Gaming 'The Cube' In Little Neck

For those with loved ones that are under 35, male and prone to spending hours in front of a television set or computer screen, chances are you've already purchased more than a few video games for a seemingly endless list of different consoles: Playstation, Xbox and the Wii, for starters.

But what you may not already know is that there's another option for the video game enthusiast (or "gamer" to use their parlance) — one that is classier, more social and most importantly, outside the house.

With 10 state-of-the art stereo gaming chairs creating an almost real-world experience, The Cube Lounge on Marathon Parkway in Little Neck may fit even the most discerning gamer's bill.

"I wasn't that much of a console gamer before I started working here," said Jeff, an employee at the store. "But now I play a lot of different games here — especially Yakuza 3."

And for those used to paying up to $40 for the latest video game titles, the rates at The Cube might be an economical alternative for cash-strapped video game players and especially, their parents.

The Cube Lounge is $5 for one hour of play time Monday and Tuesday. For the rest of the week, you can "test drive" any game at a rate of $7 for 30 minutes, plus a coupon for a free hour. 

"You might be able to rent games at Blockbuster, but here you can play with your friends, and try out any game for any system - you're not restricted to only trying games out for the system you own," Jeff said. 

A patron at The Cube, 2009 Guitar Hero World Cyber Games International silver medalist Mike Najman, agreed. 

"I doubt you're going to find any tournaments to play at Blockbuster, plus the Cube keeps their game discs in good condition, they're not all scratched up like Blockbusters or Gamefly.com," Najman said.

Besides simply playing games, Cube Lounge offers up birthday parties at $15 a person for an hour, including free snacks from the staff.

And if that special gamer in your life wants to push their skills to the limits, The Cube is currently taking entry forms for the forthcoming Call Of Duty: Black Ops tournament on Jan. 15. The fee is $15, with first prize netting $1,000 — regardless of how many people enter the fracas.

The Cube Lounge is located on 56-06 Marathon Pkwy. The store hours are Mon.-Thurs, noon to 8 p.m.; Fri., Sat., noon to 9 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.