It all started with a dentist and a dream.

Toothache Arcade emerged as a colorful addition to the high-mountain town of Davis, West Virginia, officially opening its doors in 2025.

Nestled in a region known more for its rugged outdoor recreation and historic timber roots, the arcade was conceived as a “sweet” alternative for indoor entertainment. It quickly branded itself with a playful, sugar-coated identity, inviting locals and tourists alike to satisfy their “sweet tooth” for high scores and pixel-packed nostalgia within the community’s evolving downtown scene.The arcade’s origin was built on a modern, user-friendly business model that departed from the traditional coin-op struggle. Instead of requiring patrons to carry around heavy pockets of tokens or quarters, the founders implemented a “pay once, play all you want” system. This approach was designed to remove the stress of the ticking clock or the “game over” screen, transforming the space into a relaxed community hub where gamers could dive into retro classics and modern indie gems without interruption.

Since its debut, Toothache Arcade has solidified its place as a cornerstone of the “Recreate” category in the Canaan Valley area. By focusing on unlimited access and a vibrant, candy-themed aesthetic, it has successfully filled a niche for family-friendly nightlife in Tucker County. Whether providing a refuge from a rainy day in the mountains or serving as a neon-lit gathering spot after a day on the trails, the arcade has become a vital part of Davis’s modern identity as a destination for both adventure and play.