This was my first time attending, and I attended with my son. We will not be back. First the Convention Center staff told us to get in the wrong line for the wrong event, and only by pure luck were we alerted that check-in was already happening inside. Checking in was fine, except I was asked to fill out a paper version of something I already filled out online. I had pre-ordered shirts for us, and they had my son's no problem. My shirt couldn't be found, and after having me wait for 30 minutes while they organized the shirt pile I had to demand one of the "same day sale" shirts because they were about to sell out and no one else thought of that solution. We finally get into the event and its dark. Its hot. We aren't allowed any outside drinks, not even water. Every game that wasn't broken (a lot were) seemed to have a line, and no one was in a hurry to let others play. There was no communication that there was a 2nd room with driving/flying games, we stumbled on that ourselves. We gave it 4 hours, and at the end we just left. I was told by staff that they weren't expecting this many people so they were completely in chaos. It really showed. read more

See all

They work hard to bring it all together, but this year may very well be my last. I consider there to be three major Pinball Tournaments in Northern California. They are held at California Extreme in Santa Clara, Golden Gate Pinball Festival in Lodi and Pin-a-Go-Go in Dixon. California Extreme is not exclusive with Pinball Machines. There are also tons of arcade games for those who enjoy them. We have enjoyed attending these events whenever we're able to. In the past, our work schedules often got in the way. Now that we're retired, our vacation schedules often cause conflicts. The people who run this event have always done a tremendous job of getting others to bring their beloved machines, set on free play, for the masses to play. In return, they get free admission. A substantial number of volunteers are also needed to load-in, load-out, wipe down, perform minor repairs, scorekeepers, registration, check-in, etc., etc. We attend to see Pinball Machines that we've never seen before, to play with machines that are hard to find, to play new machines, but mostly to play in the tournament. Yes, there are cash purses and trophies or plaques to be one. Bragging rights galore! But for players at my level, it's mostly about WPPR Points that affect your International Flipper Pinball Association Ranking. As I write this review, I am 8640 out of 103,576 players in the world. Does it mean anything? Only to my ego. At one time, I was sub-3000. I simply don't play in enough tournaments to keep my ranking. This year's tournament entry fee was $2 per game. That is not particularly expensive BUT there was no limit to the number of entries that one could purchase. This changes that tournament of skill and luck to one of skill, luck and DEEP POCKETS. In my opinion, there should be a single buy-in. Everyone plays the same number of games on the games that are available. Yes, this will reduce the prize money but so what? Whatever happens, happens. If you have a great day, congratulations. If you have a lousy day, better luck next year. But under the unlimited buy-in, you just keep putting out money until you have a few good games to tie together for your final score. What? The tournaments almost over but you're in 11th place and only the first 10 places are in the money. Well, play some more and hope to improve your score and win! Anyway, without the tournament to play in, I will either only attend California Extreme one day only or skip it all together moving forward. Additionally, this year, for the first time, the Hyatt is now charging $40 to park overnight. This was either not disclosed at the time of booking or I somehow missed it. When I complained, it was discounted $20 because I was staying there for California Extreme and another $10 because I'm a Hyatt member. I was told that, "all the other area hotels are charging more for parking and the Hyatt is just trying to catch up." There was a 49ers exhibition game on Saturday, August 19th, and parking was expected to be at a premium and traffic would be a zoo. To counter that, we arrived way early to get a space. We arrived at 8:30 for a 10:00 opening. Because we left the house so early, we didn't have time to eat breakfast, but we had plenty of down time in the hotel (check-in was at 3:00pm), so we opted for breakfast in the hotel (see our review for Evolution). Breakfast Buffet at $28 per person vs Continental Breakfast at $22 per person. So, while California Extreme is still lots of fun, between the costs and the crowds and a Deep Pocket Tournament, it may be time for us to move on. read more

Awesome event to experience a plethora of pinball and arcade games. Fantastic experience all around. My kids loved it.

Love California Extreme. We used to go a lot more, but it had been a long time since the last time when we went this year. The event is fun and the game selection is always awesome - you will find rarities for sure. The organizers are AWESOME. For me the best part, though is seeing old friends and watching great panels. Love the location although its feeling over-crowded, so expanding would be cool. There was a second room of games this year, but we didn't even discover it until the end of the event. As long as you don't mind the crowds, I just REALLY recommend this event. You pay a flat rate and can game to your hearts content and there are multiple tournaments and panels on multiple gaming topics. Its just a good time overall. read more

I attended in 2023. The show as great but their venue choice was not. The show was a fantastic deal. 2 days of arcade, pinball, and even some console games. It was so huge they had games set up in three different event rooms. They had a speaking room on top of that and several tournament rooms. I got to play rare games I'd never even heard of before, let alone seen. Everyone was having fun, people were polite and didn't hog games, and most of the games were in great operating condition. Some games did have issues but most were fixed in pretty quickly. They had a huge selection of pinball machines. The most I had ever seen in one place. Tons of old mechanical machines and early solid state machines up to modern machines. Stern Pinball was there and they had a bunch of their recent games on display. Foo fighters, Rush, 007, Godzilla, and tons of the new Venom pinballs. There were also 2 copies of Capcom's extremely rare Kingpin and even a Big Bang Bar. Tons of vintage Bally, Gottlieb, and Williams machines of course. Even many newer titles, mostly from Stern. As for arcades, you name it they had it just about. They had tons of Blast City cabinets filled with Japanese games and tons of one-on-one fighters. They had many releases laid out in rows. There were several Nintendo games, Williams games, rows of vector games, and even a fighting game row with most editions of Street Fight 2 and rare titles like Primal Rage II. The also had a room of console games with a stage where people played Rock Band. They had all of your standard older consoles like the Playstations, SNES, Genesis, Master System, NES, N64, etc. but also rarer machines like the Vectrex and the Atari 7800. There were also several dealers selling arcade and console stuff. Now, for the reason its not 5-stars: The Santa Clara Convention Center was in run down condition. The parking lot's surface was falling apart, a huge section of the parking lots lights didn't work, there weren't enough bathrooms, many of the drinking fountains didn't have enough water pressure to work, and it was very hot in the main event rooms. Convention Center staff (not CA Extreme staff) were unhelpful and gave wrong information, and the nearby game at Levi Stadium completely shut down the the area for hours. Other than that sour note, I can't recommend it enough. A change of venue and I'll probably be back next year. read more

Having never been there before, I was excited to bring my family there this year (2023). Unfortunately, the expo coincided with a 49ers pre-season game at Levi stadium next door, and parking was an absolute disaster. Website said we could get parking at the hotel for $25, but couldn't even get there due to police blockades. No one answering the phone at the hotel either. Ended up parking at off-site stadium parking for $60, which set us up for a terrible mood walking in. The expo itself had a great selection of games, many of which I hadn't seen in decades, but it was uncomfortably crowded with a line virtually for every machine. Very little to see besides the games. I heard there were speakers somewhere, but no idea where that was. Left very disappointed after 90 min. No interest in returning. read more

Our favorite convention every year is CAX! Crowds have grown a lot over the years (my first was in 1999) but Mark, Michelle, Jim, and everyone else who puts on this show do an amazing job of keeping it well-run, fun, and friendly! Now that it's at the Hyatt Regency each year, we've often stayed in the hotel or one of the other closeby partner hotels and make a local vacation out of it. There's nothing like waking up in the morning and heading right to the pinball action! Lots of new and classic video games, too! My 6-year old is shaping up to be a li'l pinball wizard and her 2-year old sister is not far behind! It's really awesome and encouraging to see all the young kids picking up on pinball! If you've never been, plan on checking this out next tine it's going on (usually late July every year)! read more

See all

The only place to get my annual Video Game fix! The best games, and the rarest games (Hard Drivin' 3 [flying car simulator] and Penny Pitch)! And they have pins too. read more

If you love pinball or arcade games you will not be disappointed. We enjoyed the variety of games and seeing the dad and his sons win the grand prize pinball game. read more

I loved going to this event today. It was a thrill playing the most recent computerized pinball machines such as Godzilla one and some vintage rare video games like Pac Man and his pet dog one. I spent most of the day there with my sweetie. I especially had a great time challenging a staff person ( I forgot her name) to a Rush (the classic rock band) pinball game. The reason why I gave the event 4 out of 5 is because the admission cost seems quite high for even a full day of playing games. Some vendors can be pricey here- there was one that was selling supposedly rare 1980s Pacman shoelaces for $10 each. He appeared to sell them all by the end of the day however I checked online and someone on Etsy was selling the same shoelaces for half that with discounted shipping and still was a better price then he was charging. I saw Pinball advertisements printed (not authentic as if I recall, only Hanes was on the inside brand tag) T-shirts for $22 as well. I would think $15 would have been more reasonable. However some vendors had amazing deals as well. I actually did get a great deal on a shirt from a vendor for less then $10 that was a Disney shirt with a Pinball theme and was also brand new! I think it originally came from Walmart but was still authentic as it had the Disney company printed in the collar of the shirt! Question: do they ever sell the shirts that promote the event for that year at the event or only online? By the way, if you love this event let me suggest the Pinball-a-go-go event held at Dillon every year. Also check out the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda. read more

California Extreme is the ultimate arcade gaming experience. Held the second weekend in August at Parkside Hall in San Jose every year, this an amazing event. I know some of the organizers of this annual show so I might be a little biased. But, if you love pinball, video games and coin-operated fun, mark your calendar for this not to be missed event. Get a weekend pass, or just come for the day. Either way, that's all you pay. Then, enter an arcade like you have never seen before. Now, all of your game play is FREE! That's right. No quarters necessary here. The games belong to private collectors who love to share their passion with the world. So, play nice on these machines, ok! This is obviously a sensory onslaught so be prepared. When you put this many pinball machines and video games in one room and have non-stop action taking place, it's going to be a little loud and noisy. Lights flashing, bells ringing, everything pinging. It can feel like overload! Take a break, get a burger at Peggy Sues across the street and then come back for more! You'll never see all of this in one place except for here. People bring out ancient old pins for you to play, It's just amazing to me these still work! There are also the newest and most in-demand pins and everything in between. You'll find some of the oldest Atari video games like Space Invaders, Frogger and Pac-Man (including the cocktail table versions from the old 70's fern bars! LOL!). But, then you'll also get to see and play the newest in video interactive entertainment, such as Dance Revolution and many, many more. From their website: "California Extreme was born with a desire to share fun coin op games that are in the hands of private collectors, and to hopefully spread the word that pinball machines were once plentiful, and that videogames were not synonymous with "martial arts" and violence. Buy/sell/trade! The show is a great place to bring games you want to sell, and also a good place to add to your collection, or even start it! Not all games will be for sale; many collectors bring games to show (or show off!) that they would never sell. It's two days that celebrate this exceptional entertainment medium, featuring tournaments, speakers, parts vendors, and an opportunity to play games you may have not seen for years." The games here are not the same every year. It's whatever the collectors decide to show, so my list is just representative of the possibilities. Anyway, check it out. I know where I'll be hanging that weekend. read more

California Extreme - photo courtesy California Extreme website - Festivals Near Me - Santa Clara, California

See all

One of biggest retro gaming and pinball exp in Bayarea every summer. Game form 50's to the latest both In pinball and latest arcade games. You got your tempest to , Mario brother to street fighter to DDR. Pinballs from 30's to latest 2014 game like Tron. If you like the feel of a old school arcade and to relives your child hood at the old arcade or to make some new memory with u kids and love ones come join us at cail extreme I been going to this every year this is must do on my list every summer ! read more

See all

Have been coming to this event for a few years now and always have a great time. I'd recommend getting the weekend pass which usually includes a couple of T-shirts which makes it even more fun. The weekend pass also allows you into the venue an hour earlier than the general public. Usually plenty of parking at the convention center unless the Jehovah witness symposium is going on at the same time. read more

California Extreme - 2019 arcade and pinball extreme - Festivals Near Me - Santa Clara, California

You wait in two registration lines before finding they only take cash and PayPal, but, you must pay their commission fee...which I've been never asked to do. The ATM in the hotel's expensive and cannot stock enough cash, so, it was a long walk back to the overflow parking structure, which isn't close. Nobody carries $80, with eveybody using an ATM or credit card in California, even for small purchases. I've never seen such a poorly run event that I simply had to go home. Their webste was discovered later; it says nothing about PayPal and says they take checks, which they said they don't take at the desk. There were so many people when it opened today (at 11:00) I doubt you'd be able to play many of the pinball machines. If you DID scrape together $80 (we had about $45) you're not able to buy anything inside. God help you if you got thirsty. To put this in perspective, I used to have a mentor worth over a billion dollars. He never carried more than about $100 in cash and had a Gulfstream private jet. It gets worse. I've never written a negative Yelp review before. read more

From classic to modern video and pins, you really will have a lot of fun. Good for the kids in the day. Good for the adults in the evening. Nothing like beer and gaming at 1 AM! Oh my aching head! Already looking forward to the gaming hangover from CAX 2013! See you there! read more

This place is awesome!! It does get packed mid day but you can always get on a game and play. Yes cash or paypal but come on who doesnt have paypal now and days. You need to come out and check it out!! read more

Wow! I can't believe that there aren't more reviews for this weekend long gamerfest! Did you grow up playing pinball or dropping quarters into classic arcade games? Maybe you want to show your kids how cool the games that you played were & STILL ARE -- you won't find a better event or opportunity here in Silicon Valley where you can find at least over 400 arcade games and pinball machines of almost all types ranging from unreleased prototypes and obscurely rare collector's games to the latest that the industry has to offer. For aficionados, they have Panel Sessions with noteworthy speakers as well as both arcade and pinball tournaments throughout the weekend (Panic Park has to be the most fun to watch, let alone participate in lol). Vendors selling hard to find memorabilia and collectibles as well as hobby related merchandise are also on site. While you do have to purchase a ticket to get in, all the games are set to "free play" = FREE TO PLAY for everyone to enjoy. ***Just don't be that rude jerk who hogs the game play and won't give anyone else a chance to play. Give someone else a chance if there's a line behind you or if someone has been patiently standing behind you waiting to play (yeah, you -- look over your shoulder when you've finished a round!).*** read more

Pinball is like water to me. If I don't get some at least once a year, I die. Caalifornia Extreme is a Vintage Pin-Video Game Expo and it's likely the best in the US. The games are fun, though every year a bunch make it out and aren't in good condition to keep working after an hour or so of play. There are some pins that come with dead flippers and whatnot. But other than the time that the pitch-and-hit game had batsman problems, I have absolutely enjoyed the hell out of myself everytime I've been (which is 5 or 6 times since 1999) The games aren't all the ones you see left out there today. Yeah, you'll find Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Super Mario Brothers, Pong, Ms. Pac-Man, Defender and Galaga, but you'll also find Rebound, Sinistar, Satan's Hollow, Mappy, Elevator Action, Hat Trick from Sente and more. The selection is fantastic and much of the work I've done on the History of VIdeo Games for the Computer History Museum has been informed by getting to play them at CAExtreme. The pins are classics. Yeah, you'll find Madhouse and my all-time fave, the KISS machines, but you'll find a few modern ones and some great ones from the 1960s and 70s. The early 50s ones that show up are hard for me to play, but I love the fact that they're there. The multi-flipper, loud machines of the late 1970s are my personal faves and they're well-represented. The venue is big and loud and that's not a bad thing per se. I think they're about to out-grow it and should find a new place in the future. Maybe a certain museum with strong ties to the gaming industry? read more

This is one of the best events I've been to in the Bay Area. Tons of pinball machines, retro arcade machines, board games, and other fun games. This past year was at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara. It was an awesome venue that was very well ventilated and very comfortable. The place has a gigantic parking lot and has a few restaurants inside as well. This event is quite popular and I heard people coming from all around the US. They had the then-new Ghostbusters machine for everyone to play and such a wide variety of pinball machines. Of course, lots of Stern machines but also Williams ones, Bally's, Jersey Jack's and more. The Jersey Jack machines had the longest waiting times but they are also more rare. The rest of the floor was pretty well spread out. I really enjoyed playing Ghostbusters (this was the first place around me that had it), Spiderman, Star Trek, and White Water. I'd recommend going when they open if possible since there are less people. There is also a lull around lunch time and a little afterwards. They have a pinball tournament that happens at CAX as well with around 10 machines that you play in turn. Each of the machines have their own high scores so you just try to rack up as many high scores as you can at each machine and that translates to certain points for you. You see a lot of the really great pinball players from all around at this event too. read more

Can't believe I hadn't reviewed this before. Super fun and it's a great annual event here in the Bay Area. If you are into pinball, (or video games) this is the event for you. There's also a PAPA Circuit event pinball tournament which I had to miss last year but come check it out. Lots of rare games and seminars as well on how to play better pinball! read more

This event was amazing! I spent an entire Sunday there. This was my first year attending and I will defiantly return next year. I was thrilled to see the variety of games. They had all kinds of pinball, classic arcade games and tournaments. There were a lot of people in attendance but my friends and I never had trouble finding an open game - even for the more popular ones. This was family friendly and exciting for all ages of game playing age. Thanks to all who brought your cabinets to the event! read more

I've been told this is better than Disneyland but I'm not so sure. I went with my son and he had a blast but, for me, after the first hour it became so crazy crowded that it was uncomfortable. Also, nowhere to sit. Next year he can go with a friend and we'll get hotel rooms nearby the venue and it'll be better. read more

This place doesn't exist! My friend and I walked around about 5 times trying to look for it. It's not in the Parkside Hall- that's now being used for the Tech. When we got there, it's just the Tech Museum! So... This place has probably been torn down and made into something else. read more

If you are a fan of video games and pinball machines, you should not be missing this once a year event! California Extreme was introduced to me by my husband when we were still dating back in 2009 and boy oh boy it was one helluva place to get videogamegasms! Shooting zombies were not the same! I also played Hyperball here for the very first time and geez I want one for my own! I always look forward to attending this event because it is the only time I get to really physically step out of my world. Terminator, Transformer and even Indiana Jones are always there! Aside from the fact that this is the only place where I can crash a ten-wheeler truck without getting hurt too. Yipee! I rode a bike that flies and pops balloons and do stunts with motorcycles during a race. I get to scream out loud when I want to. What an adrenalin rush! If you have not been to this event yet, you are missing the greatest thing in your video game and pinball life!!!!! See you next time... read more

See all

SO MUCH FUN!!!! Went here for the first time this past July. And while I knew there's be a lot of games I didn't realize just how many! I went with my guy and my son. All the games are on free play and there's literally hundreds! I mean hundreds, of pinballs and arcades. Rare games and prototypes. The only complaint I had was this one rude woman who didn't seem to understand the concept of free play. If there are people waiting behind you after you die you move on to the next game or go to the back of the line. My three year old son and I and my guy were behind her and she went like 3 turns even though she knew we were waiting. Finally after the 3 time my guy said something to her about how we were waiting and she snapped about how she paid her admission and she'd play as long as she liked and the kid could wait. After about 5 more times she looked at him and made a snide remark about how she was finally done. Other than that rude woman we had a wonderful time. Bring the family! There's nothing else like it! read more

See all

I look forward to it every year. I've been involved in arcade games for 20 years and I still see things I've never heard of each year. It's run by a great group of true believers. The games are great, the talks are great, the movies are often great and most of all the people you meet are great. RECOMMENDED! read more

Love it. Seriously if you've never been you need to go. You will see games you've never encountered before. There are lots of rare and prototype games, new games just coming to market, etc. an amazing show. Ticket price seems a bit spendy at first but when you consider the access to 500-600 games all on free play you'll get it. It's insane. Believe me, you'll get your money's worth. Open 11am-2am Saturday and 11am-9pm Friday. Stay in the Hyatt where the show is if possible. Just makes it easier. Oh and great America is across the street so if you come a day early you can hit the park too. read more

Overpriced. Overcrowded. Bait & Switch. I came to California Extreme with only one expectation, to play pinball. I came in the morning for four hours. I managed to play for about 10 minutes. I came back at night hoping to play pinball. It was even more crowded then, at midnight. from their website "There are *HUNDREDS* of games, all set to play for free" This is almost true, if by *HUNDREDS* of games they meant about 200, most of which were arcade games and *NOT* pinball games. If you do see one that isnt occupied chances are its because it isnt working or is so old and boring that noone would actually want to play it for more than a few seconds. one of the goals of the convention from their website was "to hopefully spread the word that pinball machines were once plentiful, and that videogames were not synonymous with "martial arts" and violence" This is quite a confusing claim when their show tshirt has nothing to do with pinball and actually features a pair of boxing gloves as a logo. And the vendors? For some reason they spent more time being closed than being open. Seems like a waste for a two day event. The security guards? For some reason they kept trying to hunt me down and demand to see my pass. Which I was wearing along with the aforementioned tshirt. Very rude. The one redeeming experience i had the whole weekend was the "Panic Park" tournament held outside. Though it had nothing to do with pinball this event was hosted by an awesome group of people, cost only $3, and was a one-of-kind experience drenched in good times. Five Stars for them!!!!! Too bad the rest of the show didnt meet the same quality. If your idea of a fun pinball experience is to stand around staring at arcade machines and not get a chance to play much pinball than this is the convention for you. Otherwise id highly recommend checking out your local bars for a wayward old machine. Theyre still out there. Skip the $60 entry fee and borderline-false claims of "play all day" get a roll of quarters and enjoy yourself the way pinball was meant to be played. read more

California Extreme is an unique annual event in the Bay Area that is a welcome change from the standard entertainment fare in the area. I've attended from out of town for the past 5 years and always have had a blast meeting new people and playing awesome games that you can't find on your XBox, iPhone, or anywhere else. Lines can form at more popular games during peak hours, but it is a great opportunity to make friends and play multiplayer games, especially on pinball machines. I have met dozens of folks I keep in touch with at this expo. Also, check out the pinball tournament! They have novice divisions so you won't get stomped by the professional players. It's a lot more fun to grab a room so you can enjoy some adult beverages while playing games and hanging out with your new friends. The remarkable thing about this event is that it is fun for singles, families, and anyone else with a pulse. read more

We paid $60 for tickets, and maybe got to play $5.00 worth of games. Too crowded and not enough machines. They should consider either selling less tickets or switching back to quarters (which I'm sure they'd never consider). Honestly, who wants to wait to play a game for 30 minutes + so that you can play for maybe 5 minutes + and then go right back in that line or another to wait for 30+ more minutes? Even worse, you're packed in like a sardine with people beside you and behind you. Try playing well when you can barely move and some jerk is breathing down your neck, while someone else's girlfriend insists of standing next to their guy even though there isn't any room -- the machines were placed way to close to one another -- Worse, people were not following etiquette; you're supposed to play one game and then let the person behind you go. We stood behind a couple that played 3 games in a row. Machines were breaking down left & right. They tried to keep up with them -- I mean, I saw people working on the machines, but they were too overwhelmed, resulting in many machines sitting dormant or dead. I also saw a lot of children just wailing on machines -- whether they were functioning or not. Really -- parents need to watch their kids because they could be causing serious damage. Like another reviewer said -- you're better off going to the local dive bar or pizza parlor to feed your quarters into whatever sad machine they have. I was so excited about this event because I love pinball -- I really, really wanted to have fun. I'm just so disapointed because CA Extreme had all these really awesome, incredible machines, and the most I got to do was look at them. read more

Pay a cover to play all the video games and pinball machines you can..... It seems to get more popular each passing year. A big "THANKS!!" to all the people that bring in their machines!!! read more

I have been coming to this convention since 2002 when it was still smaller and in San Jose. Every year it gets bigger and more people attend. This year was the worst. There are so many people here that it is hard to even be in the main hall. The isles between the games are almost un-walkable. I am hoping next year more connecting space is rented so that the hall can be bigger and the games can be spaced better so that they are playable even with people waiting 5 people deep to play them. Better yet a bigger venue with better onsite amenities would be nice. The Hyatt staff also seems to "forget" year to year how crowded it gets so they never staff appropriately. We couldn't even find someplace to sit and eat from 12pm to 6pm this year. We ended up having to go offsite and forage. I love this show and will continue to attend every year but more and more I find myself not enjoying the Saturday because there are too many people for this venue. read more

California Extreme is awesome. It is held once a year, during a weekend in July, in Santa Clara. It is an arcade convention expo. Admission gets one in for either day or combination and unlimited games at no charge after that. It is like being transported back to an arcade of the 1980s, 1990s, and current all at the same time. I go with a few friends from the San Diego area about every other year snd wish it was every year. 2015, will be there and look forward to it. read more