In Glendale, Gene Lewin has amassed a bounty of pinball machines and old-school video games. There are about 80 inside the Vintage Arcade Superstore showroom, with more stored in his three warehouses.

It’s deceptively simple. Pull the plunger by its flying-saucer-shaped handle, and hear that satisfying clack. Watch the silver marble roll around the playfield, and wing it with your flippers. Come up ...