# STAR WARS: FALL OF THE EMPIRE REVEALED **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2025-09-12 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2025/09/12/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-revealed --- ## Analysis Stern Pinball officially revealed Star Wars: Fall of the Empire on September 12, 2025, their flagship Spike 3 platform game featuring original trilogy assets. The game launches in three variants (Pro $6,999, Premium $9,699, LE $12,999 with 770 unit limit) with significant feature differentiation between tiers, including motorized toys, sculpts, and the Force magnet save exclusive to Premium/LE. The title was designed by John Borg with code by Raymond Davidson and features C-3PO narration by Chris Bartlett. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] Limited Edition production capped at 770 units to mark 1977 Star Wars premiere — _Official Stern announcement states '770' limit marking original release date, with caveat that new batches could be produced if new markets open_ - [HIGH] Game uses original trilogy assets (Episodes IV-VI) rather than sequel trilogy — _Official press materials state 'assets from the original three movies – episodes 4, 5 and 6'_ - [HIGH] Spike 3 features 18.5" LCD panel with higher resolution than previous generation — _Official announcement: 'larger 18.5" full HD display with true color depth, along with a more powerful processor'_ - [HIGH] Game licensing initially restricted to US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile — _Official statement: 'Initial availability will be in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile' with EMEA regions notably excluded_ - [HIGH] Force magnet save feature exclusive to Premium and Limited Edition models — _Feature matrix and game description show Force magnet listed only for Premium/LE, absent from Pro_ - [HIGH] Pro model lacks motorized AT-AT collapse, moving center ramp, and multiple character sculpts — _Detailed feature breakdown states 'AT-AT is static, there are no Darth, Jabba, Tie Fighter, or Stormtrooper sculpts, no Force magnet, and no moving bridge on the centre ramp' in Pro_ - [HIGH] Chris Bartlett voices C-3PO in the pinball game — _Official article states 'In the Stern pinball, it is Chris Bartlett doing the voice'_ - [HIGH] Game required 2.5 weeks for licensor approval after initial August 26 announcement — _Article states 'announced their new game on 26th August, but it's taken two-and-a-half weeks to get licensor approval to launch the title today'_ - [HIGH] Limited Edition includes Expression Lighting System and upgraded audio with tweeter and mid-range speakers — _Official press release describes LE features including 'Expression Lighting System™ and Speaker Expression Lighting System' and 'upgraded audio system'_ - [HIGH] No Insider Connected saved progression feature at launch, unlike Venom or Dungeons & Dragons — _Article explicitly notes 'there is currently no saved progression with Insider Connected, as seen in Venom or Dungeons & Dragons'_ ### Notable Quotes > "Star Wars is one of the most iconic franchises in entertainment history and bringing it to life with a fresh take in our new pinball machine is a dream come true for our team who grew up as fans" > — **Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball**, Official announcement > _Flagship product announcement from company leadership emphasizing emotional connection to IP_ > "At Stern Pinball, we always want to deliver an immersive, high-energy experience for our players, and there's no better way to do that than with Star Wars." > — **Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball**, Official announcement > _Core company philosophy statement tying Star Wars to Stern's strategic vision_ > "The Pro differences are, the AT-AT is static, there are no Darth, Jabba, Tie Fighter, or Stormtrooper sculpts, no Force magnet, and no moving bridge on the centre ramp." > — **Pinball News article**, September 12, 2025 > _Explicit breakdown of three-tier feature differentiation showing significant gameplay gaps between Pro and Premium/LE_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Star Wars: Fall of the Empire | game | Stern Pinball's flagship Spike 3 release featuring original trilogy assets; available in Pro/Premium/LE tiers with 770 LE unit limit | | Stern Pinball | company | Largest pinball manufacturer; announced game on August 26, held Media Open House, revealed September 12, 2025 | | John Borg | person | Game Designer credited with Star Wars: Fall of the Empire playfield and mechanical design | | Raymond Davidson | person | Software lead/code designer for Star Wars: Fall of the Empire | | George Gomez | person | Stern Pinball representative who demonstrated sound system capabilities at Media Open House | | Seth Davis | person | President & CEO of Stern Pinball; provided official statement about Star Wars release | | Chris Bartlett | person | Voice actor providing C-3PO narration for the pinball game | | Anthony Daniels | person | Original C-3PO performer from Star Wars films; performed in most original movies | | Spike 3 | product | Stern's next-generation controller platform featuring 18.5" HD display, improved processor, enhanced audio system, better Wi-Fi and wireless headphone support | | Jaws | game | Stern game observed on production line during Media Open House visit | | Venom | game | Previous Stern title referenced as having Insider Connected saved progression feature that Star Wars lacks at launch | | Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant's Eye | game | Previous Stern title referenced as having Insider Connected saved progression feature that Star Wars lacks at launch | | Pinball News | organization | Media outlet covering the Star Wars reveal; attended Media Open House and published detailed coverage | | Return of the Jedi | product | Star Wars Episode VI; Death Star II featured as primary game toy | | The Empire Strikes Back | product | Star Wars Episode V; AT-AT walker featured as game toy | | A New Hope | product | Star Wars Episode IV; referenced for 1977 premiere date tied to LE production limit of 770 units | ### Topics - **Primary:** Game announcement and official reveal, Three-tier pricing model (Pro/Premium/LE) and feature differentiation, Spike 3 platform capabilities and specifications, Limited Edition production limits and collectibility strategy, Game design features and mechanical toys (Death Star, AT-AT, Force magnet), Star Wars IP integration and original trilogy focus - **Secondary:** Licensing constraints and geographic availability restrictions, Media relations and press coverage strategy ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.78) — Official announcement is celebratory and comprehensive. Article coverage is factual and detailed without critical assessment. No negative commentary present, though significant feature tiering between models is presented neutrally. Community reception not yet reflected in this source material. ### Signals - **[community_signal]** Media Open House held with invited press, NDA requirement, factory tour, and hands-on play opportunity prior to public reveal (confidence: high) — Article describes 'Media Open House was held two days ago' with 'invited members of the pinball media' required to sign NDA before September 12 reveal - **[licensing_signal]** Geographic licensing constraints excluding EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa) despite global Star Wars fanbase; only 7 regions licensed at launch (confidence: high) — Official availability statement limits to 'United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile' with EMEA notably absent - **[market_signal]** Marketing emphasizes IP integration ('1,000 high-quality film and audio assets') and emotional connection ('dream come true for our team who grew up as fans') (confidence: medium) — Official announcement highlights '1,000+ film and audio assets' and CEO statement about personal connection to franchise - **[personnel_signal]** John Borg designs Star Wars playfield; Raymond Davidson handles code; George Gomez demonstrates audio capabilities (confidence: high) — Official credits and Media Open House description identify designer, code lead, and audio demonstration lead - **[market_signal]** LE priced at $12,999 represents premium market positioning; three-tier spread ($6,999 Pro to $12,999 LE) creates significant feature-value gap (confidence: medium) — Official MSRP shows $6,000 spread across tiers with Pro lacking key mechanical features found in higher-priced models - **[announcement]** Official reveal of Star Wars: Fall of the Empire as Stern's flagship Spike 3 platform game (confidence: high) — Formal announcement on September 12, 2025 with full technical specifications, pricing, and availability details provided - **[product_strategy]** Deliberate three-tier feature distribution with significant gaps between Pro and Premium/LE: Pro lacks motorized AT-AT, character sculpts, moving center ramp bridge, Force magnet save, and Expression lighting (confidence: high) — Feature matrix and detailed comparison showing Pro excludes multiple mechanical toys and gameplay features exclusive to higher tiers - **[business_signal]** Limited Edition production capped at 770 units tied to 1977 Star Wars premiere date, creating FOMO/collectibility narrative; caveat allows additional batches if new markets opened (confidence: high) — Official statement: '770 games in the initial launch territories' with explicit note that 'If they manage to open up new markets, there could be a new batch of Limited Edition models produced' - **[technology_signal]** Spike 3 platform debuts with larger 18.5" HD LCD, improved processor, enhanced audio system with tweeter/mid-range speaker support, better Wi-Fi, wireless headphone capabilities (confidence: high) — Official technical specifications describe 'larger 18.5" full HD display with true color depth, along with a more powerful processor, and a new immersive audio system' --- ## Transcript **Date:** September 12th, 2025 [Stern Pinball](https://sternpinball.com/) today revealed their latest Star Wars game, titled *Star Wars: Fall of the Empire*. The title relates to the period in Star Wars history leading up to the destruction of the second Death Star at the Battle of Endor in the *Return of the Jedi* movie. Consequently, the game features assets from the original three movies – episodes 4, 5 and 6. [![The flipper area of the new Star Wars game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/007-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/007-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The flipper area of the new Star Wars game The game was officially announced their new game on 26th August, but it’s taken two-and-a-half weeks to get licensor approval to launch the title today. Even then, the game is not licensed for sale is certain geographic regions, in particular Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A Media Open House was held two days ago to show invited members of the pinball media the new game, show them round the Stern Pinball factory and then give them the chance to play the game. [![The Media Open House at the Stern Pinball factory](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/001-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x724.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/001-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Media Open House at the Stern Pinball factory Those attending had to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure they didn’t reveal any details of the game until after today’s launch. [![The Media Open House at the Stern Pinball factory](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/002-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x772.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/002-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Media Open House at the Stern Pinball factory [![Jaws was the game on the production line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/003-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x729.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/003-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) Jaws was the game on the production line [![Jaws games being completed](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/004-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/004-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) Jaws games being completed All three variants of the *Star Wars* game – Pro, Premium and Limited Edition – were set up at the factory. The Limited Edition has a maximum run of 770 units, marking the premiere of Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope in 1977. However, Stern only promise the 770 limit on sales to currently-licensed regions. If they manage to open up new markets, there could be a new batch of Limited Edition models produced. [![The Pro model of Star Wars: Fall of the Empire](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/005-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-547x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/005-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Pro model of Star Wars: Fall of the Empire Game Designer, John Borg, and software lead, Raymond Davidson, talked about the mechanical features in the game along with the rules and assets included. George Gomez then demonstrates the power of the new sound system. VIDEO This is Stern’s first ‘cornerstone’ game to use the company’s new Spike 3 controller board. With that comes a larger 18.5″ LCD panel, a higher display resolution and improved sound quality. The Limited Edition model now comes with both a tweeter and a mid-range speaker on either side of the display. C-3PO acts as the narrator in the game. C-3PO appears in all 9 of the original Star Wars movies. Anthony Daniels performed as C-3PO in most of the movies and provided the voice in them all. Since then, C-3PO has been voiced by Daniels, Tom Kane and Tony Pope in Star Wars video games. In the Stern pinball, it is Chris Chris Bartlett doing the voice. And so to the *Star Wars: Fall of the Empire* game itself. [![The Pro playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/006-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-712x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/006-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Pro playfield The Pro model doesn’t have Stern’s Expression lighting system. The Premium has the cutouts in the cabinet sides for an aftermarket add-on purchase, while the Limited Edition includes the Expression lighting. As you might expect, one of the main toys is the Death Star. This contains a motorised door which, after enough hits, opens to lock balls for multiball. When three balls have been locked they are fired back out of the Death Star onto the right flipper as Death Star Multiball begins. This device is common to all three variants of the game. The centre ramp is different on the Pro compared to the Premium and Limited Edition. In the upper two versions, it acts as a bridge which can be raised or lowered to allow shots into the backboard. The ball enters the backboard, turns left and runs on a wireform down the left side of the playfield. When the ramp is raised, the ball is blocked from entering the backboard. To the right of the centre ramps is the Sarlacc Pit, which has an illuminated Jabba The Hut model above it and a drop target in front. When the ball manages to get past the drop target it enters a cup where it spins around, highlighting different features on the display. When it stops spinning the highlighted feature is awarded. To the left of the centre ramp is the AT-AT model. This is motorised to movie its legs up and down and also collapse when defeated in the Premium and Limited Edition but remains static in the Pro. On the Premium and Limited Edition there is a Darth Vader sculpt on the left over his mystery award and multiball start, and a Stormtrooper sculpt on the right over his target. There’s also a Tie-Fighter model further up the playfield. However, these are all flat plastics on the Pro. Continuing Stern’s trend of doing something interesting in the outlanes, Star Wars features a Force magnet between the flippers which can be activated by the lock bar button once J-E from J-E-D-I are lit to grab a left outlane ball before it drains, and fling it up the right outlane and into the shooter lane. If J-E-D-I is spelled in full, the Force magnet grabs the ball and holds it before flinging it back between the flippers onto the playfield. Again though, this is a Premium and Limited Edition feature, and not in the Pro. So, the Pro differences are, the AT-AT is static, there are no Darth, Jabba, Tie Fighter, or Stormtrooper sculpts, no Force magnet, and no moving bridge on the centre ramp. Here are the basic game rules from the instruction card. It’s worth noting there is currently no saved progression with Insider Connected, as seen in Venom or Dungeons & Dragons. | | | --- | | **REBEL MISSIONS:** Complete FORCE targets to light Rebel shots to start a REBEL MISSION. **BATTLE OF HOTH MULTIBALL:** Hit the AT-AT target to light lock at the Luke shot. Lock 3 balls to start BATTLE OF HOTH MULTIBALL. **DEATH STAR MULTIBALL:** Hit the Death Star to open the hatch. Lock 3 balls in the Death Star to start DEATH STAR MULTIBALL. **JABBA EVENTS:** Knock down the Salacious Crumb drop target to access the Sarlacc Pit and start a JABBA EVENT. **FALCON FEATURES:** Shoot the Millennium Falcon to qualify FALCON FEATURES. **DARTH VADER MODES:** Complete Empire return lanes to light Darth Vader scoop for Dark Side Mystery and DARTH VADER MODES. **CHARACTER COMBOS:** Make shots in succession to collect character combos shown on the yellow inserts. **ION CANNON MULTIPLIERS:** Charge up the Ion Cannon by hitting the pop bumpers to light SHOT MULTIPLIERS. | | | We’ll be adding lots more pictures of the three models as we receive them from Stern. Here’s what we have so far: **Pro Model** [![The left side of the Pro model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/101-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-644x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/101-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The left side of the Pro model [![The front of the Pro model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/102-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-395x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/102-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-scaled.jpg) The front of the Pro model [![The right side of the Pro model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/103-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-651x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/103-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The right side of the Pro model [![The Pro models plaque and speaker grille](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/104-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x678.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/104-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Pro models plaque and speaker grille **Premium Model** [![The left side of the Premium model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/201-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-650x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/201-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The left side of the Premium model [![The front of the Premium model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/202-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-395x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/202-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-scaled.jpg) The front of the Premium model [![The right side of the Premium model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/203-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-648x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/203-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The right side of the Premium model [![The Premium model's speaker grille](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/204-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x737.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/204-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Premium model’s speaker grille **Limited Edition Model** [![The left side of the Limited Edition model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/301-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-614x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/301-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-scaled.jpg) The left side of the Limited Edition model [![The front of the Limited Edition model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/302-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-431x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/302-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-scaled.jpg) The front of the Limited Edition model [![The right side of the Limited Edition model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/303-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-619x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/303-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-scaled.jpg) The right side of the Limited Edition model [![The Limited Edition's backbox artwork](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/399-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x831.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/399-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Limited Edition’s backbox artwork [![The Expression speaker lights on the Limited Edition model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/304-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x762.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/304-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Expression speaker lights on the Limited Edition model [![The Pro, Premium and Limited Edition models](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/009-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x582.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/009-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Pro, Premium and Limited Edition models Let’s now turn to the playfield and see the features and shots included in each model. As usual, the Premium and Limited Edition models have very similar playfields, with both having the full range of mechanical toys and sculpts. So, we’ll compare the Limited Edition’s feature set with the Pro’s. [![The Pro and Limited Edition playfields](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/010-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1012x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/010-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Pro and Limited Edition playfields **Limited Edition Model’s Playfield** [![The Limited Edition's playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/300-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-504x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/300-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-scaled.jpg) The Limited Edition’s playfield [![The Limited Edition's bottom apron](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/305-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x873.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/305-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Limited Edition’s bottom apron [![The Limited Edition's bottom apron](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/306-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x866.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/306-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Limited Edition’s bottom apron [![The left inlane/outlane area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/308-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x606.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/308-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The left inlane/outlane area [![The right inlane/outlane area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/307-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x684.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/307-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The right inlane/outlane area [![The Darth Vader scoop and sculpt](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/310-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x742.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/310-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Darth Vader scoop and sculpt ![The Stormtrooper hurry-up and sculpt](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/309-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x826.jpg) The Stormtrooper hurry-up and sculpt [![Jabba the Hutt](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/313-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x678.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/313-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) Jabba the Hutt [![Jabba over the Sarlacc Pit](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/311-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x855.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/311-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) Jabba over the Sarlacc Pit [![The entrance to the Sarlacc Pit](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/323-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x678.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/323-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The entrance to the Sarlacc Pit [![The drop target at the entrance to the Sarlacc Pit](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/315-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x697.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/315-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The drop target at the entrance to the Sarlacc Pit [![The left opto spinner](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/316-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x652.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/316-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The left opto spinner [![The right opto spinner](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/317-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x665.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/317-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The right opto spinner [![The Death Star](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/318-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x625.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/318-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Death Star [![The Death Star](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/322-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x649.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/322-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Death Star [![Shooting into the Death Star](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/325-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-697x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/325-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) Shooting into the Death Star [![The Millennium Falcon Hyperspace shot](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/320-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x697.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/320-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Millennium Falcon Hyperspace shot [![The AT-AT model and lock](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/319-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x736.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/319-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The AT-AT model and lock [![The Force magnet grabs the ball if J-E-D-I is lit](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/324-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x712.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/324-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Force magnet grabs the ball if J-E-D-I is lit **Pro Model’s Playfield** [![The Pro model's playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/100-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-499x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/100-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-scaled.jpg) The Pro model’s playfield [![The Pro model's bottom apron](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/105-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x891.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/105-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Pro model’s bottom apron [![The Pro model's bottom apron](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/106-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x795.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/106-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Pro model’s bottom apron [![The static AT-AT in the Pro model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/107-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x625.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/107-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The static AT-AT in the Pro model [![The Millennium Falcon model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/108-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x704.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/108-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Millennium Falcon model [![The fixed ramp leading to the Hyperspace shot](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/109-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x683.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/109-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The fixed ramp leading to the Hyperspace shot [![The Sarlacc Pit spin-around](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/110-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x735.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/110-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Sarlacc Pit spin-around [![The Darth Vader scoop and left spinner](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/111-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x684.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/111-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The Darth Vader scoop and left spinner [![The upper part of the playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/112-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x688.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/112-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The upper part of the playfield [![The left optical spinner](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/113-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x684.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/113-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The left optical spinner [![The left pop bumper which builds the ion cannon](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/114-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x763.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/114-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The left pop bumper which builds the ion cannon **Premium Model’s Playfield** [![The Premium model's playfield](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/200-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-500x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/200-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-scaled.jpg) The Premium model’s playfield [![The bottom apron on the Premium model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/205-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x833.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/205-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The bottom apron on the Premium model [![The bottom apron on the Premium model](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/206-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-1024x822.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/206-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The bottom apron on the Premium model To make sense of which model has which features, here’s the feature matrix showing what’s in each version of the game: [![The feature matrix for Star Wars: Fall of the Empire](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/008-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-708x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/008-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The feature matrix for Star Wars: Fall of the Empire Here’s how Stern Pinball announced their latest title: | | | --- | | **CHICAGO, IL – September 12, 2025** – Today, Stern Pinball, Inc., the largest designer and manufacturer of pinball games in the world, revealed their newest collection of pinball games inspired by one of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world. Stern Pinball is excited to bring *Star Wars™* to existing and new generations of pinball players, taking them on an epic adventure to save the galaxy once and for all with a fresh take on the original trilogy. ***Star Wars: Fall of the Empire*** pinball games are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models. Initial availability will be in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. Availability in additional markets will be communicated at a later date. In Stern Pinball’s ***Star Wars: Fall of the Empire***pinball games; players will take part in the adventures that started it all and experience iconic *Star Wars*-inspired moments through a pinball experience like no other. Players will take down the AT-AT by attaching their snowspeeder’s tow cable and shooting the spiral ramp to send it crashing down, mirroring the breathtaking scene from *Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back*. Destroy the Death Star II from *Star Wars: Return of the Jedi* by lowering shields on the battle station during Death Star Multiball to save the galaxy. Players can also escape from Cloud City when reactivating the *Millennium Falcon*’s hyperdrive by hitting the center jump ramp to escape to hyperspace. Throughout the pinball experience, players will enter Jabba the Hutt’s Sarlacc Pit, battle stormtroopers, defeat TIE fighters, and even mimic using the Force to save your ball on the journey to defeating the Empire. Feel the power of the dark side as you enjoy special Darth Vader-inspired modes. Accompanying the over 1,000 high-quality film and audio assets integrated into the gameplay, the ***Star Wars: Fall of the Empire***pinball games feature the iconic movie score in addition to hand-drawn, vibrant artwork. The games feature custom audio call-outs from actor Chris Chris Bartlett as C-3PO. “*Star Wars* is one of the most iconic franchises in entertainment history and bringing it to life with a fresh take in our new pinball machine is a dream come true for our team who grew up as fans,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball. “At Stern Pinball, we always want to deliver an immersive, high-energy experience for our players, and there’s no better way to do that than with *Star Wars*.” The ***Star Wars: Fall of the Empire***pinball games launch on Stern’s next-generation SPIKE 3 technology platform, which includes a larger 18.5” full HD display with true color depth, along with a more powerful processor, and a new immersive audio system. SPIKE 3 electronics also feature more efficient power handling, improved Wi-Fi support, and wireless headphone capabilities. To honor the original release of *Star Wars* in **1977**, the Limited Edition model will be limited to **770** games in the initial launch territories. This highly collectible model includes the Expression Lighting System™ and Speaker Expression Lighting System with *Star Wars*-themed game effects, a full-color mirrored backglass, full-color high-definition cabinet decals, exclusive custom ***Star Wars: Fall of the Empire***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 ***Star Wars: Fall of the Empire***pinball games are available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world, which can be found [here](https://sternpinball.com/buy-a-game/). Stay up to date by following Stern Pinball on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/sternpinballinc), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/sternpinball), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sternpinball/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sternpinball/), and [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@sternpinball). **Pricing and Availability:** **Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)\*:** *\*MSRP for sales to USA end-users before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.* Pro Edition:                                                            $US 6,999 Premium Edition:                                                   $US  9,699 Limited Edition:                                                      $US  12,999 The ***Star Wars: Fall of the Empire***pinball games are available now through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile or via request for availability on the [game information page here](https://sternpinball.com/game/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/). The ***Star Wars: Fall of the Empire***pinball games feature Stern’s best-in-class commercial quality reliability backed by a 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 around the world and enhances 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](http://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 around the globe. Recent Stern Pinball titles include King Kong: Myth of Terror Island, *DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: The Tyrant’s Eye*, Metallica Remastered, John Wick, JAWS, Venom, Foo Fighters, James Bond, Rush, Godzilla, Led Zeppelin, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, and Batman,.  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](http://www.sternpinball.com/). *###* *All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.* STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. | | | Naturally, there are some promotional videos to accompany the launch. Here’s the basic trailer showing some of the gameplay: VIDEO Here’s a longer one with George Gomez and John Borg showcasing the game’s features: VIDEO There’s also the first official gameplay video: VIDEO Finally, here are the flyers for the three models: [![The front of the Pro flyer](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/198-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-796x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/198-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The front of the Pro flyer [![The back of the Pro flyer](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/199-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-796x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/199-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The back of the Pro flyer [![The front of the Premium flyer](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/298-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-796x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/298-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The front of the Premium flyer [![The back of the Premium flyer](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/299-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-796x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/299-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The back of the Premium flyer [![The front of the Limited Edition flyer](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/397-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-796x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/397-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The front of the Limited Edition flyer [![The back of the Limited Edition flyer](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/398-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire-796x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/star-wars-fall-of-the-empire/398-star-wars-fall-of-the-empire.jpg) The back of the Limited Edition flyer The first public outing for the game is expected to be at the Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown on 19th-21st September near Denver. Watch out for more *Star Wars: Fall of the Empire* news, right here at Pinball News. _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 876aad38-9032-4a03-bbae-beb3ab15e81b*