GameCenter CX

[Spike]

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.

 

[VampireLord1024]

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.