Opened on June 10th 2008 and located close to Akihabara Station is the new Game Bar appropriately named "A Button".

This Bar's concept, like many others recently, is a first in Akihabara and basically combines the elements "Video Games" and "Bar" meaning one can go there, kick back, have a beer und choose from around 50 consoles including classics like Famicom (NES) or PC Engine or new state of the art machines like PS3 or Wii. The Bar's atmosphere is more of the cosy kind since the entire place only measures about 26 square meters, provides 13 chairs and so far offers 4 TV's of various sizes. This underlines the owners aim to create a space where gamers of the "older" generation can relax and have a talk without the blaring noise of an arcade or game center.

As far as software goes the owner states that there is a small selection of games available but he hopes people will rather bring their own games to play. Ho also hopes that the bar might become a meeting place for people that so far have only met online.

Drinks are about 450¥ and food is ranged in between 400 - 600¥. Using the game consoles is free of charge, however there is a seating charge of 500¥.

Opening times are 17.00 - 00.00 on weekdays and 17.00 - 05.00 on weekends and holidays.

This article is a translated version from the japanese original

at Akiba Keizai Shimbun

Game Bar A-Button