In the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, the Mall de las Aguilas hosted one of the region's most beloved Aladdin's Castle arcades. The location served as a vibrant cross-cultural meeting ground—pulling in crowds from both sides of the US-Mexico border for Tekken battles and hours-long Marvel vs. Capcom sessions.
Staff recall bilingual birthday bookings and the ritual of kids spending pesos and quarters alike for a shot at the claw machine or the elusive jackpot on Cyclone. The arcade thrived well into the 2000s thanks to steady mall traffic and its role as a safe community hub for teens.
While the mall still stands, the arcade has long since shuttered, leaving behind ghost signs and dusty power outlets where cabinets once buzzed with life.