# AMERICAN POOL **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2021-09-27 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2021/09/27/american-pool --- ## Analysis This article documents the history of American Pool, a Hong Kong arcade that housed pinball machines from 2008 to 2024. It tracks the evolution of their pinball lineup through multiple updates (October 2012 through May 2024), showing machines like Tron LE, AC/DC, Transformers, The Avengers, Star Trek, Batman, and The Walking Dead rotating through the location. The final 2024 update reveals the arcade has closed its pinball section entirely, removing all machines and converting to gambling games. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] American Pool was the only site in Hong Kong with pinballs open to the general public as of October 2012 — _October 2012 section: 'It is the only site in Hong Kong which has pinballs and is open to general public.'_ - [HIGH] Batman pinball had been at American Pool since 2008, making it the longest-lasting machine on location — _March 2013 section: 'It seems that Batman is the longest-lasting one so far, having been there since 2008.'_ - [HIGH] The Avengers Pro was delivered to Hong Kong in December 2012, just one month after its November 2012 release — _March 2013 section: 'As I know, the Avengers Pro pin was only released in November 2012, and yet it was possible for it to be delivered to Hong Kong the following month.'_ - [HIGH] Star Trek Pro was the first in Hong Kong or even in Asia when it arrived in October 2013 — _October 2013 section: 'I know Star Trek was first released in September, so this one should be the first in Hong Kong or even in the whole of Asia.'_ - [HIGH] By May 2024, American Pool had removed all pinball machines and converted the space to gambling games — _May 2024 update: 'Unfortunately, I have to report that they are now half the size and have removed all pinball tables and most of the arcade games. It's 99% gambling type of games left there now.'_ ### Notable Quotes > "It is the only site in Hong Kong which has pinballs and is open to general public." > — **Article author (October 2012)**, October 2012 > _Establishes American Pool's unique status as Hong Kong's only public pinball arcade at that time_ > "I played the Avengers Pro pin for more than four hours until my lovely wife called me to come home." > — **Article author (John)**, March 2013 > _Personal testimony of engagement and enjoyment with the Avengers Pro machine_ > "The playfield is very bright compared with other pinballs there." > — **Article author (John)**, October 2013 > _Early observation about Star Trek Pro's visual presentation compared to other machines on location_ > "The main feature of Star Trek is the USS Vengeance spaceship in the upper part of the playfield. It would shake when it was hit during each stage of mission completion." > — **Article author (John)**, October 2013 > _Description of Star Trek's signature mechanical feature_ > "In general I would say they were not so well maintained. The Transformers had two stuck balls and the others also had smaller issues." > — **Retrogamerewind**, September 2021 > _Indicates maintenance deterioration by 2021 compared to earlier reports of good condition_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | American Pool | organization | Amusement arcade in Hung Hom, Hong Kong (SAR) located at 9 Man Tai Street; operated by a pinball distributor; housed pinball machines from 2008-2024 | | John | person | Pinball News reader and author of the original article reports documenting American Pool from October 2012 onwards | | Retrogamerewind | person | X (Twitter) user who contributed updates from September 2021 and May 2024 documenting American Pool's final years and closure of pinball section | | Stern | company | Pinball manufacturer whose machines (Tron LE, Transformers Pro, AC/DC Pro, Batman, Avengers Pro, Star Trek Pro, Walking Dead Pro) populated American Pool throughout its timeline | | Tron LE | game | Stern pinball machine present at American Pool in October 2012; replaced by AC/DC Pro by December 2012 | | Transformers Pro | game | Stern machine at American Pool from December 2012 through May 2024; documented as having maintenance issues (stuck balls) by September 2021 | | AC/DC Pro | game | Stern machine installed December 2012; removed by October 2013; later moved to a pub in Wan Chai | | The Avengers Pro | game | Stern machine installed March 2013 at American Pool; noted for rapid international delivery (within 1 month of November 2012 release) | | Star Trek Pro | game | Stern machine installed October 2013; reported as first in Hong Kong/Asia; featured USS Vengeance shaking mechanic; had bright playfield | | Batman | game | Stern machine present at American Pool from 2008-2024; longest-lasting machine on location; noted for dim playfield by September 2021 | | The Walking Dead Pro | game | Stern machine installed October 24, 2014; was one of final four machines before complete pinball removal in 2024 | | Hong Kong | location | Geographic region and market where American Pool operates; represents limited pinball adoption compared to other countries | | Hung Hom | location | Neighborhood in Hong Kong where American Pool arcade is located at 9 Man Tai Street | ### Topics - **Primary:** Location-based pinball arcade operations in Asia-Pacific, Stern Pinball machine distribution and international shipping timelines, Arcade market contraction and conversion to gambling - **Secondary:** Pinball machine maintenance and degradation over time, Pinball adoption rates in Asia, Machine rotation strategies at commercial locations ### Sentiment **Mixed** (0.35) — Early sections (2012-2014) express enthusiasm and excitement about new machine arrivals and gameplay experiences. Mid-period updates maintain positive tone about the arcade. September 2021 update shows declining sentiment with maintenance concerns noted. May 2024 update is decidedly negative, reporting closure of pinball section as 'unfortunate.' Overall arc is positive->neutral->negative, reflecting the location's decline. ### Signals - **[business_signal]** American Pool transitioned from pinball/arcade operator to gambling-focused establishment, indicating market shift or profitability pressure in Hong Kong gaming market (confidence: high) — May 2024: 'they are now half the size and have removed all pinball tables and most of the arcade games. It's 99% gambling type of games left there now.' - **[market_signal]** Early-adopter advantage: Star Trek Pro (September 2013 release) arrived in Hong Kong by October 2013, positioning American Pool among first locations globally (confidence: high) — October 2013: 'I know Star Trek was first released in September, so this one should be the first in Hong Kong or even in the whole of Asia.' - **[market_signal]** Hong Kong represented an emerging but limited pinball market as of 2012, with American Pool being the only public-facing pinball arcade despite Hong Kong's status as major gaming hub (confidence: high) — October 2012: 'While pinball machines in arcades are not uncommon in many countries, they have yet to make much of an impact in the world's most populous nation' and 'It is the only site in Hong Kong which has pinballs and is open to general public.' - **[product_concern]** Maintenance quality at American Pool deteriorated significantly by 2021 despite earlier reports of good upkeep (confidence: high) — September 2021: 'In general I would say they were not so well maintained. The Transformers had two stuck balls and the others also had smaller issues.' Contrasts with October 2012: 'all pinballs were kept in good condition.' - **[supply_chain_signal]** Stern Pinball achieved rapid international distribution to Hong Kong, with Avengers Pro delivered within one month of November 2012 release (confidence: high) — March 2013: 'As I know, the Avengers Pro pin was only released in November 2012, and yet it was possible for it to be delivered to Hong Kong the following month.' --- ## Transcript **Date:** 27th September, 2021 **Location:** 9 Man Tai Street, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China. *Editor’s note: Since his initial report in [October 2012](#october2012), John made updates in [December 2012](#december2012), [March 2013](#march2013), [October 2013](#october2013) and [October 2014](#october2014). X user Retrogamerewind also sent in an update from [September 2021](#september2021) and another in [May 2024](#may2024), this time with the sad news there are no longer any pinballs. You can find all those updates below.* While pinball machines in arcades are not uncommon in many countries, they have yet to make much of an impact in the world’s most populous nation. However, Pinball News reader John found one place where you can get to play the silver ball. **October 2012** The amusement arcade American Pool (“美國寶” in Chinese) is located at 9 Man Tai Street in Hung Hom of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. [![American Pool in Hung Hom](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/103-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/103-american-pool.jpg) American Pool in Hung Hom It has 4 pinballs, which are *Tron LE*, *Transformers*, *Batman* and *The Rolling Stones*. Each pinball costs HKD3 (about US$0.40) per 3-ball game. [![New Stern pinballs at American Pool: Tron LE, Transformers Pro, Batman and The Rolling Stones](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/101-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/101-american-pool.jpg) New Stern pinballs at American Pool: Tron LE, Transformers Pro, Batman and The Rolling Stones It is the only site in Hong Kong which has pinballs and is open to general public.  This arcade is operated by a pinball distributor and therefore all pinballs are always kept in good working condition. [![The main part of the arcade](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/102-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/102-american-pool.jpg) The main part of the arcade [![Another view of American Pool](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/104-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/104-american-pool.jpg) Another view of American Pool In addition to pinballs, it also has many popular video games. It is definitely a good fun place for both adults and children. **December 2012** The next day after coming back to Hong Kong from the [Japan Game Museum](https://www.pinballnews.com/sites/japangamemuseum2/index.html), I visited the American Pool arcade again. I found that my favourite pinball – *Tron LE* – had disappeared and been replaced by another machine – *AC/DC Pro*.  The updated line-up was; *AC/DC Pro*, *Transformers Pro*, *Batman* and *The Rolling Stones Pro*. [![The new game line-up at American Pool](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/105-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/105-american-pool.jpg) The new game line-up at American Pool [![The new AC/DC Pro](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/106-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/106-american-pool.jpg) The new AC/DC Pro [![The new Transformers Pro](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/107-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/107-american-pool.jpg) The new Transformers Pro After some substantial efforts, I successfully got the two grand champion records on *Transformers* and *The Rolling Stones*. My flipper skills were probably upgraded significantly after the three-day boot camp at the Japan Game Museum! [![New high scores on Transformers and The Rolling Stones](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/108-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/108-american-pool.jpg) New high scores on Transformers and The Rolling Stones In addition, American Pool had also imported new models of video games from Japan. [![Four Midnight 4 Maximum Tune racers from Bandai Namco](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/109-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/109-american-pool.jpg) Four Midnight 4 Maximum Tune racers from Bandai Namco [![Sega's Operation G.H.O.S.T.](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/110-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/110-american-pool.jpg) Sega’s Operation G.H.O.S.T. [![Bandai Namco's Mobile Suit Gundam: Bonds of the Battlefield with Panoramic Optical Display (P.O.D.)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/111-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/111-american-pool.jpg) Bandai Namco’s Mobile Suit Gundam: Bonds of the Battlefield with Panoramic Optical Display (P.O.D.) [![Ten Border Break 3.0 seats from Sega](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/112-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/112-american-pool.jpg) Ten Border Break 3.0 seats from Sega This could be why it is always full of young people there. Here’s some additional information: * Transportation: Take minibus #6A at Austin Road (near the MTR ‘Vecennia Jordan’ station) and it will reach the bus terminal in 15 minutes. American Pool is just opposite. [![The #6A minibus from MTR Vecennia Jordan station to American Pool](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/113-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/113-american-pool.jpg) The #6A minibus from MTR Vecennia Jordan station to American Pool * Business hours: 9am – midnight * Website: None * Comments: All pinballs were kept in good condition. **March 2013** I visited American Pool again on 2nd March 2013 and found that *The Rolling Stones Pro* had been replaced by a new game – *The Avengers Pro.*  I was very excited indeed. [![The newest game at American Pool](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/115-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/115-american-pool.jpg) The newest game at American Pool [![The Avengers Pro](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/114-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/114-american-pool.jpg) The Avengers Pro The updated line-up was; *AC/DC Pro*, *Transformers Pro*, *The Avengers Pro* and *Batman*. [![The new line-up](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/116-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/116-american-pool.jpg) The new line-up It seems that *Batman* is the longest-lasting one so far, having been there since 2008. As I know, the *Avengers Pro* pin was only released in November 2012, and yet it was possible for it to be delivered to Hong Kong the following month. Is this because the demand for pinball really is recovering? I played the *Avengers Pro* pin for more than four hours until my lovely wife called me to come home.   My thoughts about the *Avengers Pro* pin is good, and I love it very much.  My highest score was only around 53M points and so I need to start studying the [game’s rules](https://www.pinballnews.com/games/avengers/index5.html) soon. According to a staff member at American Pool, a Hong Kong company has ordered a *Avengers Premium* and placed in its office as free entertainment for its staff. I’m quite jealous about it (^\_\*) ! This time, I had a foot and body massage in the [Lucky Foot Massage Centre](http://massage.zoneonezone.com/shop/detail_en/261) (足如飛) during a break from playing pinball. [![The Lucky Foot Massage Centre](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/117-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/117-american-pool.jpg) The Lucky Foot Massage Centre This shop is nicely decorated with a high quality of service, so I highly recommend it to all of you. It is located at 1/F, 32 Wuhu Street, Hung Hom. **October 2013** In early October 2013, the Hong Kong pinball operator informed that a new pinball was available in American Pool. As a result, I visited American Pool on the first Sunday of October. The four current pins are *Transformers* (Pro), *The Avengers* (Pro), *Star Trek* (Pro) and *Batman*. The *AC/DC* disappeared and would probably have been sold to either a local or overseas buyer. [![Four pinballs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/125-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/125-american-pool.jpg) Four pinballs I know *Star Trek* was first released in September, so this one should be the first in Hong Kong or even in the whole of Asia. The playfield is very bright compared with other pinballs there. [![Star Trek Pro's translite](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/119-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/119-american-pool.jpg) Star Trek Pro’s translite [![The playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/120-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/120-american-pool.jpg) The playfield [![The cabinet side](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/121-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/121-american-pool.jpg) The cabinet side The main feature of *Star Trek* is the USS Vengeance spaceship in the upper part of the playfield. It would shake when it was hit during each stage of mission completion. [![The upper part of the playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/122-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/122-american-pool.jpg) The upper part of the playfield It costs HK$4 (about US$0.50) per 3-ball game for Star Trek.  I was not familiar with the rules of this machine since its in-depth review had not been available on Pinball News. Anyway, my feeling was very amazing. Apart from this new pin, American Pool had also introduced some new video games, such as blackjack. [![New video blackjack game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/123-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/123-american-pool.jpg) New video blackjack game [![Horse racing game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/124-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/124-american-pool.jpg) Horse racing game **October 2014** The new pinball –*The Walking Dead* Pro – was installed in American Pool on 24th October.  I could not wait to visit it the next day. The four current pins are *Transformers* Pro, *Star Trek* Pro, *Batman* and*The Walking Dead* Pro.  *Star Trek* and *The Walking Dead* cost HKD4 (USD0.50) per game, while the other two cost HKD3 (USD0.40). [![The new line-up at American Pool](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/131-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/131-american-pool.jpg) The new line-up at American Pool The Walking Dead is a very fun game.  Of course, I need some time to be familiar the game rules before getting any high scores. [![The Walking Dead](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/132-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/132-american-pool.jpg) The Walking Dead [![Playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/133-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/133-american-pool.jpg) Playfield [![Cabinet](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/134-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/134-american-pool.jpg) Cabinet The *AC/DC* was moved aside to be packed up, and is going to be delivered to its new owner – a new pub in Wan Chai on Hong Kong island. [![Bye bye AC/DC](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/135-american-pool.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/135-american-pool.jpg) Bye bye AC/DC **September 2021** – Update by [Retrogamerewind](http://x.com/retrogamerewind) These are the four pinball machines they currently have at American Pool. [![The Walking Dead](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/01-american-pool-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/01-american-pool.jpg) The Walking Dead Pro [![Transformers](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/02-american-pool-723x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/02-american-pool.jpg) Transformers Pro [![Star Trek Pro](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/03-american-pool-739x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/03-american-pool.jpg) Star Trek Pro [![Batman: The Dark Knight](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/04-american-pool-773x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/sites/american-pool/04-american-pool.jpg) Batman: The Dark Knight In general I would say they were not so well maintained. The *Transformers* had two stuck balls and the others also had smaller issues. *Transformers* was 3HK$ per credit, the others – if I remember right – 4HK$ or 5HK$. The *Batman* pinball had a very dim playfield. I’m not sure if that is due to the age of the machine or if its meant to be like that, but it felt very dim compared to the other three. **May 2024** – Update by [Retrogamerewind](http://x.com/retrogamerewind) Unfortunately, I have to report that they are now half the size and have removed all pinball tables and most of the arcade games. It’s 99% gambling type of games left there now. _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 5308c502-9983-473b-b82a-9f0efc1d8589*