PAX East vs PAX West vs PAX Unplugged — Which to Attend

PAX runs three major US conventions plus PAX South (smaller). Each has a different focus and feel — picking the right one matters.

PAX East

Pros

  • Biggest PAX in the US (~70K attendees)
  • Late March in Boston (good weather)
  • Most exhibitor booths
  • Strong East Coast accessibility
  • Best for AAA + indie video game focus

Cons

  • Boston Convention Center can feel crowded
  • Hotels book up fast (book 6 months out)
  • March weather can still be chilly

Verdict: Best for first-time PAX attendees and video game enthusiasts. The biggest, most variety, most things to do.

PAX West

Pros

  • Seattle venue (Penny Arcade hometown)
  • Labor Day weekend timing (good vacation window)
  • Strong Pacific Northwest attendance
  • Walking distance to Pike Place, Space Needle

Cons

  • Slightly smaller than East
  • Washington State Convention Center spread across multiple buildings
  • Hotels significantly pricier than Boston

Verdict: Best for West Coast attendees and people combining PAX with a Seattle vacation. Hometown of Penny Arcade brings strong founder energy.

PAX Unplugged

Pros

  • 100% tabletop and board games
  • Smaller and more focused than East/West
  • December timing (off-peak)
  • Philadelphia venue is walkable

Cons

  • No video games
  • Smaller exhibitor pool
  • Less mainstream coverage

Verdict: Best for tabletop and board game enthusiasts only. Different experience than the video-game PAXes.

Frequently asked

Which is the biggest PAX?

PAX East (Boston, late March) — approximately 70,000 attendees across 4 days. PAX West (Seattle, Labor Day weekend) is similar size, ~65,000. PAX Unplugged (Philadelphia, December) is smaller at ~30,000.

Should I go to PAX East or PAX West?

East if you live East Coast or it's your first PAX (biggest selection). West if you live West Coast or want to combine with Seattle vacation. Content is similar at both — same publishers, same indie megabooth, same celebrity appearances.

Are PAX tickets hard to get?

Yes — 4-day badges sell out 2-6 weeks after release. Single-day badges last longer but the best days (Saturday) sell first. Sign up for PAX email list and buy within 24 hours of release email.