From Dreams to Joysticks: The G&G Arcade Origin Story
- Greg Ferguson
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
How G&G Arcade Began: A Retro Gaming Passion Ignited
I never expected my basement tinkering would turn into a thriving business, but that's exactly what happened with G&G Arcade. It all started back in early 2016 when I (Greg) rediscovered my passion for classic arcade games using a simple Raspberry Pi. Those late nights spent configuring emulators reignited memories of gaming's golden age that I couldn't shake.
What began as a weekend project to build an arcade machine for my kids quickly became an obsession. Then came the pivotal moment: Josh Garrett, my next-door neighbor who had moved in about seven years ago, stepped into my basement one day. The moment he spotted that first retro arcade cabinet I'd built, I could see the same spark in his eyes that I felt. Our mutual love for classic gaming formed an instant bond. Josh's last name became the second "G" in what would later become G&G Arcade, cementing our partnership in this nostalgic journey.
Turning Nostalgia Into a Thriving Arcade Business
By 2021, we decided to transform our shared hobby into something bigger. In a world dominated by sleek consoles and VR, we saw a niche that wasn't being filled: handcrafted arcade cabinets that deliver the tactile, timeless fun we grew up with. From my basement workshop, we began designing custom arcade machines that quickly caught the attention of fellow gamers, collectors, and families seeking authentic arcade experiences.
At G&G Arcade, we've worked hard to blend nostalgia with innovation. Each retro arcade cabinet we create is meticulously crafted by our own hands, offering more than just a product—it's a time machine back to gaming's golden era, tailored to each customer's unique vision. From those early basement builds to our flourishing business today, Josh and I remain committed to our founding principles: passion, precision, and a deep love for classic gaming.
Building Nostalgia, One Arcade Machine at a Time
Today, we're proud to continue bringing the magic of retro gaming into homes everywhere. With every custom arcade cabinet we build, we're not just recreating the past—we're shaping the future of gaming nostalgia. Our mission? To craft unforgettable experiences, one joystick at a time.
We never imagined that our shared passion would resonate with so many people, but we're grateful every day that it has. Each cabinet we build carries a piece of our own gaming memories, and nothing brings us more joy than seeing the excitement on our customers' faces when they play their first game on a G&G Arcade machine.
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