# Stern Pinball Reveals Next Cornerstone Game, Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye

**Source:** Knapp Arcade  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2026-05-20  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.knapparcade.org/blog/stern-pinball-reveals-next-cornerstone-game-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye

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## Analysis

Stern Pinball officially announced Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye, a new cornerstone game based on the 1980s cartoon series, in collaboration with Hasbro. The game features innovative animatronic toys (Megatron, Optimus Prime, Soundwave), integrated video clips, licensed music and voice actors, and Stern's Insider Connected platform with a new Cyber Coin wallet system. Available in Pro ($6,999), Premium ($9,699), and Limited Edition ($12,999) with only 750 LE units globally.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye is Stern's next cornerstone game release — _Official Stern Pinball press release, May 20, 2026 announcement_
- [HIGH] The game features a fully animatronic Megatron robot toy with articulated fusion cannon that rotates and fires pinballs — _Official press release, mechanical innovation section_
- [HIGH] Limited Edition is limited to 750 games globally — _Official press release specifications_
- [HIGH] The game includes authentic video clips and story-driven missions from the 1984 Transformers animated series — _Official press release gameplay description_
- [HIGH] Stern introduces a new Cyber Coin wallet system for the first time with this game — _Official press release, Insider Connected platform section_
- [HIGH] The game includes voice acting from original series actors Peter Cullen and Frank Welker — _Official press release, 40th anniversary movie celebration section_
- [HIGH] Limited Edition includes updated Expression Lighting System with TRANSFORMERS-themed effects, full-color mirrored backglass, and sequential numbering — _Official press release, LE specifications_
- [HIGH] The game features the iconic song 'The Touch' by Stan Bush to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie — _Official press release, 40th anniversary celebration details_

### Notable Quotes

> "The TRANSFORMERS franchise has inspired generations with its timeless battle between good and evil. With TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball, we've created a machine that dynamically changes before your eyes, delivers groundbreaking gameplay, legendary music, and the ultimate showdown fans have been waiting for."
> — **Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball**, May 20, 2026 announcement
> _Official positioning of game as flagship release with emphasis on innovation and franchise alignment_

> "players join Optimus Prime and the Autobots in their mission to stop Megatron and the Decepticons from stealing Earth's energy, conquering Cybertron, and dominating the universe"
> — **Official press release**, May 20, 2026
> _Core gameplay premise and thematic direction_

> "Soundwave's cassette deck locks pinballs before launching them into high-intensity action while a custom sculpted Optimus Prime robot bash toy stands ready for battle"
> — **Official press release**, May 20, 2026
> _Mechanical feature description highlighting toy integration_

> "For the first time, includes a head-to-head experience that allows two players to compete simultaneously in real time"
> — **Official press release**, May 20, 2026
> _Novel gameplay feature debut in Stern's lineup_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Stern Pinball | company | Manufacturer of Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye, world's largest pinball manufacturer, headquartered near Chicago O'Hare |
| Hasbro | company | Transformers franchise owner, collaborated with Stern on this game |
| Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye | game | New Stern cornerstone game based on 1980s Transformers cartoon, available in Pro/Premium/LE tiers |
| Seth Davis | person | President & CEO of Stern Pinball, quoted on game announcement |
| Peter Cullen | person | Original voice actor for Optimus Prime, provides voice acting for new game |
| Frank Welker | person | Original voice actor for Megatron and Soundwave, provides voice acting for new game |
| Stan Bush | person | Artist of iconic song 'The Touch' featured in special 40th anniversary mode |
| Knights of Unicron | organization | Created original music for Transformers game |
| Insider Connected | product | Stern's community platform integrated into new game, includes new Cyber Coin wallet system |
| Megatron | product | Animatronic robot toy with articulated fusion cannon that fires pinballs, central mechanical feature |
| Optimus Prime | product | Custom sculpted robot bash toy on playfield, Autobot faction leader in game |
| Soundwave | product | Cassette deck mechanism for ball locking and launching, Decepticon character |
| Expression Lighting System | product | Updated with Speaker Expression Lighting System in LE model with Transformers-themed effects |
| The Transformers: The Movie (40th anniversary) | event | 1986 film being celebrated with special game mode and music |
| Knapp Arcade | organization | Content publisher of announcement, site administrator |

### Signals

- **[announcement]** Stern officially announces Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye as next cornerstone game with full press release, pricing, and specifications (confidence: high) — Official May 20, 2026 announcement with detailed press release, game trailer, and distributor information
- **[design_innovation]** Game features fully animatronic Megatron with rotating articulated fusion cannon, custom Optimus Prime bash toy, and Soundwave cassette deck mechanism (confidence: high) — Press release mechanical innovation section describing 'pushes mechanical innovation to new heights' with specific toy descriptions
- **[licensing_signal]** Major licensing collaboration between Stern and Hasbro for Transformers 1980s cartoon IP with authentic content including original voice actors and music (confidence: high) — Press release explicitly mentions Hasbro collaboration, Peter Cullen and Frank Welker voice acting, Stan Bush music licensing
- **[technology_signal]** Integration of authentic video clips, story-driven missions, and digital gameplay with Insider Connected platform; debut of head-to-head simultaneous real-time play (confidence: high) — Press release describes 'authentic video clips and story-driven missions,' 'seamlessly blends physical and digital gameplay,' and 'for the first time, includes head-to-head experience'
- **[product_launch]** Game available in three tiers: Pro ($6,999), Premium ($9,699), Limited Edition ($12,999) with 750 LE units globally; launched through authorized distributors (confidence: high) — Official MSRP pricing table and LE production limit in press release
- **[product_strategy]** LE model limited to 750 units globally with premium features including Expression Lighting System, mirrored backglass, custom armor, autographed bottom arch, and sequential numbering (confidence: high) — Detailed LE specifications in press release: '750 games globally,' 'sequentially numbered plaque,' 'custom designer-autographed bottom arch'
- **[collector_signal]** LE production cap of 750 units creates scarcity and collectibility premium for early adopters (confidence: high) — 'Limited to 750 games globally, the highly collectible Limited Edition model' with extensive premium features justifying higher $12,999 price
- **[business_signal]** Transformers represents Stern's next major cornerstone release following Pokémon and Black Knight: Sword of Rage in production schedule (confidence: high) — Described as 'cornerstone game,' referenced alongside Pokémon and Black Knight as 'Recent Stern Pinball titles'
- **[gameplay_signal]** Game features mission-based gameplay from original 1984 series story arcs, special 'Prime Training' challenge mode, Energon Cube collection mechanic, Dinobots team-up, and climactic Megatron battle (confidence: high) — Press release gameplay section: 'Players embark on missions,' 'Prime Training,' 'store Energon Cubes,' 'team up with Dinobots,' 'prepare for climactic battle against Megatron'
- **[technology_signal]** Debut of Cyber Coin wallet system as new Insider Connected feature for earning and unlocking exclusive challenge modes (confidence: high) — Press release states 'introduces a brand-new Cyber Coin wallet system' as first-time feature
- **[content_signal]** Game includes video trailer, original music from Knights of Unicron, voice acting from Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, and iconic 'The Touch' by Stan Bush for 40th anniversary celebration (confidence: high) — Press release references YouTube trailer, specific music credits, voice actor names, and 40th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie celebration
- **[market_signal]** Cornerstone game pricing range ($6,999-$12,999) positions Transformers at premium tier comparable to recent Stern releases (confidence: high) — MSRP pricing: Pro $6,999, Premium $9,699, LE $12,999; typical Stern cornerstone pricing structure

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## Transcript

News Stern Pinball Reveals Next Cornerstone Game, Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye k knapparcade May 20, 2026 BREAKING NEWS! This morning Stern pinball revealed its next cornerstone game, Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye. The game is based on the Transformers 1980s cartoon series. Transformers Limited Edition Transformers Premium Edition Transformers Pro Edition TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Game Trailer - YouTube Tap to unmute Stern Pinball Stern Pinball TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Presented by Stern Pinball Presented by Stern Pinball Stern Pinball Stern Pinball Official Press Release: "Roll Out for Battle with TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye by Stern Pinball CHICAGO, IL – May 20, 2026 – Today, Stern Pinball, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of pinball games, in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc., a leading games, IP and toy company, revealed and released a new adrenaline-fueled pinball experience celebrating one of the most iconic and successful entertainment franchises in the world – TRANSFORMERS. The TRANSFORMERS franchise has captivated generations of people worldwide across toys, comics, television, film and merchandise. Now, fans can experience the legendary battle between Autobots and Decepticons like never before through immersive, action-packed pinball. TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye by Stern Pinball is available now in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models. In Stern Pinball’s TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye, players join Optimus Prime and the Autobots in their mission to stop Megatron and the Decepticons from stealing Earth’s energy, conquering Cybertron, and dominating the universe. TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pushes mechanical innovation to new heights with a fully animatronic Megatron robot toy with an articulated fusion cannon that rotates and fires pinballs back at players. Soundwave’s cassette deck locks pinballs before launching them into high-intensity action while a custom sculpted Optimus Prime robot bash toy stands ready for battle, adding depth and spectacle to this world under glass that’s …MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE. Players will experience the ultimate battle between Autobots and Deceptions, and can store Energon Cubes to power up, team up with the Dinobots, collect Transformers Tech Spec cards, and prepare for a climactic battle against Megatron. Players embark on missions inspired by major story arcs from the original 1984 TRANSFORMERS animated television series, and the machine integrates authentic video clips and story-driven missions that bring the brand’s legacy to life. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE, the game includes a special mode featuring the iconic song “The Touch” by Stan Bush, custom call-outs from legendary voice actors including Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron and Soundwave), and original music from Knights of Unicron. Loaded with Stern Pinball’s cutting-edge technology, TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye seamlessly blends physical and digital gameplay. Utilizing Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected platform, the machine introduces a brand-new Cyber Coin wallet system, where players can earn Cyber Coins to unlock exclusive challenge modes. The machine also features a special challenge mode, “Prime Training, ” where Autobots guide players through the art of pinball mastery, and for the first time, includes a head-to-head experience that allows two players to compete simultaneously in real time. Limited to 750 games globally, the highly collectible Limited Edition model includes the updated Expression Lighting System™ and Speaker Expression Lighting System with TRANSFORMERS-themed game effects, a full-color mirrored backglass, full-color high-definition cabinet decals, exclusive custom pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, a signed Certificate of Authenticity, and a digital Insider Connected LE owner’s badge on registration. “The TRANSFORMERS franchise has inspired generations with its timeless battle between good and evil, ” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball. “With TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball, we’ve created a machine that dynamically changes before your eyes, delivers groundbreaking gameplay, legendary music, and the ultimate showdown fans have been waiting for.” TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball is available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world. Find out more and contact us for availability in your location on the game information page here. Stay up to date by following Stern Pinball on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Pricing and Availability: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”) and Recommended Retail Price (“RRP”): \*MSRP (US) and RRP (Europe) are for sales to end-users before any applicable VAT, or other taxes and are subject to change. Pro Edition: $US 6, 999 !Advertisement Ad 1 of 2 (RRP – €6, 699.00; £5, 799.00) Premium Edition: $US 9, 699 (RRP – €8, 749.00; £7, 599.00) Limited Edition: $US 12, 999 (RRP – €11, 999.00; £10, 499.00) TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball games feature Stern’s best-in-class commercial quality reliability backed by a pinball best-in-class one-year warranty. About Insider Connected Insider Connected™ is Stern Pinball’s community network that allows players and owners to engage with pinball games in rapidly expanding ways. The platform unites pinball players worldwide and enhances the fun through a variety of useful online features. Insider Connected is included with every new Stern product and is available as an add-on for existing games. Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com or in the intuitive Insider Connected™ mobile app on iOS and Android. By tapping a device on any enabled machine, players can track and resume game progress wherever they play, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the pinball community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests. In addition to offering benefits to players, Insider Connected allows Stern to serve its game owners worldwide by upgrading games, offering new features and quests, and extending the longevity of machines for years to come. About Stern Pinball, Inc. Stern Pinball, Inc. creates compelling entertainment that inspires a lifetime love of games, sparks passion, forges friendships, and connects people everywhere through fun, innovative, technologically advanced pinball games and experiences. Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets worldwide. Recent Stern Pinball titles include Pokémon, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games, from professional pinball players competing in high-stakes global competitions to novice players discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com. ABOUT TRANSFORMERS The TRANSFORMERS brand is a global powerhouse franchise with millions of fans around the world. Since 1984, the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons has come to life in movies, TV shows, comic books, innovative toys, and digital media, bringing incredible “MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE” experiences to fans of all ages. The brand’s enduring connection is made possible by its rich storytelling and characters: the heroic Autobots who seek to protect all life, and the evil Decepticons who seek to conquer the universe. The TRANSFORMERS brand is a Hasbro franchise. About Hasbro Hasbro is a leading games, IP and toy company whose mission is to create joy and community through the magic of play. With 165 years of expertise, Hasbro delivers groundbreaking play experiences and reaches more than 1 billion fans annually around the world, through physical and digital games, video games, toys, licensed consumer products, location-based entertainment, film, TV and more. Through its franchise-first approach, Hasbro unlocks value from both new and legacy IP, including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Powered by its portfolio of thousands of iconic marks and a diversified network of partners and subsidiary studios, Hasbro brings fans together wherever they are, from tabletop to screen. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, a 2025 JUST Capital Industry Leader, one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50, and a Brand that Matters by Fast Company. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com or @Hasbro on LinkedIn. All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies." New sponsor slot Your sponsored ad here Be the first to claim this placement. Contact knapparcade@gmail.com today https://sternpinball.com/game/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye/ Posted 21 minutes ago k About knapparcade Site administrator Comments (0) Please sign in to join the conversation. No comments yet Be the first to share your thoughts on this post! Related Articles Stern Pinball Reveals Next Cornerstone Game, Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye 21 minutes ago Jersey Jack Reveals Designer of Next Game & Approximate Launch Date about 23 hours ago American Pinball Cirqus Voltaire Production Numbers; More Info on Stern Pinball's Transformers; & Another Game Reveal This Week 2 days ago Subscribe to Updates Get the latest pinball news, blog posts, and event announcements delivered to your inbox Subscribe !Advertisement Ad 1 of 2 New sponsor slot Your sponsored ad here Be the first to claim this placement.

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-06-06 | Item ID: 3e151f27-c469-42c4-9fae-4c10d3536daf*