The Huskie Den, a staple to NIU students looking to get out and do something other than homework, is adding some new features for the school year.

While arcade games such as Pac-Man and Dance Dance Revolution line the walls, six X-Box systems will debut this fall in the Holmes Student Center basement hangout.

The X-Box systems are hooked up to six new 32-inch televisions and will eventually be connected for tournament play.

A full catalog of games will be available to rent for $3 an hour, and up to four controllers can be checked out for each system. Students will have to leave their NIU One Card when checking out X-Box accessories.

Tournaments for certain games will be set up and students will be able to play against a total of 24 opponents.

Two LCD projectors and screens have also been added to the Huskie Den so students can watch movies and television shows. More couches and stools have been brought in.

“We’re basically looking to get students out of their dorm rooms,” night manager Rob Leo said.

The Huskie Den also offers 16 bowling lanes and 17 pool tables alongside arcade games and a concession stand. Cosmic bowling is every Friday from 8 p.m. until close and leagues are also available.

World Trick Shot Champion Paul Gerni performed in September 2003 and is slated to return this year.

But the Huskie Den is not all about video games and pool and bowling.

The poker craze that has been sweeping college campuses will make its way to the Huskie Den. An organized Texas Hold’em poker tournament will be a main attraction this coming semester.

The Den is working with the Campus Activities Board to organize several other events throughout the year.

“We’re working with CAB to set up a couple nights where students can come and bowl, play pool and get food all for a set price,” Leo said.