Modern Day Arcade Opens in Annapolis Mall

Most arcades went the way of the dodo years ago with the rise in popularity of home consoles like XBox and PlayStation.

But Cesar Diaz is taking a gamble with a fresh concept that he hopes will bring games back to the mall. Diaz is the owner of Press Play, a new store at the Annapolis Mall that allows video game players to try out a game on major consoles before having to pay the average $60 cost.

He also hopes the store will encourage gamers to try playing together, in person, rather than isolated on the Internet.

"I wanted to make it a modern-day arcade," Diaz said. "There are so many new titles coming out these days, you can't get them all. This gives gamers a way to test drive those games."

When you walk into Press Play, large HDTVs line the walls, all readily equipped to play either PlayStation 3, XBox 360 or Wii games. Diaz said when newer consoles come out later this year, he'll have them in the shop as well.

Moms need not worry about their children playing games that aren't age-appropriate. Violent games that are rated mature are only played in the back of the store, Diaz said.

Press Play charges $8.99 per hour, per station, and up to four people can play at a station. No games are sold at the store.

For more information on the business, visit its website, its Facebook page or its Twitter feed.

Be sure to check the video showing off the new store while Diaz explains what Press Play is all about.