IRVINE, Calif. —[November 12, 2025]— Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today announced the opening of a limited-time, nostalgia-packed PAC-MAN™ 45th Anniversary Pop-Up at Macy’s Herald Square, launching Friday, November 14 and running through January 18, 2026. The immersive destination brings the arcade icon’s legacy to life in one of New York City’s most visited locations, inviting fans of all ages to play, explore, and rediscover the character that has shaped gaming and pop culture for decades. In honor of the anniversary and the recent launch of the newest game in the iconic franchise, PAC-MAN WORLD™2 Re-PAC, PAC-MAN will also make his official debut in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
The pop-up features a lineup of PAC-MAN and Bandai Namco arcade games available to play for free, including World’s Largest PAC-MAN, PAC-MAN™ Battle Royale Chompionship, and PAC-MAN™’s Pixel Bash, which includes more than 30 classic titles such as Dig Dug™, Galaga™ and the original PAC-MAN. In addition to games, guests can try their hand at Gashapon®, the mega-popular Japanese vending machine for toys and prizes. Using Gashapon tokens available for purchase, fans can collect miniatures of PAC-MAN as well as their favorite anime, video games, charms, and more. The PAC-MAN™ 45th Anniversary Pop-Up also offers visitors the opportunity to snap photos and shop a curated lineup of anniversary collectibles including retro arcade cabinets, electronic toys and plush.
“PAC-MAN has spent 45 years bringing people together through the universal joy of play,” said Susan Tran, Sr. Director of Brand Development for PAC-MAN at Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. “Bringing this arcade-inspired experience to Macy’s Herald Square gives fans a new way to connect with PAC-MAN and Bandai Namco’s legacy while creating fresh memories with friends, families, and fellow gamers. We’re thrilled to share this colorful, nostalgic space with New York City during one of its most festive seasons.”
“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has always been the stage where the world’s most beloved characters come to life, and this year we’re thrilled to welcome PAC-MAN to our iconic holiday tradition,” said Jordan Dabby, producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “From soaring high above the streets of New York City to taking over Macy’s Herald Square, in New York City, PAC-MAN’s 45th Anniversary celebration continues with a one-of-a-kind Pop-Up Arcade. This immersive experience invites fans to keep the fun going with free-to-play games, Gashapon prize vending machines, and anniversary merchandise—bringing the excitement of the Parade right into the store.”
Located within the iconic department store on the 7th floor, the pop-up creates a lively stop for holiday shoppers, families, and longtime fans, offering an interactive, nostalgia-filled escape in the heart of Manhattan. A Grand Opening event will take place on Friday, November 14 from 2–7 p.m., complete with a Meet & Greet with PAC-MAN, themed giveaways, and a free gift with purchase while supplies last. The pop-up is free and open to the public.
The PAC-MAN Pop-Up at Macy’s Herald Square will be open from November 14, 2025, through January 18, 2026, inviting visitors to experience the arcade icon in the heart of New York City at 151 W 34th St. The immersive destination will operate Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Audiences nationwide can watch the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade only on NBC and Peacock starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones. To follow and participate in the excitement, check out @macys on various social platforms and follow #MacysParade. For more information, visit macys.com/parade. For PAC-MAN news and updates, please follow the official PAC-MAN channels: TikTok, X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Discord.
Originally released as a coin-operated arcade cabinet, PAC-MAN is one of the most influential and longest-running video game franchises in history. In the game, players control PAC-MAN who has to chomp PAC-Dots while being chased by colorful Ghosts in mazes that get increasingly more difficult with each level. Since the official introduction of its innovative gameplay and game design, PAC-MAN sparked a worldwide phenomenon that attracted multiple generations of players across genders. Its popularity led to several game sequels, a full merchandising program and hit music single as well as two animated television series. With record breaking achievements, PAC-MAN has been recognized by the Guinness World Records with awards such as “Most Successful Coin-Operated Game.” The franchise continues to release new console and mobile games and in 2025, PAC-MAN commemorates its 45th Anniversary with a variety of partnerships, activations and launches.
PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC brings one of most popular PAC-MAN games of all time to a new generation of players, putting them in the role of the iconic character in a 3D action-platforming game set in Pac-Land. The game is available now on Nintendo Switch™, Nintendo Switch™2, PlayStation®5, Playstation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam® in Digital Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions. For more information, visit https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/pac-man-world-2-re-pac.
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About Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., part of the Bandai Namco Group, is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for major video game consoles, PC, online, and mobile platforms. The company is known for creating many of the industry’s beloved classic franchises such as PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®, and publishing the critically acclaimed DARK SOULS™ series and the blockbuster title ELDEN RING™. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is also the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime-based video games including GUNDAM™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL™, and ONE PIECE®. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com.
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M), serves as the style source for generations of customers. With one of the nation’s largest e-commerce platforms powered by macys.com and mobile app, paired with a nationwide network of stores, Macy’s delivers the most convenient and seamless shopping experience, offering great values in apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more. Macy’s gives customers even more ways to shop through an off-price assortment at Macy’s Backstage and at our highly curated Macy’s small format stores. Each year, Macy’s provides millions with unforgettable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® and helps our customers celebrate special moments, big and small. We’re guided by our social commitment—to create a brighter future for all that empowers voice, choice and ownership for our colleagues, customers, communities and leaders of tomorrow.
PAC-MAN™& ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
PAC-MAN WORLD™2 Re-PAC & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Press Release ©Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
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