Pinball is an arcade game in which the player attempts to score points by manipulating one or more metal balls. The main goal of the game is for the player to score as many points as possible. Pinball was banned in many American cities from the 1940s to the 1970s. Roger Sharpe was responsible for the lifting of the ban.
Previously, the top pinball manufacturers included Bally Manufacturing, Gottlieb, Williams Electronics, and Stern Pinball.
These coin-operated electronic games were all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s, and the pinball machine’s popularity never faded.
Are you a collector of vintage old-school arcade pinball machines looking for the best pinball machines to purchase?
You’ve come to the right place because we’ve compiled a list of some of the best pinball machines to buy, both old and new.
Pinball machines are once again a popular pastime. Similarly, it is gradually gaining popularity among the younger generation while giving the older generation a nostalgic feeling.
In general, the cost of a pinball machine is estimated to be $25,000. However, brand-new machines start at $5,000 and up, whereas excellent DMD/solid-state games start at around $1,000 on the low end.
So, let’s take a look at the top ten pinball machines to buy for the most fun and magical experiences.
10 Best Pinball Machines to Buy for Maximum Entertainment
All of the pinball machines listed here were manufactured after 1990. As a result, here is a list of some of the most famous and recent ones for your enjoyment.
Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at the list.
| Pinball Machine | Released By | Released Date |
| 10. Jurassic Park | Stern | 2019 |
| 9. Attack from Mars | Bally | 1995 |
| 8. Funhouse | Williams | 1990 |
| 7. Theatre of Magic | Bally | 1995 |
| 6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not | Stern | 2004 |
| 5. Pinbot | Williams | 1986 |
| 4. Lord of the Rings | Stern | 2003 |
| 3. The Twilight Zone | Bally | 1993 |
| 2. The Addam Family | Bally | 1992 |
| 1. Medieval Madness | Williams | 1997 |
10. Jurassic Park
75.5′′ X 27′′ X 55′′ in height, width, and depth
Jurassic Park is a pinball machine based on a classic film that debuted in 2019. Keith Elwin designed the machine, which was built by Stern Piball Inc.
The players are transported to Isla Nublar in this game. After Dennis Nerby’s computer causes havoc, the player’s mission is to rescue park employees and recapture dinosaurs from the tumultuous environment.
The game is widely regarded as one of the best-designed pinball machines ever. Furthermore, it immerses players in a world of dinosaur battles in action-packed adventures full of unexpected twists and turns.
The game is available in three versions: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition. All three models include four multi-balls with three to six balls, three full-sized flippers, four custom ramps, and unique hand-drawn art featuring iconic dinosaurs from the series.
In the middle of the playfield, a spinning Newton Ball serves as a Jungle Adventure Vehicle target. The missile target hits determine the direction in which players move and light the T-Rex modes.
Jurassic Park is a popular pinball machine among pinball enthusiasts and one of the best pinball machines to buy for ultimate fun.
9. Mars is launching an attack.
Dimensions: 77′′ X 29′′ X 58′′ attack from Mars pinball machine
Mars’ attack is ranked ninth on this list. Midway released this pinball machine under the Bally label in 1995. Lyman Sheats programmed the game, which was designed by Brian Eddy.
The machine is one of only three Williams pinball machines released in Zen Studios’ second wave of Williams pinball machines. It’s also included in the macOS versions of Zen Pinball 2, Pinball FX 3, and the Williams Pinball mobile app.
The game is based on the theme of an alien invasion, in which Martians invade Earth and the player must destroy the Martian fleet.
Following that, the player must save all of the citizens of the United States and Europe. Following that, the player must travel to Mars to destroy the Martian empire and conquer Mars.
The artwork in the cabinet is stunning, and the game’s standout features include the dancing Martian figures and strobe light for strobe multi-ball. The pinball machine was produced in a limited run of 3,450 units.
The pinball machine features feedback haptic touch flippers, pop bumpers, drop targets, a working plunger, a light-up back glass, and dual speakers.
Because of the machine’s popularity, Chicago Gaming created a remade of it. It is now a true one-of-a-kind digital pinball machine with a guaranteed fun experience.
Attack From Mars Classic Pinball Machine costs $7999 and is available with a discount online.
It was designed by George Gomez and featured the majority of the original AFM design team. It was the first game to use Williams’ Pinball 2000 system.
8. Funhouse
Dimensions: 76′′ X 29′′ X 56′′
Williams released the Funhouse pinball machine, a funhouse-themed table, in 1990. Pat Lawlor designed the game, which was one of the last Williams games to use an alphanumeric display.
The machine had a total production run of about 10,750 units. Funhouse is based on the concept of an amusement park funhouse. Rudy, a ventriloquist dummy head, is the game’s main attraction and can be found near the upper-right corner of the playfield.
When a player shoots the ball into his mouth, the dummy head responds and talks. Furthermore, when targets are hit, the dummy’s eyes follow the ball around the playfield. Rudy’s voice is provided by Ed Boon, who also created Mortal Combat.
Two or three multi-balls, three flippers, a trapdoor, a frenzy mode, manual plungers, standup targets, and ramps are included in the pinball machine. The Funhouse is one of the most well-known classic machines of all time.
Despite being released in 1990, the Funhouse pinball machine has truly stood the test of time. Funhouse is one of the best pinball machines to buy, with bright lighting, carnival music, and a dummy that taunts you.
The Funhouse Pinball Machine by Williams is available for purchase online for $10999.
7. Theatrical Magic
77′′ X 28′′ X 56′′ in height, width, and depth
Theatre of Magic is a pinball machine manufactured by Bally Manufacturing Co. that was released in 1995. This game was designed by John Popadiuk and had a production run of 6,600 units.
The pinball machine features a spinning magnetic box, magic pop-up trunks, elaborate ramps, and a prominent bash toy and is based on the timeless magic theme. The player must complete wizard mode by performing eight different magic tricks.
Two flippers, three pop bumpers, two tigers saw multi-ball, three trunk multi-ball, four trunk multi-ball with vanish lock, rotating trunk with magnet, levitating ball, and other features are included in the machine.
A notable feature of this machine is a hidden scoop that pops up from the playfield, releasing balls shot into the crate and locking balls for multi-ball, giving the players a mystery award.
Theatre of Magic is a popular pinball machine among collectors. It offers a one-of-a-kind pinball experience to the player, making it one of the best pinball machines to buy for ultimate fun.
Marketing Slogans
“Welcome to the New Age of Pinball”
“It has that magical touch.”
“It can even create money out of thin air.”
“Outstanding feats of spellbinding power!”
“Wonderful feats of enchantment!”
6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
77′′ X 29′′ X 58′′ in height, width, and depth
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is another pinball machine to consider. The “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” books, museums, and exhibitions inspired this pinball machine. Pat Lawlor created this pinball machine, which was released in 2004 by Stern Pinball Inc.
The game takes the player on a journey across seven continents with Robert Ripely to discover a strange world. Furthermore, it has multi-level rules that make it enjoyable for both novice and expert players.
A strange idol that commands a powerful force field, a temple full of rewards, and a shrunken head that says funny things and can capture the ball are among the many unique toys and unbelievable features in the game.
Other notable features of this pinball machine include three flippers, six pop bumpers, two spinning targets, two slingshots, and six standup targets. It also has two magnets, Vari-target, and two to four multi-balls.
This machine appeals to both casual and expert players, making it a popular pinball machine option.
This pinball machine, considered the most complex table designed by the legendary pinball designer Pat Lawlor, will undoubtedly be one of your best purchases.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is available for $7,499 at The Pinball Game Room.
5. Pin-Bot
Pin Bot machine Dimensions: 60′′ X 43′′ X 43′′
The Pin-Bot, our all-time favorite classic pinball machine, ranks fifth on our list. The Pin-Bot is a robot from Williams’ 1986 arcade pinball machine with an outer space theme. This pinball was created by Python Angelo and Barry Oursler.
Robots and space themes were popular in the 1980s, and this pinball machine perfectly matched that trend. Its goal is to visit every planet in the solar system.
Pin-bot was a huge hit at the time. Because it was so popular, Williams made two more sequels, Bride of Pin-bot and Jackbot. It was produced in a limited quantity of 12,001 units.
When compared to other pinball machines available at the time, Pin-Bot stood out and even held its own against arcade and home console video games.
The machine is similar to a movie or video game, and the artwork and design of the table are breathtaking. It has a distinct mini-playfield, skill shot ramps, and two rows of targets that illuminate a grid of colored lamps on the playfield.
The Pin-Bot machine also has a robot voice that activates while playing. As the players approach the multi-level playfield, the voice quotes speeches such as “Now I See You” while LED lights illuminate.
If you want to experience an 80’s blast from the past, Pin-Bot is worth adding to your pinball machine collection.
4. The Lord of the Rings
Lord of the Rings pinball machine dimensions: 76′′ X 29′′ X 58′′
When discussing the best pinball machines to buy, we must mention Stern Pinball’s Lord of the Rings pinball machine, which was released in 2003. This game was designed by George Gomez and is one of the best maximalist late-era table designs.
The game, based on the Lord of the Rings series, had a production run of approximately 5100 units.
Its main goal is to destroy the Ring by lighting up and launching three balls, each representing one of the trilogy films. The highest possible score multiplier in pinball history is featured on the pinball machine.
The machine, like the movie, has a million different characters and modes to keep the player engaged. Furthermore, the playfield includes many features, miniatures, sound, and music from the film, and the gameplay is intensely varied.
Other notable features of this pinball machine include multiple flippers, multi-ball, ramps, target drops, and spinners. As a result, the game is regarded as one of the most difficult pinball games.
Although difficult, the game is extremely rewarding. It is an excellent choice for franchise fans, casual players, and experts. As a result, this pinball machine is one of the best pinball machines to buy for ultimate fun.
In December 2009, Stern Pinball, Inc. released the Lord of the Rings Limited Edition pinball machine.
3. The Twilight Zone
Twilight Zone Pinball Machine Dimensions: 77′′ X 28′′ X 56′′
The Twilight Zone is one of the most exciting and ambitious pinball machines ever created. Bally Manufacturing Co. released this wide-body framed pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor in 1993.
The machine is based on the same-named TV show. With a total production run of 15,235 units, it is also one of the best-selling machines. When it was first released in 1993, the machine was considered a very innovative table for the time.
The Twilight Zone machine has a lot of gimmicks, which is why it has a wide-body frame to hold them all in. The game is jam-packed, loud, bright, and difficult.
This machine has four flippers, two ramps, a working 12-hour analog clock, and a unique ceramic Powerball for multi-ball play. It also has several magnets on the board to move the ball around.
As a result, the Twilight Zone is a jam-packed, exciting game that provides players with a one-of-a-kind experience. This pinball machine has one of the highest ratings and is one of the best machines to buy for ultimate fun.
2. The Addams Family
85′′ X 28′′ X 58′′ in height, width, and depth
The Addams Family pinball machine is the second on this list. This pinball machine appears on every list of the best pinball machines on the internet and is one of the best-selling pinball machines of all time.
Pat Lawlor designed this pinball machine, which was released by Bally Manufacturing Co in 1993. This game is based on the 1991 super hit film of the same name, which had a production run of over 20,000 units.
This pinball table is beautiful, cartoony, and perfectly captures the beloved characters. Its goal is to delve into the strange world of the Addams family.
This game’s flow is fascinating. Every shot made by the player is rewarded in some way. Hitting the kit “electric chair” in the playfield allows the player to compete for mansion bonuses, which allow the player to score points and set off goals, and score multipliers.
The four flippers (three regular-sized, one “Thing Flips” game-controlled mini-flipper), five bumpers, two ramps, and one kick-out hole are also notable features of this machine. In addition, the table includes a personalized speech from Raul Julia and Anjelica Houston.
Despite being available for over a decade, this game remains popular among pinball enthusiasts. This pinball machine will undoubtedly provide the player with hours of entertainment and is well worth purchasing.
1. Madness in Medieval Times
76′′ X 29′′ X 58′′ in height, width, and depth
The Medival Madness pinball machine by Williams is at the top of the list. Brian Eddy created this game, and Lyman Sheats programmed it.
The machine was released in 1997 with a limited production run of 4,016 units. Nonetheless, this game was a critical and popular success right away. Above all, Medival Madness is a favorite of both pinball experts and newcomers.
The game includes an interactive castle, two pop-up trolls, various gameplay objectives, and fantastic art. This game transports the player to the 15th century, where the mission is to battle for the kingdom.
Other features of the machine include two flippers, three pop bumpers, two ramps, and an auto plunger. Tina Fey lends her voice to the film as well.
Additionally, the table prevents failed ramp shots from draining down the middle. In other words, it aids in the maintenance of effortlessness while playing.
The original smash-hit pinball machine is Medieval Madness. Because the production unit was only 4,016 units, demand for this pinball machine outstripped supply. Chicago Gaming recreated this machine due to its popularity.
Medieval Madness is now one of the most valuable and collectible pinball machines. It is also the best-rated and most popular pinball machine of all time.
As a result, this table is without a doubt one of the best pinball machines to buy for maximum enjoyment.
Mentions of Merit
- 3D Revenge of Mars
- Tales of Arabian Nights Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure
- Blacknight
- Elvira’s Haunted House
- The Next Generation of Star Trek
- The Star Wars franchise
- Deadpool
Conclusion
These classic pinball games are a surefire way for those of us who are tired of playing video games and gaming consoles daily to find new refreshments.
These pinball machines have stood the test of time and are a perennial favorite among both expert and novice pinball players. These pinball machines will undoubtedly provide you with a fantastic experience, with bright lighting, incredible artwork, and a plethora of obstacles.
Read more about: Terri Harper, Kaitlin Sharkey, Diora Baird