The National Videogame Museum, Sheffield

A Living Museum of Play

Housed in the heart of Sheffield’s city centre, The National Videogame Museum is the UK’s first and only museum devoted solely to videogames. Far from a static collection of old hardware, it’s a dynamic, hands‑on experience where visitors are encouraged to play, experiment and engage with more than 100 playable exhibits. From towering arcade cabinets to retro home consoles and modern gaming stations, the museum spans five decades of gaming history, celebrating everything from pixelated classics to cutting‑edge indie titles. The space itself feels like a curated playground, where the history of games is told not just through text and screens, but through the act of playing them.

From Arcade Classics to Local Legends

The museum’s layout guides visitors through different eras and styles of gaming. The Arcade section brings back the buzz of coin‑op culture with beloved titles like Space Invaders, Donkey Kong and Ms. Pac‑Man, while other zones showcase home consoles, handhelds and PC gaming. Multiplayer favourites such as Rock Band, Track & Field and local hits like Gang Beasts and Worms let friends and families compete or cooperate. Special attention is given to Sheffield’s own game‑development heritage, with exhibits highlighting titles from studios such as Sumo Digital, Gremlin Graphics and Team 17. Unique games created specifically for the museum, like the six‑player Super Snowball Fight Party, add a distinctive, playful twist that can’t be found anywhere else.

More Than Just Playing

Beyond the screens and joysticks, the museum explores how games are made, who makes them, and why they matter. Curated displays and rotating exhibitions delve into game design, art, sound and cultural impact, offering insight into the creative and technical processes behind beloved titles. During school holidays, the museum opens daily and hosts drop‑in workshops where visitors can design characters, program simple games or build mini‑robots, making it a hub for learning as well as entertainment. These activities, developed by the museum’s award‑winning Learning Team, turn the visit into an immersive experience that appeals to both casual players and aspiring developers.

A Space for Everyone

The National Videogame Museum is designed to be welcoming for all ages and levels of gaming knowledge. Whether you’re a lifelong gamer revisiting childhood favourites or someone who’s never picked up a controller, there’s something to discover and enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive, with staff often on hand to offer tips or explain the context behind a particular game or machine. With no time limit on visits, guests can linger as long as they like, diving deep into a favourite genre or simply soaking up the nostalgic glow of CRT monitors and the sound of 8‑bit soundtracks echoing through the room.