Stern Pinball Unveils Official Pokémon Pinball Machine for Franchise’s 30th Anniversary
Stern Pinball, a leader in modern pinball machine manufacturing, has officially revealed its Pokémon-themed pinball machine in celebration of the Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary.
This announcement comes nearly three decades after the original 'Pokémon Pinball' debuted on the Game Boy Color in 1999, solidifying Pokémon’s multi-generational appeal in both physical and digital gaming spaces. The new full-sized Pokémon pinball machine marks a significant milestone, bringing together Stern Pinball’s expertise and one of the world’s most iconic gaming franchises.
The official reveal took place at Stern’s headquarters in Chicago, offering the first in-person opportunities for media and select fans to experience the machine’s vibrant design and innovative gameplay features. Stern Pinball’s president stated that the collaborative effort between Stern and The Pokémon Company was aimed at delivering an authentic and engaging pinball experience that both longtime admirers and newcomers to the Pokémon world can appreciate.
The machine is packed with references to beloved Pokémon characters and iconic moments, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on pinball action.
The cabinet’s bold graphics, interactive playfield, and a host of digital enhancements reflect Stern’s commitment to merging classic pinball craftsmanship with modern technology. The original Pokémon Pinball on the Game Boy Color was a critical and commercial success upon its release, praised for introducing the monster-catching spirit of Pokémon to the pinball genre.
With over 5 million copies sold worldwide, it helped cement Pokémon’s position in gaming history.
Now, Stern’s adaptation brings Pokémon-themed pinball back to the spotlight—and, for the first time, into arcades and collectors’ hands as an officially licensed machine. While the Pokémon franchise continues to thrive on Nintendo platforms like the Nintendo Switch and remains a mainstay on the eShop and in annual Nintendo Direct presentations, this physical pinball machine serves as a testament to the brand’s enduring popularity.
Stern Pinball’s launch coincides with a wave of 30th anniversary celebrations worldwide, further amplifying Pokémon’s presence across entertainment mediums. Collectors, pinball enthusiasts, and Pokémon fans alike can look forward to the official release of the Stern Pokémon pinball machine, with production units expected to ship to arcades and specialty retailers later this year.
With its blend of tradition, innovation, and Pokémon magic, Stern’s latest release is poised to become a fan favorite and a centerpiece for 30th anniversary celebrations.
This announcement comes nearly three decades after the original 'Pokémon Pinball' debuted on the Game Boy Color in 1999, solidifying Pokémon’s multi-generational appeal in both physical and digital gaming spaces. The new full-sized Pokémon pinball machine marks a significant milestone, bringing together Stern Pinball’s expertise and one of the world’s most iconic gaming franchises.
The official reveal took place at Stern’s headquarters in Chicago, offering the first in-person opportunities for media and select fans to experience the machine’s vibrant design and innovative gameplay features. Stern Pinball’s president stated that the collaborative effort between Stern and The Pokémon Company was aimed at delivering an authentic and engaging pinball experience that both longtime admirers and newcomers to the Pokémon world can appreciate.
The machine is packed with references to beloved Pokémon characters and iconic moments, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on pinball action.
The cabinet’s bold graphics, interactive playfield, and a host of digital enhancements reflect Stern’s commitment to merging classic pinball craftsmanship with modern technology. The original Pokémon Pinball on the Game Boy Color was a critical and commercial success upon its release, praised for introducing the monster-catching spirit of Pokémon to the pinball genre.
With over 5 million copies sold worldwide, it helped cement Pokémon’s position in gaming history.
Now, Stern’s adaptation brings Pokémon-themed pinball back to the spotlight—and, for the first time, into arcades and collectors’ hands as an officially licensed machine. While the Pokémon franchise continues to thrive on Nintendo platforms like the Nintendo Switch and remains a mainstay on the eShop and in annual Nintendo Direct presentations, this physical pinball machine serves as a testament to the brand’s enduring popularity.
Stern Pinball’s launch coincides with a wave of 30th anniversary celebrations worldwide, further amplifying Pokémon’s presence across entertainment mediums. Collectors, pinball enthusiasts, and Pokémon fans alike can look forward to the official release of the Stern Pokémon pinball machine, with production units expected to ship to arcades and specialty retailers later this year.
With its blend of tradition, innovation, and Pokémon magic, Stern’s latest release is poised to become a fan favorite and a centerpiece for 30th anniversary celebrations.
