Game room games at home have given me thousands of hours of fun since childhood.
Darts, ping-pong, foosball, air hockey are my go-to’s.
Among my friends and family, they knew I was the game room king.
They all wanted me on their team in any of these games because they knew they’d win.
Beating me gave them a reason to celebrate because it was a big deal.
And whoever played against me instantly earned a fan club as everyone always rooted against me.
Game room games are a big deal to me, and I can get a little picky about what I consider a quality table tennis table or foosball table.
The home game room table or board you ultimately choose will depend on a few factors which I will cover in this post in each section.
However, if you want something that lasts, high-quality should matter to you and NOT all game room games are equal in that department.
*Read my recommendations on what to consider before choosing your game room games tables and boards.
Then choose the one (or ones) that will get the most use and enjoyment for both parties and get-togethers, and when it’s just for you and the family as some of these take up a lot of space.
"NOT all game room games tables and boards are created the same. CHOOSE WISELY."
[Affiliate Disclaimer] Purchase made through links on this post earn me a commission that help me run this site. Products were hand-picked for your satisfaction].
Home Game Room Games...
...that Make Every One Want to Come to Your Place...
Top Game Room Ideas | Photo Credit- Pinterest
1. Air Hockey Table
Here’s the game where I bust my opponent’s knuckles. (ha, ha, maybe I shouldn’t be proud of that).
My forehand slams send the plastic puck flying off the table (innocent passers-by consider yourselves warned).
The reason you might consider an air hockey table as the right choice of game room games is that anyone can play this- right away, with no skill level.
Some Things to Consider about Air Hockey Tables as Your Home Game Room Games Choice
- Room Space: full-sized air hockey table measures 90 inches long by 50 inches wide (essentially a 7-foot table). You want at least 3 to 4 feet on the ends and on one side to feel comfortable.
Unless small kids plan to play, get a full-sized table; otherwise, the goals will be too close together and thus the puck will ricochet back in your face before you can react or will go flying off the table practically every time. This becomes very boring, quickly.
- Outlet: you must place your air hockey table close enough to an outlet to plug it in so that it powers the digital scoreboards and blows air through the tiny holes on the table surface to allow the hockey to slide easily. (No air, no game of “air” hockey).
- Weight: heavier tables are sturdier, which makes for a more enjoyable game. But you will also need help to move it up and downstairs as a high-quality air hockey table can exceed 200 pounds in total weight.
- Shipping: first, the price. Amazon Prime helps alleviate that cost.
- Leg Sturdiness: Read the reviews. The sturdier, the less the table moves as you inadvertently push it.
- Scoreboard Style: Some are digital, others just plastic beads or rings that you slide over after each goal. The digital ones can be small ones on the end or on one side of the table or rise above the table attaching to both sides. I prefer the small ones on the side, they don’t get in the way.
- Side Boards: Not all of them include them,. They could provide some protection from breaking items in your room from a sailing puck.
- Lights: some light up all around the bumper of the table, others just in the goals, and some not at all.
- Customer Service: electronics are involved for the air motor and digital scoreboard, not to mention, pieces of plywood and plastic parts that can break in transit. Read reviews for customer service for each air hockey table.
- Price: good quality air hockey tables can get pricey, but I wouldn’t recommend skipping on quality.
My Best Overall- Air Hockey Table Pick
Hathaway Stratosphere- 7.5 ft. Air Hockey Table
4.8 out of 5 Stars | 3 Amazon Ratings (at time of writing)
Before supplies run out...
Value 8 Ft. Regulation Air Hockey Table Pick
[Click Here] to view value pick info and current price
2. Foosball Table
Whichever cousin or uncle became my teammate they could take the game off and we’d still win. It didn’t matter if I played goalie or attacker.
While everyone else had to spin their players, my quick and precise wrist-snap hits pounded the ball so fast and hard into the goal you couldn’t see the ball- only hear it bounce up and down inside.
Here again, quality matters for foosball tables. They will take a beating as you slam the poles against the frame as you play. Above all the quality plastic of the foosball figures matter. They WILL break no matter what- get extras.
Plus, the material of the inner walls matter, as the ball will ricochet differently based on what the table is made of. You do NOT want it to ricochet too fast or you lose all the challenge of learning how to play with skill and thus the game becomes a matter of luck.
Some Things to Consider about Foosball Tables as Your Home Game Room Games Choice
- Space: You won’t need as much space to place a foosball table as you would for a ping-pong table or pool table, but you still need to consider it.
The standard foosball table measures 30 inches wide by 60 (2.5 feet wide by 5 feet long) inches long and you must factor in the space around the table in order to play comfortably.
- Quality of Foosball Figures: they will break. Read the reviews to make sure they don’t break too often.
- Buy Extra Foosball Figures: since they will break, you should always have extras on hand.
- Buy Extra Balls: they will get scuffed up over time
- Stability and Sturdiness: get a foosball table with strong legs and feet and stable cross-brace construction.
- Weight: you will need help to move it up and down stairs. The heavier the better so that it doesn’t scratch up your floor or ruin your carpet.
- Chrome-Plated Steel Poles: you want poles that move easily (even though they will get sticky after lots of use regardless)
- High-Density MDF Side Panels: you don’t want the side panels to chip and fall off
- Oil to Lubricate Poles: they get sticky and rough to move after a while. You can just use cooking oil.
- Rubber Handles: this is a preference, but rubber handles make it easier to flip the foosball men.
My Best Overall- Foosball Table Pick
Rally and Roar- Foosball Table Game – 56” Standard Size
4.3 out of 5 Stars | 141 Amazon Ratings (at time of writing)
(Ranked #6 in Foosball Tables)
Before supplies run out...
My Value Foosball Table Pick
[Click Here] to view value pick info and current price
3. Table Tennis Table
Here is my favorite of all game room games because of the speed, action, and skill level required to play well.
Table tennis is not a game you can just pick up a paddle and play.
It takes time to learn how to play skillfully.
As a beginner, you could play and still have fun with foosball, air hockey, and many of the other game room games listed in this post, but not with ping-pong.
But once you become skilled enough to hit the ball back-and-forth on your opponent’s side, you will get addicted.
It can get as intense as a regular tennis match.
One thing to consider when choosing a ping-pong table, do NOT get an all-in-one table that can work as a pool table or other games (unless you have small kids). The ping-pong play just won’t be as fun because the surface won’t stay stable and the net most likely won’t be sturdy enough either.
Some Things to Consider about Ping-Pong Tables as Your Home Game Room Games Choice
- Space: ping-pong tables are big. The standard size table measures 5 feet wide by 9 feet long. And you need a lot of space all around to comfortably play, not to mention high enough ceilings if you place it anywhere other than a pool deck or garage.
- Single-player Playback Mode: most tables can fold up on one side so that you can practice by yourself and improve your skills.
- High-Quality Playing Surface: Read the reviews. Not all playing surfaces are built the same which means the ball will bounce differently. You want a good crisp bounce so that the ball travels and makes for more fun play, not a deading-bounce where you have to play closer to the table.
- Even Playing Surface: tables fold in half which means the center gap can create an uneven surface.
- Sturdy Net: you want the net to stay in place and not slouch over.
- Stable Latch Construction: you don’t want the table to sudden fold in as you play or if you accidentally lean on it.
- Extra Balls: you need lots of extras, they will break.
- Tournament Level Balls and Paddles: unless you want paddle surfaces that crumble and fall apart or balls they easily crack, just get high-quality equipment
My Best Overall- Ping-Pong Table Pick
JOOLA- Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table
4.6 out of 5 Stars | 4,934 Amazon Ratings (at time of writing)
(Ranked #4 in Table Tennis Tables)
Before supplies run out...
My Value Table Tennis Table Pick
(Ranked #16 in Table Tennis Tables)
[Click Here] to view value pick info and current price
4. Shuffleboard Table
I admit that I haven’t played this one too much, but my apartment’s cybercafe has one.
Anyone can play, not a lot of skill level is required to at least have fun, but don’t underestimate how challenging it can get to do well.
What I like about this game is that you take turns (like darts). This gives you the challenge of trying to outdo your opponent after each turn.
I had to do more research on shuffleboard tables in order to make recommendations here.
Some Things to Consider about Shuffleboard Tables as Your Home Game Room Games Choice
- Space: as with most of these game room games, you need space. You can put it up against a wall and you don’t need much on the ends for standing, but they are long- 11 feet long.
- Weight: shuffleboard tables are also heavy. You will need help to move it to your den, rec room, and especially up or down sets of stairs.
- Quality Side Panels: Read the reviews. You don’t want them to chip, fall off, scratch easily, or the color to wear off and lose its shine.
- Sturdy and Stable Legs: the table is heavy, really heavy, they can exceed 400 pounds. Read the reviews make sure the legs don’t bend when running into the table.
- Wood/Laminate Panel Color: shuffleboard tables are quite decorative, like pool tables, choose the color that suits your room best.
- Extra Surface Wax: always have an extra can of surface wax on hand. Without it you cannot play.
- Clean and Silicone Surface: you must maintain a routine of cleaning and wiping a shuffleboard table playing surface with silicone. You will need a shuffleboard brush and right silicone designed specifically for shuffleboard tables.
- Polymer Surface: polymer-finished surfaces are easier to clean than traditional or lacquered wood surfaces.
My Best Overall- Shuffleboard Table Pick
Challenger- Shuffleboard Table with Dark Cherry Finish
4.1 out of 5 Stars | 69 Amazon Ratings (as of time of writing)
Before supplies run out...
My Value Shuffleboard Table Pick
(Ranked #9 in Shuffleboard Tables)
[Click Here] to view value pick info and current price
5. Poker Table
Ok, so here is another game that I don’t play much of.
But many people do.
You can host your own poker night and impress your guests with an actual poker table, instead of the kitchen table.
And if you haven’t yet started your Poker Night with your best buds, then maybe now’s the time, especially with a football playing in the background and each with a glass of whiskey in hand.
The draw of a poker table (or poker tabletop) is the felt playing surface, and the card and chip holders.
Some Things to Consider about Poker Tables as Your Home Game Room Games Choice
- Table or Tabletop: if you have the extra space an actual poker table with legs would feel more authentic, but a tabletop could be more convenient and save space
- Tabletop Case
- Shape: some are oval-shaped (for up to 10 players) or octagon-shaped (for up to 8 players)
- Chip Trays and Cup Holders
- Card Set and Chip Set
- Chip and Card Case with Lock
- Construction Material
- Leg Sturdiness and Stability
- Elbow Padding
My Best Overall- Poker Table Pick
Trademark Poker- Wood Poker and Blackjack Table-Top with Case
4.6 out of 5 Stars | 528 Amazon Ratings (as of time of writing)
Before supplies run out...
6. Retro Cocktail Arcade Machine
If you spent any time in the 80s then you know how cool adding a cocktail arcade machine would be to add to your collection of game room games.
Imagine playing Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Galaxian, Frogger and a slew of other retro video games with your kids or friends.
What makes this arcade game better than the ones I played in arcades and bowling alleys was that this one can play pretty much all of them.
I think one big downside of owning this would be the hours of binge playing while I sip on a cocktail resting next to my hand.
Some Things to Consider about Retro Cocktail Arcade Machines as Your Home Game Room Games Choice
- Space: Not nearly as big as a ping-pong or air hockey table but it still requires a place of its own.
- Weight: you’ll need help moving it to its proper spot since it weighs 150 pounds.
- Check if your favorite games are included
- Durability: read the reviews make sure the side panels are of good quality and that the surface is of commercial-grade tempered glass (you don’t want it to crack easily)
- Warranty
- Customer Service for any repair or general questions (read the reviews)
My Best Overall- Retro Cocktail Arcade Table Pick
AB INC.- Cocktail Arcade Machine - 412 Retro Video Games
4.9 out of 5 Stars | 38 Amazon Ratings (as of time of writing)
Before supplies run out...
7. Electronic Dart Board
Here’s another one of my all-time favorite game room games.
It does take some skill to be any good, but there are dozens of dart games to choose from, and a game like 301 is a lot easier than Cricket.
I’ve had both regular dart boards and electronic.
The electronic one if safer and more fun as you the scoreboard keeps score and offers a variety of dart games.
Darts is a great game for parties as you can play in teams and enjoy talking, drinking, and watching sports games at the same time.
It also does not require much space, but you do need to stand 7 feet 9.25 inches away from the board.
Some Things to Consider about Electronic Dart Board as Your Home Game Room Games Choice
- Space: you need a spot on the wall that allows for you to stand 7 feet 9.25 inches away for the regulation distance to play
- Cabinet: I highly recommend getting one with a cabinet so you can store the darts and tips. Plus, it protects the wall around the board from getting hit.
- Extra Tips, Wings: the tips will bend and eventually break, the wings could bend too
- Dart Style: use the ones that come included first if you haven’t played much before you choose which kinds of darts you prefer to throw
- Outlet: make sure you hang it up close enough to plug it in
- Precision-Thin Dart Dividers: read the reviews, you don’t want your darts to bounce out too often
- Quality of Included Dart Set: some darts are much easier to throw and stick in the board without bouncing out
My Best Overall- Electronic Dart Board Pick
4.3 out of 5 Stars | 281 Amazon Ratings (at time of writing)
Before supplies run out...
My Value Electronic Dart Board Pick (cabinet not included)
[Click Here] to view value pick info and current price
8. Cornhole Boards Set
Yes, this is more for outdoors, but if you have enough space in your basement (you can also play in your garage), then you can play indoors during the winter while you watch football.
Or if the weather permits take the game outside during halftime.
Of course, indoors, you’re not likely to have enough space to place the two boards at the regulation distance of 27 feet apart (front-to-front), but you can make it work bringing them closer (or just use one board).
This is another one of the game room games that any age, and any skill level will enjoy.
Play in teams, one-on-one, or even practice on your own.
Some Things to Consider about Cornhole Boards as Your Home Game Room Games Choice
- Wood or Collapsible: the collapsible ones would be easier to put away, but the bean bags may not slide as easily
- Extra Bags: in case one pops open (allow you could probably sew it shut)
- Quality of Bean Bags: they need to weigh enough for easier tossing and also not slide right off the board (consider getting a separate set if you read bad reviews about the included set of bags)
My Best Overall- Cornhole Boards Set Pick
GoSports- Solid Wood Premium Cornhole Set
4.7 out of 5 Stars | 3,459 Amazon Ratings (as of time of writing)
(Ranked #4 in Cornhole Boards)
Before supplies run out...
9. Roll and Score Skee Ball
Get skee ball and feel like you’re at Dave and Buster’s or Chucky Cheese.
It doesn’t get any cooler for game room games than this one.
Great for all ages and definitely be the talk of the neighborhood if you have the space to place it.
Some Things to Consider about Roll and Score Skee Ball as Your Home Game Room Games Choice
- Sturdiness and Stability: it’s got to be made of solid wood or it will fall apart as the skee balls put a beating on the alley. You also do not want it to push easily across the floor as you play. The legs must be sturdy as fell (read reviews)
- Space: they are 10 feet long
- Acrylic Cover: to prevent balls from flying off table
- Customer Service: reliable and helpful customer service in case you need to replace scoreboard parts, new score rings, or new skee balls (if they get scuffed up)
- Warranty
My Best Overall- Roll and Score Game Pick
BARRINGTON- 10' Roll and Score Game Set
4.6. out of 5 Stars | 60 Amazon Ratings (at time of writing)
Before supplies run out...
10. Arcade Basketball Game
I can think of very few arcade games that are more addictive than this one.
If you have space then arcade basketball is great for kids and adults alike.
Challenge your kids or friends to a game while you play side-by-side.
Do not expect it to be as good of quality as the ones you see at Dave and Buster’s or Chucky Cheese (game rooms here in the US), but all the ones I’ve seen get great reviews.
And I watched some of the customer videos uploaded to Amazon and they seemed to stay in place well as the customers played on them.
Some Things to Consider about Arcade Basketball as Your Home Game Room Games Choice
- Sturdiness and Stability: the steel tubing for the legs and brace must stay in place and not give way when playing
- Space: they can measure up to about 8 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet wide (depending on the model- check for dimensions)
- Sturdy, Metal Rims: if they don’t stay in place as you shoot it won’t be any fun to play
- Sturdy Backboard: sturdy rims need a sturdy backboard to prevent the rims from ripping away
- Electronic Scoreboard
- Multiple Games/ Game Modes: more options provides more challenges
- Outlet: it’s got to be located close enough to an outlet to plug in for the scoreboard to work
- Talking Scoreboard: just makes it more fun and feels like the arcade
- Foldable Design: to put away when not in use
- Easy Set-Up
- Easy to Assemble
- Customer Service: reliable and helpful customer service in case you need to service your game or want to order new mini basketballs designed for your game
- Warranty
My Best Overall- Arcade Basketball Pick
Pop-A-Shot Official- Home Dual Shot Arcade Basketball Game
4.6 out of 5 Stars | 1,512 Amazon Ratings (at time of writing)
Before supplies run out...
