Pinball 101
Eight words that explain what is happening on the playfield. The table slopes toward you, about 6.5 degrees on a typical machine, and gravity does the rest.
- Flippers
- The two paddles at the bottom. Timing them is the whole game.
- Pop bumpers
- Round mushrooms that kick the ball away and ring up points.
- Slingshots
- The kickers above the flippers that fire the ball straight back up the table.
- Ramps
- Raised lanes that carry the ball up and around, usually for a big award.
- Drop targets
- Banks of standing targets. Knock down the whole bank for a bonus.
- Spinner
- A flap that spins as the ball rushes through. Each spin scores.
- Multiball
- Several balls in play at once. Every table builds toward this moment.
- Tilt
- Shove the machine too hard and a sensor ends your ball. The mini game has one too.
From Chicago to your game room
- 1977
Stern Electronics opens in Chicago
Pinball is moving from clicking relays to solid-state electronics, and Stern builds tables for the new era.
- 1980–81
The arcade floor takes over
Stern's video games Berzerk and Scramble become arcade staples, with pinball still a core business.
- 1985
The original company closes
The 1980s arcade crash ends Stern Electronics, but Chicago pinball does not stop.
- 1999
Stern Pinball is born
Gary Stern founds today's Stern Pinball, which takes over Sega's pinball business and keeps real tables rolling.
- Today
Licensed themes, color screens, online play
Full-size machines for Fallout, Pokémon, Star Wars, Rush and more, with Insider Connected tracking your progress.
Today's Stern Pinball is a separate company from the original Stern Electronics. This site is independent and is not affiliated with either.
Pro or Premium?
| Feature | Pro Edition | Premium Edition |
|---|
| Size | About 55 x 27 x 75.5 in | About 55 x 27 x 75.5 in |
|---|
| The game | Core rules, music and screen | Same game, plus extras on the playfield |
|---|
| Extras | Standard playfield | Added toys and mechanisms, like Fallout's Vault lower playfield |
|---|
| Online | Insider Connected on most titles | Insider Connected on most titles |
|---|
| Pick it if | You want the full game at the entry point | You want the showpiece version of the table |
|---|
Based on the Amazon listings for the machines below. Each Premium adds different extras, so check the listing of the table you like.
Before you buy a pinball machine
Measure the route
A full-size machine is about 55 inches long. Check doorways, stairs and turns before it arrives.
Plan for the weight
Listings give about 250 lb, and Rush Premium about 280 lb. Plan on two people.
Give it room to play
Leave space to stand at the front and to reach the sides for a nudge.
Find a level floor
The legs adjust, but the machine plays best on solid, even ground near a power outlet.