SALISBURY TWP., Pa. – After announcing last year that it would close, a popular spot to play Galaga, Donkey Kong, Double Dragon and other beloved arcade games has now revealed plans to continue operations in Lehigh County.
The Allentown area location of Back to the Arcade will operate for at least another year at the South Mall on Lehigh Street in Salisbury Township, Back to the Arcade owner Mark Paden announced Thursday on the business’ Facebook page.
Back to the Arcade operates at the South Mall in Salisbury Township.
Ryan Kneller
Last summer, Paden announced that the South Mall arcade would close this August due to rising rent.
However, that will no longer be happening, and the arcade will continue operating at the South Mall through at least spring 2027.
“Good news to report, I have extended my south mall rent through spring 2027!” Paden announced on the business’ Facebook page.
“I like to thank the south mall for their cooperation, that is management and owners! I try so hard for the community so I can continue my donations to kids and no kill organizations.”
Back to the Arcade operates at the South Mall in Salisbury Township.
Ryan Kneller
Back to the Arcade’s Allentown area location, featuring more than 75 retro and modern arcade games, has operated at the South Mall since November 2021.
Prior to opening at the South Mall, Paden operated the arcade for about two years at the now-closed Merchants Square Mall in Allentown.
In November 2024, Paden opened a second location of Back to the Arcade at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township, and he’s continued to add more games to that location – now featuring around 45 games – over the past year.
At the South Mall location, guests can play classic 1980s upright cabinet games like Q*bert, Asteroids, Burger Time, Centipede, Donkey Kong, Double Dragon, Galaga, Mortal Kombat 4, NBA Jam, The Simpsons, Street Fighter II and Zaxxon.
Back to the Arcade operates at the South Mall in Salisbury Township.
Ryan Kneller
There is also a wide variety of other types of games, including air hockey, Skee-Ball, Super Chexx bubble hockey, Hoop Fever basketball game and immersive shooting games such as Jurassic Park and Big Buck HD Wild and claw machines where you can move a metal claw for a chance to win prizes.
More than a dozen pinball machines include classic selections such as Jaws, The Munsters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, along with selections modeled after new pop culture favorites such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Stranger Things and The Mandalorian.
No quarters or tokens are needed to play the games.
Guests pay one price for all-day play. The cost is $20 for ages 10 and older; $15 for ages 5-9; $10 for seniors (ages 60 and older) and active and retired military members; and free for children under age 5 with paying adult.
Back to the Arcade operates at the South Mall in Salisbury Township.
Ryan Kneller
In Thursday’s online announcement, Paden also thanked “the loyal customers from all over that have been so loyal through out the many years.”
The announcement, posted about two hours ago, has already garnered more than 550 reactions and over 75 comments, primarily from individuals expressing excitement over the news.
“This is the best news ever!!!!!!!” one person wrote. “Thank you so so much!”
“Great, great news!” another person stated. “One of my favorite places. Glad to hear you’ll be there for at least one more year!”
“Wonderful news!” another person commented. “I was actually starting to panic thinking ‘I gotta step up my visits before they move out’ I plan to be there 1st thing tomorrow.”
Back to the Arcade operates at the South Mall in Salisbury Township.
Ryan Kneller
Both Back to the Arcade locations are open daily and feature brightly colored walls, black lights and television and film memorabilia.
There are also private party rooms, suitable for birthday parties, bachelor parties, scouting events and more.
The Palmer location features an exterior entrance, allowing the arcade to host events after regular mall hours, Paden said.
Paden donates a portion of sales from both locations to non-profit organizations benefiting local animals and families in need.
“I’m thankful for everyone who continues to support the business,” Paden told 69 News last year. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s all worth it when you see the smiles on people’s faces.”
Back to the Arcade operates at the South Mall in Salisbury Township.
Ryan Kneller