FunKidsActivities

Xepher Arcade

4015 University Dr H, Durham, NC 27707, USA

Overview

Category:New Year's Eve Kids Activities
Location:Durham, NC

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Xepher Arcade offers an exceptional 'all-you-can-play' experience for a flat fee (e.g., $15 on weekends), making it ideal for extended visits like New Year's Eve. It features a diverse selection of popular rhythm games, console games, and classic joystick arcade games in a consistently clean, well-maintained environment. The venue fosters a welcoming 'community' atmosphere with incredibly friendly, passionate, and knowledgeable staff, making it a must-visit for kids and families who love video games and anime.

Key Highlights

  • Unlimited gameplay for a single admission fee, identified as $15 on weekends, allowing children to play without constantly needing coins.
  • Excellent and diverse selection of games, including a strong focus on rhythm games, console games, and old-school joystick arcade games.
  • All game machines are consistently on, working perfectly, and are well-maintained by staff, unlike some larger arcade chains.
  • The entire arcade space and all games are noted as clean.
  • Staff are described as friendly, welcoming, passionate, and knowledgeable, particularly about rhythm games.
  • Comfortable seating (stools/chairs) is provided, making it conducive for longer play sessions.
  • Offers a unique retail selection of video games, anime merchandise, Gundam figures, and retro games for sale at fair prices.

Standout Features

  • The unlimited play model, offering exceptional value for extended visits.
  • The wide and diverse game library caters to various interests, from modern rhythm game enthusiasts to console players and retro arcade fans.
  • High standards of machine maintenance and overall cleanliness, ensuring a pleasant and reliable gaming experience.
  • Engaging and welcoming staff who contribute significantly to a positive and community-oriented atmosphere.
  • Availability of comfortable seating (stools/chairs), which is crucial for longer play sessions.
  • On-site retail section with unique niche merchandise (anime, Gundam figures, retro games) that can be an additional draw or souvenir opportunity.

Perfect For

School-aged children (7+) to Teens (13-18+): Explicitly described as 'kid friendly' and a place where 'my kid and his bros had an even more awesome time.' The strong emphasis on modern rhythm games, console games, and anime/video game merchandise makes it highly appealing to these demographics.
Parents/Adults: Can also thoroughly enjoy the wide variety of games, including retro arcade options, and appreciate the inviting community atmosphere. It's a great spot for multi-generational fun.

Ideal For

Families seeking an all-day, indoor entertainment option with unlimited game access, particularly for New Year's Eve or other holidays.
Kids (aged 7+) and teens who are passionate about rhythm games, console gaming, or classic arcades.
Groups of friends or family members looking to play together in a clean, well-maintained, and welcoming environment.
Parents searching for a venue where staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and where games are consistently working.
Fans of anime, Gundam, or retro gaming looking for unique merchandise to browse or purchase.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • **Value Maximization:** Plan for an extended visit to fully take advantage of the 'all-you-can-play' admission fee, especially on weekends for $15.
  • **Game Preference:** Best suited for children and families who specifically enjoy rhythm games, modern console games, or classic arcade experiences.
  • **Merchandise Awareness:** Be aware that they sell video game and anime merchandise, which might be an extra expense or a fun opportunity for souvenirs.
  • **New Year's Eve:** Consider this venue for a full day of indoor entertainment due to the unlimited play model and diverse game offerings, making it a great option to keep kids engaged for hours.
  • **Comfort:** Appreciate the provided stools/chairs, which are a thoughtful amenity for longer gaming sessions.

Things to Consider

  • None reported in the provided reviews; all feedback is 5-star and highly positive.

Price & Value

Excellent value: The admission model is 'all you can play' for a single fee, specifically $15 on weekends (referred to as a 'day pass'). Reviewers highlight this as 'well worth the price' and offering 'unlimited play,' making it very cost-effective for extended visits compared to traditional coin-operated arcades. No hidden costs for gameplay are indicated.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accessibility accommodations (e.g., wheelchair access, sensory-friendly hours) are mentioned in the provided reviews.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • No information regarding food or drink policies (e.g., outside food allowed, on-site concessions) is mentioned in the reviews.

🚗Parking Info

  • No information regarding parking availability or cost is mentioned in the reviews.

👥Crowd Levels

  • Not explicitly mentioned in the reviews. However, the sentiment of being able to 'stayed forever' and a 'community' feel suggests a comfortable environment. No complaints about crowding were reported.

🛡️Safety Features

  • General safety is supported by explicit mentions of 'clean games and space' and 'machines were all on and working,' which indicates a well-maintained environment. No specific security or supervision protocols (e.g., dedicated staff monitoring all play areas, wristbands for entry/exit tracking) are detailed in the reviews.

When to Avoid

  • No specific times or situations to avoid are indicated in the reviews, given the uniformly positive feedback and lack of complaints about crowding or issues.

Pricing/Package/Events

Pricing & Packages

Day Pass - Weekday

$10

Duration: All day

Access to all games set to Free Play. Valid Monday - Thursday. Allows leaving and reentering at any time.

Includes:
  • Unlimited free play on all arcade games
  • Re-entry privileges for the day

Day Pass - Weekend

$15

Duration: All day

Access to all games set to Free Play. Valid Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Allows leaving and reentering at any time.

Includes:
  • Unlimited free play on all arcade games
  • Re-entry privileges for the day

Tournament Pass - Weekday

Price not specified, assumes venue fee for weekly/bi-weekly events

Duration: Per event

For weekly or bi-weekly tournament events.

Includes:
  • Access to tournament event
  • Does not include access to rhythm arcade games

Tournament Pass - Weekend

Price not specified, assumes venue fee for monthly tournament

Duration: Per event

For tournament events, typically for our Monthly Tournament.

Includes:
  • Full arcade access

Monthly Pass

$50

Duration: 30 days

Best value membership for unlimited gaming, offering various benefits.

Includes:
  • No more paying for day passes
  • 30 days of gaming
  • 10% off purchases at the arcade
  • 10% off The Bean Flower drinks from our lovely neighbors
  • Tournament Venue Fee waived for fighting game events

Events & Schedule

Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)

Tournament of Thrones (Monthly)

Every third Saturday of the month

Pricing included with Tournament Pass - Weekend (price not specified). Tournament venue fee is baked in for TCG tournament days.

The NC's largest fighting game tournament by Oakcity Esports. For questions/inquiries, contact OakCityEsports@gmail.com. NC FGC Discord: https://discord.gg/w6M5EDYshF

🍎Food Policy

  • No outside food or drinks allowed.
  • Bottle of Water is acceptable for hydration, especially for dance gamers.

🛡️Safety Policy

  • Zero tolerance discrimination policy.
  • Be courteous to other players.
  • Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
  • No Smoking or Vaping inside the store.
  • Athletic wear minimum, Footwear required.
  • Do not tamper with machines or consoles.
  • Playing games at the arcade without paying for a day pass will be considered trespassing.
  • If found overly intoxicated, drinking alcohol in store, or harassing others, individuals will be asked to leave with no refund.
  • We do not sell or serve alcohol to maintain a positive gaming atmosphere and prevent damage to machines.

📅Booking Policy

  • We do not host private events that block customer access to games during normal operational hours.
  • Space in the back with seating can be reserved for birthday parties; inquire via email for reservations.
  • Events cannot be scheduled on the 3rd Saturday of the month due to the monthly tournament.
  • For Traveling Arcade booking, use the contact form or email us; emails are checked daily.
  • Email or call for console mod inquiries.
  • Inquiries about fighting game events should be directed to the event's tab or OakCityEsports@gmail.com.
  • TCG play space may not be available on certain event days; call for questions about spacing.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Sep 29, 2025

What People Say

What's Great

  • Clean and well-maintained facilities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 6 reviews)
  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)

Recent Reviews

FLCLnoodles

FLCLnoodles

2 months ago

Awesome place to hang out with friends. All you can play for just $15 on weekends. They've got fun rhythm games, console games, and mahjong too! They buy and sell video games/anime merch as well~

Noah Altman

Noah Altman

a month ago

Excellent selection of rhythm games, all with unlimited play with the cost of admission. Felt like I could have stayed forever, and I can't wait to go back. Other things of note: -Machines were all on and working, unlike certain arcade chains (looking at you Round1 🤨) -Games and space were all clean -Great selection of Gundam, figures, and retro games for sale, and fair prices -Friendly, knowledgeable staff

Max Balcom

Max Balcom

3 months ago

I am blown away by Xepher. I knew it would be awesome based on what I've seen online, but my first experience was such a blast. It isn't just an arcade-- it's a community. I felt so welcomed by the staff, who are incredibly friendly, passionate, and knowledgeable about rhythm games and keep them in great condition. The arcade was clean, well-stocked with tons of different games, and well worth the price for a day pass. I had so much fun. The hours just flew by. If you love rhythm games or even just anime and video games in general, Xepher is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back!!

Jack Ryan

Jack Ryan

a week ago

One of the best arcades I've been to in several years! So glad I found this place. Amazing staff, plethora of games for everyones taste, and they are kid friendly.

insomnia iseetyler

insomnia iseetyler

4 months ago

Had an awesome time here. My kid and his bros had an even more awesome time. This place definitely has the games you are accustomed to. If you are super hand coordinated, unlike me, then mos def your spot. If you are sufficient enough for old school joystick arcade games then this is the spot too! Don't worry stools/chairs are provided bc us old gamers need to be comfortable now these days.

Contact Information

4015 University Dr H, Durham, NC 27707, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
5.0
Total Reviews90
Recent Reviews5