Electric Hippo Arcade Opened in Springfield
Owners Shylee and Ty Buchanan have debuted a new retro-focused gaming space on Main Street.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Electric Hippo Arcade opened to the public at 402 Main St. in downtown Springfield. The new business replaces the former Pegasus Playhouse building.
Why it matters
The venue was created by owners Shylee and Ty Buchanan as a local alternative to large national arcade chains. It aims to offer a community-focused experience with a variety of gaming options.
The facility features vintage machines including the 1995 Theater of Magic pinball and the 2013 Donkey Kong Pauline edition, sourced primarily from the owners' private collection.
The players
Shylee Buchanan
She is a co-owner and operator of the newly launched arcade in Springfield.
Ty Buchanan
He is a co-owner who manages the restoration and repair of the facility's arcade machines in a dedicated backroom.
The details
Operated solely by the Buchanans, the space offers pinball, claw machines, and retro video games managed via tap cards rather than coins. Patrons are permitted to bring outside food, while the bar menu features beer, cider, and seltzer.
Timeline
March 2026: The renovation and social media anticipation began.
October 8, 2026: An early access event was held for community members.
October 9, 2026: Electric Hippo Arcade opened to the public.
Market Landscape
The launch of Electric Hippo Arcade reflects the broader industry trend of independent entrepreneurs opening boutique gaming venues to compete with large-scale corporate entertainment chains. This move positions the owners as a specialized, community-focused alternative in the Springfield market.
Local visitors can now access a new venue that allows them to bring food from outside restaurants while playing retro games. Customers should prepare to use the facility's tap card system for payments rather than traditional coin-operated play.
The takeaway
The arcade offers a versatile event space through its rentable VIP room for parties. Visitors looking to maximize their budget should look for future announcements regarding potential half-price happy hour specials.
Further reading
For more on local business development, visit the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lookout Eugene-Springfield.
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Do you prefer visiting locally owned arcades over large national entertainment chains in your area?
