HI-SCORE

About the museum

HI-SCORE is run by the volunteers behind Pixelpokal, a gaming event held in the Hannover region since 2016. In 2023 they founded the nonprofit association Gaming in Niedersachsen, which has operated the museum ever since; many of the exhibits are on long-term loan from members.

HI-SCORE opened on June 1, 2023, as part of the city's "aufhof" interim-use project in the vacant Kaufhof department store building downtown. Originally planned as a one-year trial, the interactive exhibition drew such large crowds that the project was extended and a permanent location was sought.

The move to the new premises in the Südstadt was delayed because the building's construction files could not be found. Since February 2025 the museum has been open there on a regular basis. Across more than 1,000 square meters, a tour organized by decade leads through the history of video games, from the Magnavox Odyssey to the current console generation. All games are played on original hardware without emulation, and the arcade machines have been converted to free play. HI-SCORE is registered as a museum (ISIL) and is a member of the Museumsverband Niedersachsen und Bremen.

Highlights

• More than 100 playable original arcade machines, all set to free play
• Over 200 consoles from 1972 to the present, more than 60 of them playable
• Classics such as Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Donkey Kong
• Rhythm games from Japan and large SEGA deluxe cabinets
• Recreated teenager's bedroom from the 1990s
• Event stage for tournaments and concerts

Permanent exhibitions

• Konsolen-Zeitreise von 1972 bis heute – A tour through console history organized by decade, with information panels and numerous play stations, from the Atari 2600 to the Nintendo Switch 2.
• Arcade-Kultur – More than 100 original arcade machines from the late 1970s to today, including large racing cabinets, pinball machines, and rhythm games from Japan that are rare in Europe.

Founded

2023

Operated by

Gaming in Niedersachsen e.V.

Admission & discounts

Price applies per 4-hour slot, payable on site. A free one-day membership in the association Gaming in Niedersachsen e.V. is required for the visit. Gift vouchers available on site.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Assistance dogs allowed, other animals not. No information on accessibility on the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children under 14 are welcome when accompanied, with one adult supervisor for every three children at most; from age 14 you may visit without an accompanying adult, evening slots only from age 18. A birthday table for a group of 6 or more can be booked per slot; you may bring cake or muffins.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi: not available

Drinks at the bar; outside drinks and hot food are not allowed, cold food you bring yourself is permitted in the bar area. Bags and jackets must go in the self-service coat check or lockers.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 199 guests.

Exclusive rental of the approx. 1,000 m² space for corporate and team events as well as larger private parties, with bar, stage, and technical services; quotes on request by email. Capacity: max. 199 people including staff.

Plan your visit