The craziest day of PAX East is always the Saturday. The day always sells out, there are more people, more families, more cosplayer and of course crazy crowds. This makes it the least pleasant day to simply wander around, but it is fun to check out the amazing costumes people made and to head to numerous games and booths I had appointments or previews at.

There were numerous odd experiences at PAX East this year, there was a booth with a fully motion controlled kids game, a mobile collectible game called Aerthlings and a Display with event activated scents. The Aerthlings one was like Amiibo’s but on mobile and they spent lots of marketing dollars. The scent-o-vision one was a company called OVR technologies and they had a lot of interest for their unique premise.

I also took the opportunity on Saturday to check out a few varied experiences. I tried out a collectible card game featuring Godzilla, had a chat with Limited Run Games and spent some chill down time in the arcade freeplay and voodoo ranger sections.

UVS Games: Godzilla: Reign of the Kaiju Preview

I sat down with the team from UVS Games to discuss their latest release, Godzilla: Reign of Kaiju. This booster set is a massive celebration of the franchise’s history, featuring 15 playable Kaiju spanning 80 years of cinematic history. The art styles are a tribute to the series’ tokusatsu roots, ranging from hyper-realistic to “old-school” suit-inspired designs.

The UniVersus Multiverse

A standout feature of the UniVersus (UVS) system is its “multiverse” compatibility. As the representative explained, “the deck-building possibilities are really endless,” allowing players to mix different IPs in a single deck. You can have Godzilla throwing a Street Fighter Hadouken or Star Trek characters casting a Critical Role spell.

Community & Future Roadmap

UVS Games remains committed to local game stores, offering “con-exclusive” foil promos—including the first custom art of Shin Godzilla to incentivize players to visit brick-and-mortar shops. Looking ahead to 2026 and 2027, the roadmap is packed with partnerships including My Hero Academia, Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and a 2027 partnership with Skybound for a dedicated Invincible booster set.

Limited Run Games: The “Retro Resurgence” and Preservation

I had a great conversation with Jeremy Campbell from Limited Run Games about the shifting landscape of game preservation. Celebrating a decade in the industry, the team is operating under a “fans-first” directive. As Campbell put it, “we’re championing our fans even more… their input, their feedback… they are going to come first.”

Physical Media vs. Digital Convenience

A major theme was the “Retro Resurgence”—making classic titles accessible on modern hardware so fans don’t have to hunt for rare carts on eBay. We discussed the Marvel MaXimum Collection and new projects like He-Man: Masters of the Universe – Dragon Pearl Destruction.

While digital storefronts like GOG offer “soft preservation,” Campbell noted that “to hold something is crazy… there’s something you cannot replicate in a digital form.” Limited Run is keeping the tradition of studying game boxes and manuals alive for a new generation, ensuring that “support memories” for long-time fans aren’t lost to time.

The Sanctuary: Arcade Freeplay & Voodoo Ranger Lounge

PAX East is a marathon, and I found my perfect sanctuary by bouncing between Arcade Freeplay and the Voodoo Ranger Lounge, which were conveniently located next to each other on Floor 0 next to Expo Hall this year.

Unlimited Nostalgia at Arcade Freeplay

This token-free paradise is the ultimate way to decompress. Your badge is the only currency needed for pure, uninterrupted gameplay:

The area is meticulously curated to cater to every flavor of arcade enthusiast:

• The Classics: I found myself gravitating toward nostalgic classics like Asteroids and Space Invaders, alongside the essential 4-player cabinets like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and X-Men. There’s something uniquely therapeutic about joining a group of strangers for a quick co-op run to clear a stage.
• The Rhythm Corner: If you need to shake off the “con-slump,” the rhythm section is electric. From Dance Dance Revolution (Extreme and Solo 2000) to more modern imports like Chunithm: Luminous and Wacca Reverse, the energy here is infectious.
• Head-to-Head Combat: For those who find relaxation in a good fight, Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, Marvel vs. Capcom, and Tekken 7 offer a great way to engage with the competitive community in a low-stakes environment.

The Voodoo Ranger x Bear Cavalry Lounge

When the arcade lights become overwhelming, the Voodoo Ranger Lounge offers a clubhouse vibe with comfortable seating and craft brews. This year, they teamed up with Bear Cavalry for a “paint and take” space, providing supplies and con-exclusive miniatures for those who wanted to paint while enjoying a cold beverage.

Whether you’re a retro chaser or just looking for a chair, these spaces remind us that PAX is about celebrating gaming at our own pace.

The Perfect Downtime Loop

The beauty of these two areas is how they complement each other. You can start with a high-intensity round of Virtua Cop or House of the Dead 2 in the arcade, and then immediately retreat to the lounge to cool down and appreciate the sheer scale of what PAX East has to offer.

Whether you’re a hardcore retro chaser or just someone looking for a comfortable chair and a good view, these spaces remind us that PAX East isn’t just about the next big release it’s about the community spaces that let us celebrate gaming at our own pace.