GameCenter CX

[Spike's iconSpike]

For those who don’t know, GameCenter CX is a Japanese TV show that’s been running since 2003, and it’s pretty much a must-watch for anyone who loves retro games. The show stars comedian Shinya Arino, who takes on the role of "Kachō" (Chief) of the fictional GameCenter CX company. His main task? To play and (hopefully) beat some of the hardest and most iconic games from the '80s and '90s.

The charm of the show is how relatable Arino is. He’s not some pro gamer blowing through levels with ease. He struggles, makes mistakes, and often gets stuck, just like we all did back in the day. Watching him grind through titles like Super Mario Bros., Mega Man, and Castlevania is like reliving those moments when we were kids trying to figure out how to beat these brutally difficult games.

It’s not just about the gameplay, though. The show also takes a deep dive into retro gaming culture. Arino goes on field trips to old arcades, checks out vintage game shops, and even interviews game developers from back in the day. It’s a real nostalgia trip for anyone who grew up during the golden age of gaming.

Episodes often run long, but there’s something really satisfying about watching Arino inch closer to victory after countless failed attempts. If you love retro games or just want to see someone fight through the same tough challenges you did as a kid, GameCenter CX is worth checking out.

Also, there are English fan subs out there, so don’t let the language barrier stop you!

 

[Kudzu]

GameCenter CX is so good. I haven't watched too many episodes but my favorite moment has to be in the Ninja Gaiden NES episode where he has some guy stand in front of the window to block the sunlight. The guy just stands there embracing the blinding light directly to the face so Arino can progress. Truly a hero.

 

[Sayo]

I absolutely fell in love with this show many years ago after I first saw this picture and wondered where it came from

I definitely prefer the earlier seasons where they stuck closer to vintage Japanese titles and there was less branching out but I still watch it from time to time. I don't know if I have a favorite episode but there's a few I really enjoyed like the Densha de Go! stuff.

 

[VampireLord1024VampireLord1024's icon]

I actually haven't heard of this show before.

 

[MajesticSiN]

I am a huge fan of this show and have been watching for over 10 years now.
I always try to keep with with new subs when I can

 

[Kacho]

I love GCCX! My favorite memory of the show was when I watched his birthday special when he played Pilotwings SNES live. You could send him fax to cheer him on, and I could see that they received my fax and even put it on the wall. It was such a small but fun thing for me.

My favorite episodes are probably when he play simulations or puzzle games. The Tokimeki memorial episode is easily a top 10 episode.

 

[Sayo]

I love GCCX! My favorite memory of the show was when I watched his birthday special when he played Pilotwings SNES live. You could send him fax to cheer him on, and I could see that they received my fax and even put it on the wall. It was such a small but fun thing for me.

My favorite episodes are probably when he play simulations or puzzle games. The Tokimeki memorial episode is easily a top 10 episode.

I can tell you really love the show but I can't quite place my finger as to why...

 

[dejiko]

i never seen this show but i do remember another japanese retro gaming show, i forget what it was called but i used to download episodes on my ps3 iirc?

def gonna check this out! i love japanese comedy and am a huge fan of gaki no tsukai :3

 

[spectresfrommercury]

Yeah there was even a couple of games based off the series and not too long ago a switch remaster of said ds games based on it.

 

[Ikagura]

I remember when I was way younger and I watched it without subtitles but still managed to appreciate it because of how relatable his reactions were. I'll never forget that legendary Transformers episode.

I also enjoyed the first DS game but couldn't get far.

PS: I also prefer when he played typical japanese games.

 

[Karashe]

I have no idea where to find these anymore, but I always enjoyed the epic commentary! Had some tough games on there like Street Fighter: 2010.

 

[Holic]

I am a fan of this show since 2007, i used to download the raw episodes in japanese, and before watch it, i play the challenge game and trying to beat it, and then watch the episode to see how it goes for him. I recommend the watching until around season 14, that still really funny, and the challenges are more authentic, after this the challenges became more scripted.

 

[Zeph]

Pretty fun show, just discovered it last year and have been binge-watching quite a lot of them. Somehow my favorite episodes are the ones when Arino plays a horror game.

 

[Ikagura]

I don't want to incite piracy but I found a way to see the earlier seasons back.

 

[MrFabulous]

I haven't seen GCCX since they chased it off YouTube when that DVD boxset came out. My understanding is that it took out most of the non-game segments and some episodes are heavily altered as a result. It's like the soul is missing so it's hard to recommend the show to somebody if they're only going to watch the official release.

 

[Egg (McMuffin) Man]

I'm glad I searched before making a thread, glad to see other people here are fans of the show.

I've been watching for a long time now. I went to the event at Saitama Super Arena during the anniversary and it was so much fun. I hadn't been watching the current season so I have finally been catching up on it this week, I'm also finishing up the Switch game (I'm doing the challenges for Guardia Quest Saga right now).

 

[Gamma]

Game Center CX rules. The clock tower episode is my favorite.

 

[CaptainToad]

We should have a post or thread for every new episode that gets translated. Last one, as far as I know, was the Journey To Silius/Rough World episode, which was good. I gotta' beat that game some day, the lack of continues suck although that extra lives cheat would probably make it do-able for me.

Also, my favourite segments are when he goes to the arcades/game shop/toy stores or the travel specials.

 

[trickybus]

Will definitely take a look; I love any media that deep-dives into old and obscure games. Thanks for the rec!

 

[Skeetos]

This looks awesome.

 

[Egg (McMuffin) Man]

If anyone is new to the show, the best resource to check for English speaking fans is the pastebin that's regularly updated. Lots of useful info there.

GCCXGeneral's Pastebin - Pastebin.com

Pastebin.com is the number one paste tool since 2002. Pastebin is a website where you can store text online for a set period of time.

pastebin.com

cc @trickybus @Skeetos

 

[Prism_Red]

I didn't know they still translate this, I watch it along with Tokyo Encounter regularly up until 2018 or something. Time to catch up.

 

[bjork]

It's a show I always lose track of and then come back and watch a few here and there, but if there were a show I'd love to sit down and watch in order, this is it. Such a good concept and the people are all pretty cool.

 

[DG!]

Lovely show to catch every now and again lol. Its cool seeing them tackle Dreamcast games nowadays!

 

[Ikagura]

Why are Japanese "angry reviewers" (I mean bad game testers) have a much better way of handling it?

I mean they still keep their composure.

Also I liked the side stuff like when they see rare games in specialised stores or arcades.

This made the show not just yet another game testing but a fully fledged love letter to video game.