Phoenix New Times | The Leading Independent News Source in Phoenix, Arizona

‘PlayStation: The Concert’ heads to Phoenix next year

By Jennifer Goldberg

Jun 29, 2025

Hear the music of “God of War,” “The Last of Us” and other games performed by a live orchestra with eye-popping visuals.

The best Phoenix Fan Fusion cosplay outfits we saw in 2025

By Benjamin Leatherman

Jun 9, 2025

Photos of amazing costumes from all three days of Fan Fusion.

Phoenix location of TikTok-famous gaming facility to open soon

By Jennifer Goldberg

Jun 4, 2025

It's almost time to explore the first Arizona location of Activate, a high-tech fun center.

Epic guest list anchors annual Phoenix Fan Fusion convention

By Benjamin Leatherman

Jun 4, 2025

Celebrity panels, wrestling matches, video game tournaments, trivia contests — there's something for everyone.

The best and worst of Game On Expo 2025 in Phoenix

By Benjamin Leatherman and Mike Madriaga

Apr 9, 2025

The game selection, foam weapon battles and Tony Hawk's con debut all ruled. The long lines and broken controls? Not so much.

Pixel paradise: A look back at metro Phoenix's iconic arcades

By Benjamin Leatherman

Apr 8, 2025

A warp zone through some beloved Valley arcades, including Starship Fantasy in Tempe and Scottsdale's Video Round-Up.

The best costumes we saw at Game On Expo 2025 in Phoenix

By Benjamin Leatherman

Apr 8, 2025

Arizona cosplayers took it to the next level at the three-day gaming convention.

Your ultimate guide to Game On Expo 2025 in Phoenix: Discounts, guests and more

By Benjamin Leatherman

Apr 2, 2025

The three-day gaming and anime event from April 4 to 6 will bring Tony Hawk, esports and concerts to downtown Phoenix.

On Mario Day, check out this Nintendo-themed mural in Central Phoenix

By Jennifer Goldberg

Mar 10, 2025

You can't miss this fun, colorful homage to "Super Mario Bros."

The amazing costumes and cosplayers of Tempe FanCon 2025

By Benjamin Leatherman

Jan 27, 2025

There was no shortage of colorful characters at Tempe Public Library's annual geek event.

The epic costumes and cosplayers of Superhero Saturday 2025 in Phoenix

By Benjamin Leatherman

Jan 20, 2025

Mandalorians mingled with DC and Marvel characters in a nerdy cosplay free-for-all.

Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 tickets are now on sale. Here are the prices

By Benjamin Leatherman

Jan 10, 2025

Nerds of Arizona, get ready to geek out.

Tony Hawk is coming to Game On Expo 2025 in Phoenix. How to get tickets

By Benjamin Leatherman

Jan 2, 2025

The Birdman will make his first-ever con appearance at the Phoenix gaming event.

Your guide to Saboten Con anime event in Phoenix: Tickets, guests and more

By Benjamin Leatherman

Aug 29, 2024

Everything to know about this year's edition of Arizona's biggest anime and Japanese pop-culture event.

These Downtown Phoenix nightspots cater to the retro gaming crowd

By Stella Subasic | Cronkite News

Jul 2, 2024

Stardust Pinbar and Cobra Arcade Bar in downtown Phoenix are two hubs of Valley nightlife — and game play.

Here’s why StarFighters Arcade in Mesa just doubled in size

By Benjamin Leatherman

Jun 20, 2024

There's even more room for classic video games and pinball machines at the popular spot.

The best costumes we saw at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2024

By Benjamin Leatherman

May 28, 2024

Yes, someone actually dressed up as the "Dune: Part Two” popcorn bucket.

The best and worst of Game On Expo 2024 in Phoenix

By Benjamin Leatherman

Mar 19, 2024

Security problems were one of the few issues during the latest edition of Phoenix's annual multimedia gaming event.

A look at Game On Expo 2024’s best costumes and cosplayers

By Benjamin Leatherman

Mar 18, 2024

Local cosplayers wore costumes inspired by video games, anime and even historical figures at this year's Game On Expo in Phoenix.

Your guide to Game On Expo 2024 in Phoenix: Tickets, guests, discounts

By Benjamin Leatherman

Mar 13, 2024

The three-day gaming and anime event has leveled up in size and moved to a bigger location at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Video Games

‘Super Barrio Bros.’ mural in Phoenix is gone

Harkins BackLot arcade opens in north Phoenix

Video Games

‘Super Barrio Bros.’ mural in Phoenix is gone

Harkins BackLot arcade opens in north Phoenix

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