Game on: Pixel Paradise levels up Bayfield Mall

Clinking tokens, flashing lights and a healthy dose of nostalgia have all arrived at the Bayfield Mall.

Pixel Paradise Arcade officially opened this summer, bringing more than 100 arcade, pinball and other games to the shopping centre.

The family-run business is the second location for co-owner Devon Cochrane, who has operated the original Pixel Paradise Arcade in Angus for more than six years.

For Cochrane, opening in Barrie felt like a homecoming.

“I was born and mostly raised in Barrie,” he said.

“As a kid, we were always at the Bayfield Mall. I remember having birthday parties at Bowlerama and watching new releases at the Bayfield 7 Cinemas right up until it was closed. The Bayfield Mall just seemed like the right spot, plus there isn’t much in the way of indoor entertainment in the north end of town.”

The project was nearly a year in the making. Cochrane said paperwork was completed in the spring of 2025, but construction delays and logistical challenges pushed back the opening.

“One day in May we were bringing in the last truckload of games from our Angus location, only to find out that the entire loading dock we had been using was demolished without notice,” he said.

Fortunately, the delays allowed a shipment of arcade machines from overseas to arrive before the doors opened.

Pixel Paradise features everything from vintage arcade video games and pinball machines to modern games that can appeal to players of all ages.

Cochrane said visitors have embraced the nostalgic experience, especially the old-school way they pay.

“The community response has been extremely positive,” he said.

“People seem to love that we use actual tokens and tickets over a more modern card swipe system. Plus, most people seem happy to see something different as we try to blend a mix of new and old games.”

Cochrane said the business remains a true family operation, with his wife, Maeve, helping to oversee daily operations while other family members pitch in behind the scenes.

“We aren’t a large corporate entity – we’re people you can run into at the grocery store and chat with,” he said. “We care about the games and the customers playing them.”

He said the arcade’s mission is simple.

“Whether it’s your first time, or your 10th time, our goal is to make sure everyone who comes to the arcade has fun.”