Nintendo is a major video game company and intellectual property holder that has become increasingly significant to the pinball industry. The company holds licenses for iconic gaming franchises including Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Donkey Kong Country, and Metroid. After a 34-year gap since their last pinball machine in 1992, Nintendo's Pokémon IP is being leveraged by Stern Pinball for a 2026 release, with industry expectations that this partnership will unlock access to multiple additional Nintendo properties for future pinball games.
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This is Nintendo's first foray into physical pinball in over 30 years
Nintendo first partnered with Gottlieb for Super Mario Bros. pinball in 1992
This is Nintendo's first physical pinball in over 30 years
Nintendo is as aggressive on IP protection as Guns N' Roses in the pinball industry
Does not own Pokémon IP directly despite association with franchise
IP licensor; returning to physical pinball after 35 years with Pokémon partnership
IP licensor for Pokémon franchise; first physical pinball in 30+ years
Would not license Super Mario for pinball to third parties; maintains strict control over complex interactive game licensing.
Major partial owner of Pokemon IP; Pokemon Company acts as licensing agent
Discussed as potential pinball manufacturer or licensor; Jason Knapp notes Nintendo prefers controlling own projects; rumored difficulty as licensing partner
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Nintendo typically cycles down console generations with cash-grab titles before announcing successors
The next Nintendo console (Switch 2) may be called Electric Boogaloo
A Pokémon Pinball handheld was released in 2001
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby and Sapphire was released for Wii U in 2003
Nintendo has licensed IP for pinball in the past
A Pokémon Pinball Game Boy Color version was released in 1999
Nintendo will only license Super Mario for pinball if Nintendo develops and manufactures the pinball division themselves.
Nintendo released the original Game Boy Tetris on Switch for subscribers
Cruisin' Blast was announced for Nintendo Switch at Nintendo Direct
NES homebrew games with original-style boxes represent a growing trend in retro gaming
Nintendo Switch Lite replaces 3DS market positioning as entry-level portable gaming device
Nintendo took down ROM files from most servers after the fan port became known
Console manufacturer for the Wii, mentioned in context of Sega rivalry
Video game hardware manufacturer; mentioned in context of Wii console and the N64/GameCube era discussion
Publisher of Wii console; hosts discuss Nintendo's console lifecycle strategy
Discussed as superior to Atari due to seal of quality system and better game ports
Publisher of Wii platform and games discussed
Publisher and developer of Punch-Out!! franchise
Original Super Mario publisher; took down ROM files from servers after the fan port became known
Licensed official Tetris version after winning Soviet Union bidding; established cultural dominance of their version
Referenced as industry standard for professional product launches; used as comparison to highlight Arcade1Up's failure
Hardware manufacturer; Retro Ralph owns NES, Wii U, Nintendo Wii (including JAMMA variant), N64, and Genesis Mini in his collection
Video game company; IP holder for Super Mario Bros. and subject of Ralph's Retrospect segment focus
Manufacturer of Wii console used as the core gaming hardware
Publisher/developer of Donkey Kong and Radar Scope
IP holder blocking Mario pinball access; publicly stated preference to manufacture own pinball machines if licensing occurs; mentioned as constructing Nintendo Land theme park experience
Original hardware manufacturer of Famicom and NES; produced Red Tent arcade cabinets in 1980s
Described as very particular about IP licensing with high creative control; difficult to engage in licensing conversations; explains why Mario pinball hasn't been made
Video game manufacturer reporting 31.3% decrease in net sales, $48.1M operating loss, Wii U decline of 53%, and limited Pokemon Go revenue share
Pokémon IP licensor; actively involved in game development decisions and future code update planning per Tony's confirmation
Released Nintendo Direct announcement event; no 3DS announcements made; transitioning to Doug Bowser as new Nintendo of America president
Video game hardware manufacturer announcing Switch OLED after months of Pro rumors that proved unfounded
Top-tier video game company ranked in top 5 by revenue
Publisher and developer of Wii Fit (released December 1, 2007)
IP owner; history of licensing pinball and digital Pokémon pinball games
IP licensor for Zelda and Super Mario Bros. pinball machines; highly sought-after licensing partner for pinball
Manufacturer of Sky Hawk arcade cabinet and Wild Gunman
Gaming platform holder; hosts Star Wars and Marvel Pinball tables on Switch; potential licensing complications mentioned
IP holder exercising strict control over artwork, character placement, and asset usage in Pokémon Pinball
Video game manufacturer contacted by Walter Day in 1982 inquiry about score record tracking; confirmed no system in place.
License holder Hardy believes Pokemon success will help Stern access for multiple future titles (Mario, Metroid, Zelda, DKC)
Target platform for planned console launch; now allows on-sale curation after previous restrictions
Parent company of Pokemon IP; first Nintendo property on pinball since 1992 34-year gap
Pokémon IP licensor; one of three holders of Pokémon gaming licenses
Publisher of The Legend of Zelda
Manufacturer of Mario Brothers arcade cabinet (1983 widebody); referenced via original home console game
Licensor of the video game theme for the pinball machine