced, high-energy action. The strategic and endlessly addictive gameplay of Dig Dug has carved out its niche in states like Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska, where players still cherish the thrill of defeating underground foes.
Certain states showcase their love for unique or unconventional classics. Delaware residents have a soft spot for Dragon’s Lair, a visually groundbreaking game that utilizes a powerful imagination with its animated fantasy world. Texas and Nevada are united in their admiration for the destructive mayhem of Rampage, a game that lets players revel in the chaos of smashing buildings as giant monsters. With Rampage tying as a favorite in four states, it’s clear the appeal of citywide destruction remains timeless.
The Most Searched Classic Arcade Game in Every Region
When viewed through a regional lens, the preferences for classic arcade games reveal even more about the country’s collective gaming nostalgia. In the Midwest, there’s no single standout game; instead, players are equally drawn to Centipede, Dig Dug, and Galaga: Demons of Death. These games all showcase a blend of strategy and fast-paced action that resonates with gamers in America’s heartland. In the Northeast, Punch-Out!! dominates, allowing players to experience thrilling boxing matches against quirky opponents.
Down south, Ms. Pac-Man is impossible to ignore. Her adventures navigating tricky mazes and avoiding ghosts have made her the region’s undeniable queen of arcade gaming. Out West, Bubble Bobble stands tall as a beloved favorite. This charming game, with its whimsical characters and engaging co-op gameplay, has cemented its place in the hearts of Western gamers. These regional favorites remind us that arcade games are more than just entertainment; they’re cultural touchstones that bring communities together.
Closing Thoughts
Classic arcade games have proven their ability to transcend time, sparking joy and nostalgia for players of all ages. From the unforgettable adventures of Ms. Pac-Man to the pulse-pounding action of Punch-Out!!, these games remind us why they became cultural icons in the first place: their enduring appeal lies in their simplicity, creativity, and the unique way they brought people together.
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Methodology
To determine each state’s favorite classic arcade game, we assembled a list of 121* retro arcade games, mostly from BrightSlap. Then, we analyzed and compared the volume of search interest for each game in every state using Google Trends data from the last two decades (01/01/2004—12/12/2024). We use high search interest as an indicator of popularity.
*Of the 121 arcade games analyzed, only 26 games had sufficient search data to include in the study. Most classic arcade games in this study are from the 1980s with a handful of supplemental games from the 1970s and ‘90s.
