Pokémon Pinball Machines from Stern Pinball

Stern Pinball has joined forces with The Pokémon Company for a new line of pinball machines.

Created by Game Freak co-founder Satoshi Tajiri, Pokémon has grown into one of the most successful entertainment properties in the world. Since its debut in Japan in 1996, the franchise has expanded across video games, animated series, trading cards, films, and licensed merchandise, generating more than $150 billion USD in global revenue and forming partnerships with brands ranging from McDonald’s to Volkswagen.

Available in three trim levels, Stern’s new pinball machines are powered by the company’s SPIKE 3 technology platform and send players on a journey across four distinct habitats where they can discover, capture, and interact with many of their favourite Pokémon. By shooting the illuminated, mechanically animated Poké Ball, players can capture characters, build their team, and work toward completing their collection. The playfield also features a variety of Pokémon-themed ramps, spinners, and targets, while an animatronic Pikachu reacts to gameplay and an interactive Meowth Balloon injects additional challenges during play.

The machines incorporate video clips from the original Pokémon animated series along with custom voice work for characters such as Pikachu and the villainous Giovanni. The experience is further enhanced by the inclusion of the well-known Pokémon theme song.

Also included is Stern’s Insider Connected system, which links players and their progress across machines and locations. When signed into an Insider Connected account, players can add the Pokémon they catch to a personal digital collection that can be viewed through the accompanying app.

For collectors, the Limited Edition model adds a range of premium upgrades, including Stern’s Expression Lighting System and Speaker Expression Lighting System with Pokémon-themed effects, a full-colour mirrored backglass, high-definition cabinet decals, custom armour, a designer-autographed bottom arch, upgraded audio, anti-reflection playfield glass, a shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, a signed Certificate of Authenticity, and a digital Insider Connected owner’s badge upon registration.

Now available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers worldwide, the Pokémon Pro Edition is priced at $6,999 USD, the Premium Edition is priced at $9,699 USD, and the 750-piece Limited Edition is offered at $12,999 USD. Not a bad anniversary gift, if you ask this writer!