Stern Pinball Unveils Full-Sized Pokémon Pinball Machine for 30th Anniversary Celebration
Stern Pinball has officially revealed a full-sized Pokémon Pinball machine in honor of the Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary, marking a return to pinball roots nearly three decades after the original Pokémon Pinball captivated fans on the Game Boy Color.
The announcement not only excites pinball and Pokémon enthusiasts alike, but also demonstrates Stern’s dedication to merging legacy gaming franchises with modern arcade experiences.
After hands-on gameplay at Stern’s Chicago headquarters, it’s clear this collaboration is more than nostalgia—it’s a bold leap for both pinball collectors and Pokémon fans worldwide. Three Editions for Players and Collectors Mirroring the approach taken with Stern’s recent releases, the Pokémon Pinball machine will be available in three distinct editions.
The Pro Edition is priced at $6,999, offering the core gameplay experience and cabinet design.
The Premium Edition, listed at $9,699, introduces enhanced features such as an interactive animatronic Pikachu that dynamically reacts during play, and a magnetic playfield mechanism that adds new layers of challenge.
Topping the offerings, the Limited Edition—capped at 750 units globally—retails for $12,999, boasting the exclusive Expression Lighting System for dramatic illumination and a Master Ball-themed shooter rod.
While each edition includes visual upgrades, all share a consistent playfield layout and ruleset, ensuring the fundamental game experience remains consistent across the board. Generation 1 Nostalgia Meets Expansive Pokémon History Upon first glance, the cabinet’s artwork and character lineup pay homage to the original Kanto region and Generation 1 Pokémon, including beloved musical cues from the classic anime.
However, Stern has confirmed that Pokémon from several generations are featured throughout various play modes, expanding the celebration far beyond the series’ beginnings.
Players embark on a structured story mode as aspiring Pokémon Trainers, tasked with capturing wild Pokémon, scanning them via the Pokédex, and advancing towards the Pokémon League.
Team Rocket—led by Giovanni—serves as a recurring antagonist, triggering special battles and interactive playfield challenges. Dynamic Playfield and Iconic Features Stern’s design features standout physical toys and mechanics, with the Premium and Limited Editions offering an animatronic Pikachu that visibly responds to the action.
A centerpiece of the playfield is Meowth’s hot air balloon, directly inspired by the Pokémon anime, which moves across the table as a dynamic, interactive target.
Striking Meowth can unleash special play modes, including a Team Rocket multiball event that ramps up the speed and intensity. The pinball machine also introduces engaging battle modes, such as Pikachu versus Raichu and Pikachu versus Charizard, often incorporating classic anime video clips on the integrated LCD display.
These encounters activate multiball sequences with immersive audio-visual integration, raising the bar for pinball storytelling and fan immersion. App Integration and Pokémon Collection System Perhaps the most innovative addition is the integration with the Stern Pinball app.
Players can scan a QR code on the cabinet to link their gameplay session to the app, allowing captured Pokémon to be tracked and stored persistently across visits.
This feature enables fans to build and manage their own digital Pokédex—initially starting with 180 Pokémon available at launch, with future updates set to expand the roster. Release Timeline and Continued Coverage The Pokémon Pinball machine from Stern Pinball is expected to begin rolling out to arcades and collectors starting this month, with distribution continuing into March.
With over 27 years since the original Pokémon Pinball and three decades of franchise legacy, this release promises to captivate old and new fans alike.
Keep an eye on Nintendo Wire and related gaming news outlets for a comprehensive review and ongoing coverage as the launch window approaches.
The announcement not only excites pinball and Pokémon enthusiasts alike, but also demonstrates Stern’s dedication to merging legacy gaming franchises with modern arcade experiences.
After hands-on gameplay at Stern’s Chicago headquarters, it’s clear this collaboration is more than nostalgia—it’s a bold leap for both pinball collectors and Pokémon fans worldwide. Three Editions for Players and Collectors Mirroring the approach taken with Stern’s recent releases, the Pokémon Pinball machine will be available in three distinct editions.
The Pro Edition is priced at $6,999, offering the core gameplay experience and cabinet design.
The Premium Edition, listed at $9,699, introduces enhanced features such as an interactive animatronic Pikachu that dynamically reacts during play, and a magnetic playfield mechanism that adds new layers of challenge.
Topping the offerings, the Limited Edition—capped at 750 units globally—retails for $12,999, boasting the exclusive Expression Lighting System for dramatic illumination and a Master Ball-themed shooter rod.
While each edition includes visual upgrades, all share a consistent playfield layout and ruleset, ensuring the fundamental game experience remains consistent across the board. Generation 1 Nostalgia Meets Expansive Pokémon History Upon first glance, the cabinet’s artwork and character lineup pay homage to the original Kanto region and Generation 1 Pokémon, including beloved musical cues from the classic anime.
However, Stern has confirmed that Pokémon from several generations are featured throughout various play modes, expanding the celebration far beyond the series’ beginnings.
Players embark on a structured story mode as aspiring Pokémon Trainers, tasked with capturing wild Pokémon, scanning them via the Pokédex, and advancing towards the Pokémon League.
Team Rocket—led by Giovanni—serves as a recurring antagonist, triggering special battles and interactive playfield challenges. Dynamic Playfield and Iconic Features Stern’s design features standout physical toys and mechanics, with the Premium and Limited Editions offering an animatronic Pikachu that visibly responds to the action.
A centerpiece of the playfield is Meowth’s hot air balloon, directly inspired by the Pokémon anime, which moves across the table as a dynamic, interactive target.
Striking Meowth can unleash special play modes, including a Team Rocket multiball event that ramps up the speed and intensity. The pinball machine also introduces engaging battle modes, such as Pikachu versus Raichu and Pikachu versus Charizard, often incorporating classic anime video clips on the integrated LCD display.
These encounters activate multiball sequences with immersive audio-visual integration, raising the bar for pinball storytelling and fan immersion. App Integration and Pokémon Collection System Perhaps the most innovative addition is the integration with the Stern Pinball app.
Players can scan a QR code on the cabinet to link their gameplay session to the app, allowing captured Pokémon to be tracked and stored persistently across visits.
This feature enables fans to build and manage their own digital Pokédex—initially starting with 180 Pokémon available at launch, with future updates set to expand the roster. Release Timeline and Continued Coverage The Pokémon Pinball machine from Stern Pinball is expected to begin rolling out to arcades and collectors starting this month, with distribution continuing into March.
With over 27 years since the original Pokémon Pinball and three decades of franchise legacy, this release promises to captivate old and new fans alike.
Keep an eye on Nintendo Wire and related gaming news outlets for a comprehensive review and ongoing coverage as the launch window approaches.
