Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 9 Review: Classic Tables Shine on Nintendo Switch 2

Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 9 Review: Classic Tables Shine on Nintendo Switch 2 Zen Studios continues its long-standing tradition of digital pinball excellence with the release of Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 9.

Debuting on the Nintendo Switch and its upgraded counterpart, Nintendo Switch 2, this latest DLC pack adds three new machine conversions to the growing Pinball FX library: Pin-Bot, Taxi, and Who Dunnit.

Pinball aficionados familiar with the series will find this volume delivers exactly what fans have come to expect—expertly crafted recreations of beloved tables, combined with the vibrant gameplay that makes digital pinball so addictive. While previous Williams Pinball volumes for Pinball FX have set a high standard, Volume 9 builds upon its predecessor by offering a more polished experience.

For context, the roll-out of Williams Pinball Volume 7 and 8 coincided with Zen Studios’ transition from Pinball FX3 to the all-new Pinball FX platform, presenting challenges that the developer has steadily overcome.

With Volume 9, players are treated to both nostalgia and technical refinement. Leading the trio is Pin-Bot, the classic 1986 machine that holds a special place in many players’ hearts.

Having appeared in various digital collections and even on the 8-bit NES in a version published by Nintendo and developed by Rare, Pin-Bot’s sci-fi journey across the solar system is once again faithfully represented.

The Switch 2’s elevated display capabilities accentuate the game’s vibrant art and clear details, enhancing the overall gameplay experience compared to earlier hardware.

"While digital pinball can’t quite surpass the tactile sensation of the original, these versions highlight unique differences between each platform while respecting the legacy of the machine," says Pinball FX reviewer. The next featured table, Taxi, showcases the creative work of designer Mark Ritchie, known for iconic titles like Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure.

Introduced in the late 1980s, Taxi’s appeal lies in its quirky theme, which tasks players with transporting eclectic passengers such as Dracula, Santa Claus, and even a caricatured world leader.

The abundance of voice calls adds to its eccentric charm, though, as noted by players, the frequent "Taxi!" shouts can border on overwhelming during extended play sessions.

Despite differing levels of nostalgia among fans, Taxi stands as a unique piece of pinball history. Rounding out Volume 9 is the lesser-known 1995 table, Who Dunnit.

With fewer than 2,500 units produced in its original run, many pinball enthusiasts may be discovering it for the first time through Pinball FX.

Combining a noir-inspired murder mystery theme with strong sound design, Who Dunnit incorporates memorable music reminiscent of 20th-century detective stories.

Notably, this table introduces a welcome feature: a choice between novice and expert modes, with the former granting players unlimited balls for a set time.

"Allowing users to select a beginner-friendly mode directly enhances accessibility and encourages newcomers to master the table's nuances," as highlighted by present-day reviews. Across all three tables, Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 9 benefits from the improved resolution and performance of the Nintendo Switch 2, particularly in handheld mode.

Enhanced clarity makes text and background details notably sharper, while the controls feel responsive and visually appealing throughout extended play sessions.

For players who prioritize technical polish, the advantages of the newer hardware are clear. Overall, Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 9 is a strong addition to Zen Studios’ esteemed pinball lineup.

While some players may prefer to wait for a discounted eShop sale, the quality and nostalgia embedded in each recreated table make this collection a recommended purchase for digital pinball fans.

As Zen Studios continues to refine Pinball FX on Nintendo hardware, both newcomers and aficionados can look forward to many more hours of "crazy flipper fingers" action.

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