If you’ve got gamers in the family, you need to add Power Up at the Science Museum in London to your list immediately. This interactive gaming experience features more than 160 consoles spanning five decades of gaming history, from retro classics right through to modern PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 games.
Located inside the Science Museum in South Kensington, Power Up is designed for families, teens, casual gamers and hardcore gaming fans alike. Whether you grew up playing Nintendo GameCube and Super Nintendo or your kids are obsessed with Mario Kart and Minecraft, there’s genuinely something for everyone here.
What is Power Up at the Science Museum?
Power Up is an interactive gaming gallery inside the Science Museum where visitors can play games across generations of consoles. You’ll find retro arcade style experiences, classic Nintendo consoles, multiplayer setups and modern next generation gaming stations all included within your ticket.
The experience is hands on and immersive with themed sections dedicated to the evolution of gaming, multiplayer experiences and cutting edge graphics. Throughout the space there are educational displays explaining gaming history, console development and how gaming technology has evolved over the decades.
Some of the consoles and experiences we spotted included:
• Nintendo GameCube
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System
• PlayStation 5
• Retro arcade style games
• Multiplayer Mario Kart setups
• VR gaming experiences
• Nintendo Switch 2 titles
The atmosphere inside is incredible with neon lighting, retro inspired décor and gaming stations set up throughout the gallery.
New Nintendo Switch 2 Games
One of the biggest highlights is that Power Up has already added some of the newest Nintendo Switch 2 releases including:
• Kirby Air Riders
• Metroid Prime 4
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Pokémon Legends ZA
• Mario Kart World Tour
This makes it a great mix of nostalgia for adults and newer gaming experiences for kids and teens.
Is Power Up Good for Kids?
Absolutely. Power Up is designed for families and children aged 5+ although younger children can still enter with adults. The experience includes family friendly multiplayer games, retro classics and interactive gaming stations suitable for a range of ages.
There are a small number of higher age rated games within the gallery, including one multiplayer game rated 16, but the majority of the experience is very family friendly.
Ages 3 and under go free.
Ticket Prices
One of the best things about Power Up is the pricing.
🎟️ Day Pass from £14
🎟️ Annual Pass £21
👶 Ages 3 and under go free
💸 Family discounts available
🚫 No booking fees
Honestly, if you live in London or plan to visit more than once, the £21 annual pass makes far more sense than paying for a single day pass.
There are also £5 tickets available for eligible visitors receiving Universal Credit or certain other benefits. These discounted tickets can be booked for up to five people per household per activity, making this an incredibly affordable London day out for families.
Booking early is recommended as cheaper prices are often available in advance.
Adults Only Evening Sessions
If you’re visiting without kids, Power Up also hosts monthly adults only evening sessions featuring horror games and first person shooters that are not available during daytime family sessions.
These evenings are designed more for adult gamers looking for a relaxed after work gaming experience or a nostalgic night revisiting classic favourites.
How Long Do You Need at Power Up?
You could easily spend several hours here, especially if your family loves gaming. Many visitors combine Power Up with the Science Museum’s free galleries to make a full day out in London.
The multiplayer sections are particularly fun if you’re visiting with friends or family as there are multiple stations set up for group gaming.
Where is Power Up?
📍 Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD
🚆 Nearest Underground Station: South Kensington
The location is ideal for a London family day out and easy to reach using public transport.
Final Thoughts
Power Up at the Science Museum is one of the best interactive family attractions in London for gamers. The combination of retro nostalgia, modern gaming technology, VR experiences and multiplayer setups makes it genuinely fun for both adults and kids.
The £21 annual pass is honestly one of the best value London attraction passes we’ve seen, especially considering the amount of gaming available inside.
If your family loves gaming, Mario Kart, Nintendo, PlayStation or retro consoles, this is absolutely worth visiting.
