Our latest Trading Card Spotlight features Michael Lepsch from Arcade 92, showcased on card number 4706 from the Superstars of 2025. Michael operates arcades in Flower Mound and McKinney, Texas, where he combines his passion for arcade and pinball games with nostalgic retro consoles from his childhood. Get ready for an insightful interview in the next issue of Old School Gamer Magazine!
Are you originally from Texas?
I’m actually a Yankee, having been born in New York and spending some time in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My first encounter with video games was at eight years old in Tulsa. Although I’m not originally from Texas, I’ve lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for more than two-thirds of my life.
When did you decide to open an arcade, and why these locations?
It’s funny—I decided to open an arcade in 2018. While rummaging through my parents’ attic, I found a drawing from when I was in third grade, declaring my dream to open a video game store with a thousand dollars. I guess the idea has been with me since childhood!
I chose the McKinney location for its vibrant community, perfect for events. Historic downtown hosts numerous events nearly every weekend, making it an ideal choice. With Flower Mound being only six minutes from DFW Airport, it’s also a great community hub, hosting seasonal music series and holiday events.
Do you own both locations, and which one opened first?
We opened the McKinney arcade at the end of 2019, specifically on November 29th, the anniversary of Pong. I aimed for that date! Unfortunately, due to city inspections, our Flower Mound location opened a week later, on December 4, 2023.
How was the reception at your openings?
The McKinney opening was fantastic; it felt like a retirement job. I had a good feeling about it, and on opening day, after a significant investment in construction, I felt reassured when we were packed that weekend. The Flower Mound opening was more confident—I felt like I knew what I was doing this time. Both locations have exceeded my expectations, and I’m enjoying running the second location too!
How did Covid-19 impact your first location, and what did you do during the shutdown?
It was challenging. We were open for about three months before having to shut down. I had some business partners, and after running my own small business for 20 years, I learned the importance of having operating capital. With the pandemic, it became vital. Many businesses face closure in their first two years; I had fortunately set aside funds to navigate through the pandemic. Frustratingly, arcades were often left out of reopening permissions, even though we’re much like other venues.
What are your favorite arcade games?
My favorites are Super Mario Bros., which I encountered as a kid in Tulsa, and Mortal Kombat 3 from my teenage years—it never gets old! Today, I also enjoy playing strategy games like Civilization and co-op games like Marvel Rivals and Fortnite with the kids.
How important is machine maintenance, and how do you manage repairs?
Initially, I handled repairs, but I now have four technicians. I taught myself through online resources. However, it’s a challenge; sometimes I need to sacrifice one game to repair another due to limited parts. Our Flower Mound location has only CRT games, while McKinney has mostly modern setups, which tend to be more sensitive to repairs.
How do you keep Arcade 92 fresh with game selection?
We rotate three games each month, swapping between our two locations to keep things exciting. With around 120 games in Flower Mound and 100 in McKinney, plus about 30 stored, we try to minimize active projects but keep our offerings fresh.
What’s your favorite handheld system?
I have a soft spot for the Atari Lynx. Despite its limited game library, it was a fun handheld that was unfortunately overshadowed by Nintendo’s marketing.
Who’s your favorite video game character?
It’s tough, but I’d say Sonic the Hedgehog stands out for breaking through the Nintendo dominance. For Mortal Kombat, it’s a tie between Sub-Zero and Kabal—my go-to for unexpected wins!
What’s the most popular game in your arcade?
Modern games are tracked by counters, and Halo Fire Team Raven usually tops our charts, closely followed by the Jurassic Park machine. For pinball, it’s a tie between Star Wars and Stranger Things—recognition plays a big role in their popularity!
Do you see yourself expanding and opening more arcades?
Possibly! Running these arcades is a fun, retirement-style job for me. I started with just collecting consoles and arcade games and eventually expanded to running locations. While I may open more if it makes sense, I’m also content with where I am now.
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Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
