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The Secret Level of Nostalgia: The Computer Game Museum in Berlin, Germany

With a bowl of Captain Crunch in my lap and Darkwing Duck on the TV, this Saturday morning began like any other in the early 90s. I was so involved with my weekend ritual that I didn’t hear the phone ring. Fortunately, I did hear my Mom yelling that the phone call was for me. I walked out of the living room peering over my shoulder at the television, wishing this call had been during a commercial.

I picked up the receiver of the dark red rotary phone and said “Hello?”, not hiding the fact I was clearly annoyed. “COME OVER RIGHT NOW!” the voice on the other end yelled. I recognized it as my friend Chris. “I still have to do my chores. I’ll come over later.” I replied, still unenthusiastic about the prospect. “I JUST FIGURED OUT THIS SECRET ON MARIO WHERE I RUN BEHIND THE LEVEL AND GET THIS FLUTE-” before he could say any more I cut him off screaming “I’LL BE RIGHT OVER!”

Never in my life had I done my chores so fast.

So when we heard about the Computerspielemuseum (Computer Game Museum) in Berlin, Germany, the excitement of my childhood returned in an instant and we bumped it to the top of our ‘must do’ list.

Unlike finding most points of interest while traveling, getting to the Computer Game Museum is super easy. They have a map on their website, however, once you get to the Weberwiese stop on the U5 line you will begin seeing visual aids that will point you in the right direction and put a smile on your face.

computer game museum

The nostalgia began snowballing as soon as I walked in and was greeted by one of my favorite heros of all time:

Link statue, legend of zelda statue
Link, not Rayman.

Seeing as many visitors are not lifetime gamers, the museum does a great job at showing the history and progression of video games through such exhibits as the Wall of Hardware and Game Milestones.

Wall of Hardware

Game Milestones

Although, the best thing about the Computer Game Museum is that almost everything is interactive. This is a hands-on experience unlike any other.

3d game

Virtual reality

Pacman

And their collection is as impressive as it is extensive. They even have such amazing rarities as the PainStation- a game which pits two players against each other in a pong-esque matchup. However, the difference here is if the other player scores a point, you have to endure electric shocks, intense heat, or being whipped by rubber tubes. The game ends when the loser can no longer handle the punishments and pulls their hand away.

PainStation
Erica refused to play due to the warnings of third degree burns, paralysis, and hematoma.

But the best section of the museum, and the one that you should spend the most time in, is the arcade. Loaded with all the classics, here you can get down on some of the best early arcade games- such as Galaga, Gauntlet, Frogger, Space Invaders, Asteroids, Centipede, and Donkey Kong, to name a few.

Centipede arcade game

Classic arcade

Donkey Kong arcade game

Donkey Kong arcade game

With all of the exhibits and information, the Computer Game Museum itself is the perfect analogy of what gaming has accomplished over the years- education, progression, and expression through enjoyable entertainment. Be sure to check out the Computerspielemuseum the next time you’re in Berlin.

Computerspielemuseum

Karl-Marx-Allee 93a
10243 Berlin

Hours:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday – CLOSED
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Admission: 8 € (regular), € 5 (students, retired, etc.), 15 € (family ticket), 3 € (school groups)

**Hours and admission costs are subject to change. Schedule and pricing at time of post are shown above.


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20 thoughts on “The Secret Level of Nostalgia: The Computer Game Museum in Berlin, Germany”

  1. So cool!
    Didn’t even know this existed! Will need to plan another trip to Berlin:)
    I want to play some arcade gaaames!

  2. So much awesome!! Looks like you guys had a ball.

    Definitely adding it to the ‘to do in Berlin’ list.

  3. Thanks for including that game about the third degree burns. Some people don’t believe me when I tell them that such a game exists 🙂

  4. @Andrew: They have a “gift shop” that sells all things video game-related, but candy was the only edible things they offer. A proper snack bar would be great because then I could literally stay all day. 🙂

  5. @Tara: Yup. I really wish I could have given that game a try. You can’t just walk up and play it, you need to get someone who works there to turn it on for you. I imagine they also spell out the dangers of playing. 😉

  6. Just great. Just looking at Donkey Kong methinks I can hear the sfx and music – lol. Ha ha -…roll it!

  7. You have Andy super excited about a visit to Berlin now. I’ll probably have to find something else to do for an entire day while he plays in there 🙂

  8. @Ali: It’s probably for the best if you have absolutely no interest in games. They probably have something that could hold your attention, but not for nearly long enough for Andy to enjoy the museum. 😛

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