Berlin Computer Spiele Museum

In 2023, I had the chance to take a city trip to Berlin. And what does a nerd like me do when traveling abroad? I hunt down pinball machines and arcade games :)

That quest led me to the Computer Spiele Museum. You can find their website at www.computerspielemuseum.de, and the museum is located at Karl-Marx-Allee 93A, 10243 Berlin. It’s easily reachable via subway line U5, just near the Weberwiese station.

You’ll know you’ve arrived even before stepping out of the subway station.

The entrance of the museum. I had no idea what to expect. Tt looked modest.

From the side, you could see it was part of a much larger building. Could it be one of those places that’s bigger on the inside than it seems on the outside? :-)

And it was! Upon entry, you walk through a narrow hallway to reach the desk. Just beside the entrance (seen through the front right window), there’s a small souvenir shop. The exhibition space stretches deep into the building.

The main part of the museum is filled with custom-designed display cases that give the entire museum a polished, professional vibe. They run along most of the length of the museum. Consoles and playable games are displayed into the displays. Here’s a peek at part of their recent console collection.

The display continues along the wall, showcasing home computer systems from as early as the 1970s. Popular and lesser-known machines alike are featured, with information panels and QR codes for added context.

There’s a section dedicated to milestone video games.

Many more playable examples, offering comparisons between different genres and formats.

of the very first games.

Even the overview of classic game controllers brought back memories, including the dance mat which I've had myself when I was younger!

What really hit me with nostalgia was the display of gaming setups from the 1970s through the 1990s. They recreated computer rooms and living rooms as they looked in each era. In the photo, you’ll see the 1970s and 1980s setup.

I suddenly felt 40 years younger, sitting in front of a Commodore 64, flipping through books and game magazines scattered across the desk.

Game & Watch and Nintendo consoles.

Progressing into the 1990s when Nintendo ruled the living room.

Now, I know what you're thinking: this is a pinball site! I came for the arcade and pinball magic, not home computing history. So let’s get to the good stuff.

While there weren’t any pinball machines, the museum does feature a curated arcade game collection. In the display-only section, you’ll find originals like the green Computer Space and an Atari Pong arcade cabinet.

A small corner recreates the feel of a real 1980s arcade, featuring about a dozen authentic machines that are all playable.

Beyond the arcade zone, a few more classics are available for hands-on gameplay.

Such as a Paperboy cabinet.

Sega Rally, Pole Position and Crazy Taxi

Even in the museum section, a handful of arcade machines are playable. One standout is Polyplay, made in 1985. It's the only arcade machine developed in the DDR (former East Germany).

And for the adventurous: there’s a unique game that's more art than entertainment. Angst. This shocking piece (literally) delivers a jolt when you lose. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!

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