THE SMASH-hit gaming retrospective, PLAY it! Manchester, is set to return to the Museum of Science and Industry this year from 25 March to 17 April. Back by popular demand, the event is fixed to be the biggest in the history of PLAY it!, and will feature more than 180 playable consoles from over 30 years of gaming.
Grown-up gamers can also get stuck in with a number of adults-only sessions
PLAY it! Manchester is held in partnership with leading gaming specialists, European Gaming League (EGL), with 1000s of games for fans to get their thumbs on in a live, hands-on environment.
The entire collection will be sorted into several themed zones, where the earliest curios of yesteryear will be made playable alongside the very latest in virtual reality technology.
New for this year's festival is the addition of Next Gen consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, while returning favourites will include retro gems such as Super Mario Brothers and Sonic the Hedgehog.
The museum recommends that the event is suitable for children aged five and above, making it a smart way to get kids into museums without the threat of a screen-free Sunday. Family-friendly challenges are scheduled to take place every session in the 1980s computer room, where kids will find retro programmable computers and classic educational games that couldn't be played at home.
Rhonda Carrier, commissioning editor of Kids in Museums, praised the event for luring the next generation into one of the UK's best museums: "Visitors pour out into the rest of the museum […] The neighbouring science gallery was busier than we’d ever seen."
Grown-up gamers can also get stuck in with a number of adults-only sessions over the event's three week-long run at the museum. Whether you're a seasoned player, a retro buff with a penchant for 8-bit soundtracks, or simply an embittered adult who still needs to beat the last level of Battletoads, you'll be able to test your skills to the limits in evening sessions from 7pm onward.
Some tickets will be available at the museum door, but we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are priced at £12 for a full day pass or £10 for a timed family session (up to 2 adults, children aged 16 and under). Individual session tickets cost £4, and individual evening session tickets cost £8 (over 18s only). Advance booking is advised. For more information, visit msimanchester.org.uk/whats-on/activity/play-it or call 0161 832 2244 (lines are open from 9am-5pm daily).
