I was out on tour with Smoking Popes last summer, opening for The Get Up Kids, and we had a day off in Hillsboro, Oregon. Naturally, I did what any obsessive pinball nerd would do and made a beeline to Next Level Pinball Museum. I’d been hearing about this place for a while and was beyond stoked to finally check it out. Let me tell you — it completely blew me away.
Right off the bat, this is the most impressive collection of pinball and arcade machines I’ve ever seen under one roof. It’s not even close. From the moment I walked through the door, I felt like a kid in a candy store, only the candy was over 650 beautifully maintained games on free play, floor-to-ceiling pop culture collectibles, and wall-to-wall eye candy for any vintage toy or retro gaming fan.
If you love pinball, arcade games, or anything even remotely geeky, this place is a pilgrimage-worthy destination.
Location Details:
Address – 1458 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Website
Overall Grade – A+
Pinball Machines Grade – A++
Atmosphere
Next Level isn’t just a pinball location — it’s an all-out museum, an arcade paradise, and a pop culture fever dream all rolled into one. The space is absolutely massive at 27,000 square feet, and every inch of it is packed with machines, movie props, action figures, toys, and collectibles. It’s overwhelming in the best way possible.
Even if you didn’t play a single game, it would still take you hours just to take in everything lining the walls. They’ve got signed movie memorabilia, vintage lunchboxes, and rare collectibles from just about every fandom imaginable.
And the best part? Nearly every machine on the floor — over 600 of them — is on free play with your admission wristband. No quarters. No game cards. Just pure flipping bliss.
They’re open from noon to 9pm on most weekdays, later on weekends, and they even host weekly pinball tournaments. Check their site for the latest details before visiting.
Food & Beverage
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to grab any food during my visit, but I definitely want to go back and try something from the Dogos El Yaqui food truck parked outside. Hot dogs with a Mexican street food twist? Yes, please. If they taste half as good as they look, that’s reason enough for a return trip.
There isn’t a full-service bar or restaurant inside the museum, but between the snack options and food truck, you won’t go hungry.
The Pinball
Where do I even start? This is the most extensive and impressive lineup of pinball machines I’ve ever laid eyes on. Period.
Next Level boasts well over 400 pinball machines, spanning every era and manufacturer you can think of — Bally, Williams, Stern, Jersey Jack, Spooky, Data East, Sega, Gottlieb, and beyond. Nearly every single machine I played was in excellent working condition, and considering the sheer size of the collection, that’s a mind-blowing achievement.
Their machines range from classics like Paragon and Fathom, to ‘90s legends like Twilight Zone and The Addams Family, to brand new LE titles like Jaws, Foo Fighters, Elton John, The Godfather, and John Wick. They’ve even got rare and quirky machines you rarely see in the wild — Primus, Heavy Metal Meltdown, Tag-Team Pinball, and The Pabst Can Crusher, just to name a few.
Seriously, whether you’re a hardcore tournament player or just looking to relive some childhood memories, this place has something for you.
And the best part? It’s not just pinball. Their arcade game selection is just as wild, with everything from Street Fighter II and NBA Jam to Dance Dance Revolution, Pac-Man, and Time Crisis.
Summary
Next Level Pinball Museum is an absolute must-visit for any pinball or arcade enthusiast. It’s more than just a great location — it’s a full-blown destination that’s 100% worth a cross-country trip. The collection is jaw-dropping, the games are in top shape, and the vibe is a perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement.
I only had a couple hours to spend here, but it wasn’t nearly enough. I’d love to come back with Steph and spend an entire day (or three) flipping and exploring. If you’re anywhere near Oregon — or even if you’re not — make the trip. You won’t regret it.
Looking for More Pinball Content?
Whether you’re a hardcore pinballer or just pinball curious, check out our Punk Rock Pinball Podcast where you can follow along on me (Mike) & Steph’s pinball adventures. Or dive into some of our other pinball blogs to discover the best pinball news websites or find some awesome pinball content creators.
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