NQ JPN Opens in London's Soho With Imported Japanese Arcade Cabinets and Rhythm Games

NQ64 opens Japanese arcade-bar NQ JPN in London Soho, featuring imported rhythm cabinets including MaiMai, Jubeat, Dancerush Stardom, and Astro City units.

London's arcade scene has gained an unusual new attraction with the opening of NQ JPN on Berwick Street in Soho. Operated by the company behind the NQ64 gaming-bar chain, the venue opened on October 23 and concentrates on imported Japanese arcade machines rather than relying exclusively on familiar Western cabinet favourites. The opening was confirmed through photographs and an update from the operators. NQ JPN combines arcade gaming with Japanese-inspired cocktails and electronic music, aiming to recreate some of the atmosphere associated with modern Japanese amusement centres. Its advertised machines include several rhythm-game experiences that are difficult to reproduce accurately at home. Konami titles such as Museca, Jubeat and Dancerush Stardom appear alongside Sega's distinctive MaiMai cabinets. These machines use specialised controls that differ considerably from conventional gamepads and keyboards. Jubeat challenges players through a grid of illuminated buttons, while MaiMai uses a circular interactive interface that resembles an unusually energetic washing machine. Traditional fighting-game cabinets are also represented, with promotional imagery showing an Astro City machine. The venue's launch follows a sold-out pre-opening testing session, suggesting considerable local enthusiasm. Visitors should check current pricing and access arrangements before travelling, as NQ64 venues typically use prepaid tokens and operate with age restrictions. The opening is relevant to videogame preservation because many Japanese arcade games depend on expensive specialised cabinets that were never designed for ordinary home use. Maintaining accessible locations where enthusiasts can experience these machines is valuable. Watching gameplay footage provides a basic impression, but playing a rhythm game inside a brightly illuminated cabinet surrounded by electronic music is a different experience. London's arcade scene has become considerably louder, and probably a little more colourful.