Tokyo's 8-bit bars: Gaming under the influence
In a city filled with theme bars, it was probably only a matter of time before 8-bit retro video games got their due. Forget super-realistic graphics, high-capacity hard drives and surround sound: these three tiny watering holes are a chance to drop off the cutting edge for a while.
All three are in Shinjuku and dedicated to the glory days of "8-bit gaming" -- namely, the bleeping bitpop of an era when Nintendo and Sega reigned supreme. These Tokyo game bars are just like cracking a beer in your parents' rumpus room circa 1987 -- only a lot more expensive.
1. 8-Bit Cafe: "Welcome to the world of '80s subculture!"
The largest and arguably most stylish of the retro game bars, 8-Bit Cafe worships at the altar of '80s video gaming. The bartenders mix game-themed cocktails to order. The walls are lined with showcases of old game ephemera. The bookshelves overflow with strategy guides. And, most importantly, patrons can geek out on one of the many vintage game consoles scattered throughout the room.
In addition to the usual suspects -- Nintendo Famicoms, Super Famicoms and Sega Mega Drives -- there's even a late-'70s Pong console or two.
8-Bit Cafe: Q Building 5F, Shinjuku 3-8-9, Shinjuku-ku, tel. 03 2258 0407, closed Tuesdays, table charge ¥500
2. Bar Plastic Model: "Golden Gai's Technopolis"
This cozy little joint occupies its own corner of Kabukicho's Golden Gai bar district. A longtime hangout for anime, game and film industry insiders, it fills up so quickly that's it's often tough for regulars to get a seat.
In spite of the techy-sounding tagline, the bar itself is a shrine to the '70s and '80s, featuring an incredible selection of vintage 45s that the bartender will play on request. Pink Lady fans will be in heaven here.
Tucked into a back corner are an NEC PC Engine, a Nintendo Famicom and a Sega Mega Drive to plink while you drink. As with all Golden Gai bars, you are paying for the ambiance, and an evening spent here -- assuming you can even get inside -- won't be cheap.
Bar Plastic Model: Kabukicho 1-1-10-1, Shinjuku-ku, tel. 03 5273 8441, 8pm-late, table charge ¥700 per person
3. Muteki Mario: "Grab a power star on your way home."
A tiny hole in the wall devoted heart and soul to Ninendo's single most famous character, Muteki Mario ("Invincible Mario") offers a dark, laid-back ambience ... and all of twelve seats.
Super Mario plush toys and action figures? Check. Super Mario cocktails? Of course. A framed "old master" style painting of Mario's mustachioed mug pouring a martini? Right there on the wall.
And lest we forget, the obligatory host of Nintendo game consoles from vintage to new. It's hard to imagine a totally unsanctioned, copyright-infringing bar like this existing anywhere but the forbidden zone that is East Shinjuku.
Muteki Mario: Shinjuku 3-11-1, Shinjuku-ku, tel. 03 3354 2139, table charge ¥500 per person
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