Seattle's renowned Gamecenter arcade is facing a significant loss after a large-scale theft resulted in over $25,000 worth of arcade machines, PCBs, and essential hardware components being stolen.
The incident highlights vulnerabilities in the local arcade and collector community and has sparked a citywide campaign to track down these rare and valuable items. Gamecenter, led by owner Charlie Mosley, has been a cornerstone for retro gaming and arcade enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest.
Last week, the Seattle-based arcade was rocked by the theft when Mosley discovered that the facility's 26-foot box truck—containing invaluable equipment for the arcade's operations—had vanished overnight.
Among the items inside were two fully operational arcade cabinets, a range of printed circuit boards (PCBs), specialized arcade tools, and rare artwork. Mosley provided a statement on social media, explaining, "Our truck, which held a significant inventory of PCBs, arcade cabinets, tools, and other vital assets, was stolen in the early hours of Wednesday.
While the truck was eventually recovered thanks to vigilant community outreach and social media alerts, nearly everything inside had been removed, leaving us devastated." Notably, Christa Lee—a video producer for Action Button and fleet manager for Gamecenter's events division, 100 Yen Life—has issued a public call for assistance.
Through online posts, Lee urged Seattle-area residents and the broader gaming community to be alert for anyone attempting to sell arcade circuit boards or equipment commonly seen in professional or collector circles.
"If anyone notices a suspicious amount of CPS2, NAOMI, or Neo Geo PCBs, or similar hardware being offered for sale, please reach out to us immediately," Lee emphasized.
She also highlighted that these components are distinctive and of interest mainly to dedicated collectors, making them difficult to sell through regular retail channels. The loss affects the Seattle area's vibrant arcade scene, and the theft underscores the ongoing challenges faced by operators, especially those curating collections of rare titles and hardware—ranging from Nintendo arcade cabinets to other classic systems.
Gamecenter's quick response, paired with the support of communities across platforms like Nintendo Switch and events like Nintendo Direct, demonstrates the importance of collaboration in protecting the legacy of gaming history. Authorities continue to investigate the robbery, and Gamecenter urges anyone with information to come forward.
Meanwhile, the Nintendo and arcade collector communities are mobilizing both online and offline to aid the search and help recover these irreplaceable items.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale about safeguarding gaming heritage—one that resonates well beyond Seattle's city limits.
The incident highlights vulnerabilities in the local arcade and collector community and has sparked a citywide campaign to track down these rare and valuable items. Gamecenter, led by owner Charlie Mosley, has been a cornerstone for retro gaming and arcade enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest.
Last week, the Seattle-based arcade was rocked by the theft when Mosley discovered that the facility's 26-foot box truck—containing invaluable equipment for the arcade's operations—had vanished overnight.
Among the items inside were two fully operational arcade cabinets, a range of printed circuit boards (PCBs), specialized arcade tools, and rare artwork. Mosley provided a statement on social media, explaining, "Our truck, which held a significant inventory of PCBs, arcade cabinets, tools, and other vital assets, was stolen in the early hours of Wednesday.
While the truck was eventually recovered thanks to vigilant community outreach and social media alerts, nearly everything inside had been removed, leaving us devastated." Notably, Christa Lee—a video producer for Action Button and fleet manager for Gamecenter's events division, 100 Yen Life—has issued a public call for assistance.
Through online posts, Lee urged Seattle-area residents and the broader gaming community to be alert for anyone attempting to sell arcade circuit boards or equipment commonly seen in professional or collector circles.
"If anyone notices a suspicious amount of CPS2, NAOMI, or Neo Geo PCBs, or similar hardware being offered for sale, please reach out to us immediately," Lee emphasized.
She also highlighted that these components are distinctive and of interest mainly to dedicated collectors, making them difficult to sell through regular retail channels. The loss affects the Seattle area's vibrant arcade scene, and the theft underscores the ongoing challenges faced by operators, especially those curating collections of rare titles and hardware—ranging from Nintendo arcade cabinets to other classic systems.
Gamecenter's quick response, paired with the support of communities across platforms like Nintendo Switch and events like Nintendo Direct, demonstrates the importance of collaboration in protecting the legacy of gaming history. Authorities continue to investigate the robbery, and Gamecenter urges anyone with information to come forward.
Meanwhile, the Nintendo and arcade collector communities are mobilizing both online and offline to aid the search and help recover these irreplaceable items.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale about safeguarding gaming heritage—one that resonates well beyond Seattle's city limits.
