Hot Wheels is a pinball machine designed by Joe Balser and released by American Pinball in 2020, based on the Mattel toy brand license. The game features a tachometer multiplier system with five gear progression, creature battle modes, loop crash multiball, and stepped RPM targets, designed for location and family-friendly play. Despite strong initial reception, the game failed to connect the pinball and Hot Wheels enthusiast demographics and underperformed in the market during its production runs through 2025.
Hot Wheels contract with American Pinball ended in 2025; company still completing Houdini inventory
American Pinball's Hot Wheels was their weakest game and suffered from poor pandemic release timing
Hot Wheels game design features multiple strategic paths to victory
Hot Wheels pinball was released at the IAAPA show in New Orleans
American Pinball game with affordable pricing and aura offset lighting, sold surprisingly well
American Pinball title released years prior; referenced as younger-appeal IP example
American Pinball game; displayed at TPF with red powder coating and dinosaur topper upgrades
American Pinball machine on display at TPF 2026
Licensed IP for American Pinball games; license expired end of 2025; final orders placed before expiration still being fulfilled.
American Pinball title entering final shipment phase
Subject of the teased content; likely a pinball machine or related announcement
No linked glossary terms
Hot Wheels (American Pinball 2020) came out just before the pandemic hit
The game Hot Wheels has compatibility issues with standard capture devices
Hot Wheels is one of the best new pinball machines Manu has seen
Red Line Mania is triggered by bringing the attack/tachometer arm all the way to 10 on Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels does not reward trapping play and requires fast, aggressive play because it's a race-themed game
The boost feature in Hot Wheels only activates once per gear
Hot Wheels appeals to multiple age groups including children as young as 9-10 years old
Hot Wheels' inline drop target mechanism with saucer lock is similar to Spider-Man: Web Slinger's design
Mark's Hot Wheels unit weighed approximately 300 pounds
Hot Wheels uses powder-coated legs and a common-size Allen wrench for assembly, reducing the need for additional tools
Hot Wheels has the least amount of problems among American Pinball games for location operators
Hot Wheels display has better resolution than typical Stern displays
Hot Wheels (American Pinball) is highly regarded by arcade operators and enthusiasts including Fliptronic staff
Hot Wheels is a C-tier license that lacks the narrative/character-driven appeal of 80s IP (TMNT, He-Man, G.I. Joe)
Hot Wheels has five Hot Wheels cars as toys on the playfield
Hot Wheels design includes powder-coated service rails
Hot Wheels machine includes a shaker motor
Hot Wheels requires additional side lighting to be playable due to insufficient ambient light from RGB system
Hot Wheels is the best American pinball game produced to date
Hot Wheels features a magnet in the back to start multiball and spinning car targets that accelerate with RPM hits
Hot Wheels has received code updates that are being positively received.
American Pinball's Hot Wheels production is experiencing delays with customers still waiting for second shipments months after initial delivery
First 500 orders of Hot Wheels include a free shaker motor
Hot Wheels features a 3D backboard that is a first in pinball
Hot Wheels represents some of the best theme integration in pinball
Hot Wheels includes interchangeable car display allowing players to customize with their own Hot Wheels collection
Hot Wheels is priced at $6,295-$6,300
Hot Wheels was revealed at Amiga Newsmaker Expo International in New Orleans with a dinosaurs-themed variant called 'Hot Wheels City'
Hot Wheels features bright colors, crazy cars, dinosaurs, and is designed to be family-friendly and approachable
American Pinball title based on Mattel Hot Wheels IP, praised for layout, shots, visuals, and flipper feel; described as potential sleeper hit
Game Mark sold before acquiring James Bond Pro.
Pinball machine by American Pinball based on Mattel Hot Wheels IP; revealed at Amiga Newsmaker Expo in New Orleans
Recent American Pinball release; sleeper game with great light show and theme appeal; predicted to be collectible
Upcoming American Pinball licensed game featuring Mattel's Hot Wheels IP; designed by John Bolster with focus on racing theme, approachability, and animation quality
Stern machine featured at Pentagogo; hosts noted playing multiple units with varying flipper power
Third title from American Pinball, licensed toy theme, estimated $6,200–$6,400 price point
AP's current game; unlicensed theme; described as Williams-esque, approachable, fast-playing when properly set up; disrupted marketing launch due to COVID-19
American Pinball game; criticized as never improved despite Fix's promises of loop-de-loop/jump/ramp; criticized for lack of sales
American Pinball licensed game; launched at $5,500-$6,740; priced competitively to Stern Pro
American Pinball game; described as 'most barren game ever' lacking loop-de-loop, car wash, and jump features; recycled Houdini mechanics
Rumored American Pinball machine in development; company did not confirm or deny when contacted by correspondent
Referenced as example of better center bank/pop-up design implementation to prevent ball flight issues.
American Pinball release; shipping; great reviews; code updates well-received; customizable with personal Hot Wheels; same price as Stern Pro
American Pinball release; launched during pandemic; criticized for uninspired layout and extended production timeline
American Pinball title; mentioned as part of inventory backlog.
Recent release; Jeff hasn't played; Chuck Webster recently acquired and has been streaming it
American Pinball licensed title currently in production; part of Stephen Bowden's sales and promotion focus
Licensed American Pinball game featuring Mattel's Hot Wheels brand. Soft launch disrupted by COVID-19. Features Hot Wheels City video animations (50% of animations created by six animators). More beginner-friendly than Houdini. Strong rules balance. Planned major Texas expo reveal with life-size Hot Wheels cars never occurred.
American Pinball release with weak flippers, poor ambient lighting, but strong animations and overall gameplay rated best American pinball game
American Pinball licensed game; featured in livestream; some consideration for loop kit addition
American Pinball's car-themed game with RGB lighting, inline drop targets, battle modes, and broad appeal
Upcoming American Pinball title themed around Mattel toy cars; priced at $7,000; hosts argue it targets wrong demographic (kids won't be primary purchasers)
American Pinball game based on Mattel toy brand; license renewed; featured in upcoming Twitch stream announcement
Stern pinball machine with automotive theme; discussed as fun but limited in depth
American Pinball's new game revealed at AMOA show; features offset display and spinning car mechanic; criticized for theme, animation, and timing
American Pinball game featuring Mattel Hot Wheels IP; highlighted as best-kept secret of 2020 with exceptional earnings and code quality
American Pinball game; top earner at Tommy Skinner's location; praised for enjoyable shots, synchronized sound design, and casual accessibility compared to Guns N' Roses
Game Eric owned and sold; described as 'great game' but difficult decision to sell
Pinball machine George played at Pintastic
Pinball machine at At the Wallace
American Pinball title being satirized for art quality
American Pinball game; Jack has in his studio; complex game with many strategies
Pinball machine at Quarter Club, home venue designation for Balls of Steel team
American Pinball game; described as lacking ramps, jumps, car washes; unfulfilled promise to add accessories later
American Pinball machine; upcoming stream reveal by Jack Danger
American Pinball title; part of claimed four-line production setup
American Pinball title; Barry O's Barbecue described as 'stripped down' version; referenced for software flipper adjustments and prior quality issues
American Pinball title with 100-125 orders backlogged; delivery delayed due to production capacity constraints
American Pinball's 2020 launch title; Dave Brennan completed the manual; Rachel played it at Wizards World and scored her best game of the tournament
American Pinball's first licensed IP theme; racing-themed machine with family appeal; has strong asset support from IP holder
Playfield from American Pinball; featured in Ladies Flip Wisconsin IV streaming and side tournament; rejected playfield donated to event
American Pinball 2020 release being streamed and analyzed; deep rules discussion of modes, skill shots, and mechanics
American Pinball themed racing game; recently played by Scott Ian; features Red Light Mania mode; lower price point than standard Stern machines
Pinball machine currently in Melbourne; subject of Australian distribution inquiry
Pinball machine (Stern, 2015); won by Rotter family through Project Pinball raffle (unit 001); set up in son's playroom with Nano Leaf lighting; Jakks Pacific IP
Pinball machine Karl is expecting to receive; needs to move Avengers out to make space
American Pinball title scheduled for production after Houdini Master of Mystery; requires 12 shots to complete race mode
Pinball title manufactured by American Pinball; 4 units displayed at IAAPA; equipped with Intercard payment system
Licensed IP theme for new pinball machine by American Pinball; official trademark indicated by ™ symbol
American Pinball pinball machine; subject of technical tutorial on magnet and coil driver maintenance
American Pinball title compatible with standard daisy-chain connector topper lighting
American Pinball pinball machine featuring drop target mechanisms discussed in video
Previous American Pinball release mentioned in teaser
American Pinball machine used as demonstration subject for computer swap procedure
American Pinball licensed game featuring shaker and knocker components
American Pinball title; characterized as potentially their weakest game due to release timing during early pandemic
American Pinball machine that is the subject of the Iron Pinball battle, featuring race modes, battle mechanics, and epic features
American Pinball game; highly praised by Jordan and Becca from Fliptronic; chat member mentions hearing good things about it
Alternative pinball machine purchase option being considered by Don't Panic Flip
American Pinball title; cited as host's favorite American Pinball machine
Physical pinball machine owned by Flipstream
Pinball machine at Brad's venue
Pinball machine mentioned as potential sale item; discussed in context of Austin Powers interest
Pinball machine by American Pinball based on Mattel toy license; subject of first impressions review
Pinball machine by American Pinball based on Mattel toy brand, featuring creature battles, Hot Wheels cars, priced at $6,295-$6,300 with 3D backboard and interchangeable car display
American Pinball title (four years old); featured in two-hour streaming event criticized as having minimal new content
Pinball machine by American Pinball based on Mattel Hot Wheels IP; unboxed and set up on stream
American Pinball's latest game featuring Mattel toy brand; emphasizes tachometer multiplier, swappable cars, creature battles, hero cards, and three multiball modes
American Pinball's third title based on Mattel toy brand; priced at approximately $6,300; currently in pre-release phase with limited footage available
Pinball game in development; Kerry Hardy has viewed recent footage and may produce additional video coverage
Four-year-old American Pinball game used to demonstrate the new board system throughout the stream; pinball's oldest released game at the time
Pinball machine played by Josh Sharp and Travis Murray, discussed as having competitive rules consultation
Pinball machine; experienced driver board failure within 48 hours; owner experienced magnet and sling malfunction
American Pinball game; one of three remaining games in catalog after mass retirement announcement
Stern pinball machine Hardy was previously allowed to film at the same location about a week before the Turtles incident
Referenced for elevated inlane/outlane design comparison
Referenced regarding timed multiball mechanics and Cherry Bomb mode with audio shutdowns
American Pinball game hosting streaming challenge on Twitch/YouTube with weekly competitive modes starting September 2020
Pinball release (manufacturer not specified) released months prior to this podcast
American Pinball title owned by host; experienced flipper power inconsistency issues similar to reported Legends of Valhalla problems
American Pinball machine with September 1-December 31 tournament challenge; grand prize unpopulated playfield
American Pinball game that speaker praises for superior build quality compared to TMNT LE.
Recent release; host ranks it significantly more fun than Raza prototype; has similar target/multiplier mechanic
American Pinball machine owned by Travis, praised for light show but experienced magnet and slingshot failures
American Pinball game; host uses as example for teaching 'three Ms' (modes, multiball, multipliers) rule structure
American Pinball game; stacking multiballs and using 10X booster via kickback to generate massive scoring (2-4 billion) cited as created moment requiring player effort
American Pinball game; host owns and has spoken positively about it despite theme reservations
Game used by American Pinball for streaming due to backwards compatibility with new board and alleged GTF reliability issues
American Pinball game; selected for first official livestream rather than newer Galactic Tank Force
American Pinball game; noted as underdog with positive word-of-mouth despite lower visibility
Digital pinball table featured in Week 3 tournament
American Pinball machine; recently launched; suffered problematic reveal week with unboxing ordered withdrawn, livestream technical issues, and negative first impressions of car mech
American Pinball's newest release; car-themed based on Hot Wheels brand with stop-motion show animation; features off-center screen and non-interactive spinning car toy
American Pinball's most recent release; criticized as poor theme choice (C-tier license); sales underperformed
American Pinball game; deluxe model being simplified in production
American Pinball game; released early 2020; popular due to theming; designed by Joe Balzer; C-tier licensed IP
Licensed P3 game by Multimorphic; first licensed title for platform; positioned as superior licensing strategy vs. American Pinball releases
American Pinball title; referenced for sales context and as what Valhalla units were being converted to on the show floor
American Pinball release; over one year past launch with no subsequent games announced despite claims of 2-3 games/year production
Pinball game by American Pinball in production at their factory
American Pinball game featured as primary title at American Pinball booth at SFGE
American Pinball game; lot 1007, $6,600 ($8,391.57 with fees)
American Pinball title; 4 machines exhibited at IAAPA
Pinball machine based on Mattel die-cast toy car series and spin-off TV cartoon; third American Pinball title
Third official American Pinball title; officially licensed Mattel toy brand; operator-focused design; features spinning car toy, dual ramps, 140+ RGB LEDs, multiple multiball modes
American Pinball game used as demonstration platform for Scorbit leaderboard system
American Pinball 2020 title; located in Eastside Bowl arcade; experienced phantom lost ball malfunction during review visit
American Pinball game with playfields in storage and production
American Pinball title; playfields on display in reception area
American Pinball game; units in stock; license extended with Mattel
Game that evolved from American Pinball's Poker Run trademark filing
American Pinball title moved up in production schedule to replace Houdini run
American Pinball 2020 machine; played by author during visit
American Pinball game that evolved from expired 'Poker Run' trademark
American Pinball game; physical mod in development
American Pinball title scheduled for production after Houdini
American Pinball title programmed by Josh Kugler
American Pinball game receiving final current-spec Deluxe Edition in Late Fall before manufacturing changes
American Pinball game currently in production, originally conceived as 'Poker Run', receiving team play code addition
American Pinball's previous release; shipping box used for comparison to Legends of Valhalla test box
American Pinball game; single-level with two plastic ramps and spinning mechanism; compared favorably to Bond 60th
American Pinball game; known for tank-like reliability with location operators; no issues or downtime reported; establishes manufacturer quality benchmark.
American Pinball release; used as comparison point for solid build quality but less interesting shot mechanics vs TCM/LT
Stern pinball machine; Joe acquired despite initial skepticism; modified with Velcro Hot Wheels car swaps (multiple Batmobiles)
American Pinball title in development; two full-size custom Hot Wheels cars were contracted for TPF 2020 display
Stern pinball game used as comparison for operator reliability and location placement appeal
Stern licensed pinball; shooting mechanics comparison point for Barbecue; Don: 'shoots great' but gameplay not compelling; earnings and maintenance track record positive
American Pinball machine; criticized for lacking loops despite Hot Wheels trademark being loop-based
American Pinball location release; hitting arcades/venues post-pandemic; positive reception; spinning car toy, magnet multiball start; lower pricing than previous AP games
Third American Pinball title in development; based on Hot Wheels YouTube series storyline; designed for location/operator markets; lower price point; Mattel provides strict art style guide.
American Pinball title; licensed game won in competition against Deep Root; mentioned for quick production turnaround capability
American Pinball title awaiting Illinois Phase 3 reopening for manufacturing; code nearly finalized; expected soon
American Pinball title; code being polished in response to IFPA Hot Wheels Challenge streams and owner/streamer feedback
American Pinball game in development, software being polished during production halt
American Pinball release, customizable theme selection, recent code updates, marketing/release decisions prompted discussion
Recent/upcoming pinball game title; minimal enthusiasm expressed
American Pinball's first licensed game; MSRP $7,395
American Pinball's first licensed game; used as cautionary example of misreading IP nostalgia appeal
Recently announced pinball machine
Pinball machine being streamed; prototype version at American Pinball studios featuring racing/vehicle theme
American Pinball title based on Mattel toy brand; features creature battles, multiball modes, RPM tachometer progression system, and newly available RGB lighting upgrade
American Pinball licensed game; Dave Fix's claimed comparison point for Barry O's sales; first-year sales artificially low due to COVID factory closure
American Pinball game; production delayed due to COVID; Dave Fix claims lower first-year sales than Barbecue due to timing
American Pinball title; released code version 20.10.15; featured in Virtual Expo 2020
American Pinball title; shipping to customers; available at locations; Project Pinball running $70 raffle with 200 entries.
American Pinball machine resuming production with upcoming livestream demonstration
American Pinball title shown at Amusement Expo International; pricing rumored at $6,200; had early reveal
American Pinball title; revealed at IAAPA before COVID hit; poor launch timing and marketing; contributed to Joe Balser's removal from full-time role
American Pinball title; lower price point operator-focused theme; received effective marketing push; hosts assess favorably vs. Oktoberfest/Houdini
American Pinball title; had live event week with Jay Leno garage appearance and celebrity guests; sweepstakes winner announced
American Pinball release; Jim Patla worked on design; customers still waiting for second shipments months after release
American Pinball game; partnered with IFPA for streaming challenge series; code update v20.09.01 released; Labor Day sale promotion
American Pinball game currently rolling out to enthusiasts with positive reception
American Pinball title; production resumed in new facility; programmer Joe Schober reports code is on track
American Pinball commercial title; currently cheapest commercial pinball game available (cheaper than Godzilla).
American Pinball's third game; further advancement of technology and design; designed for family entertainment centers (FECs); family-friendly licensed title.
American Pinball licensed game; found to be fun by Jonathan Euston at TPF
American Pinball third game; designed by Joe Balser; features lenticular back panel, spinning car toy, two colored ramps; launched at Amusement Expo
Licensed American Pinball game with Mattel; example used in IP licensing economics discussion
American Pinball game with Josh Sharp consulting; praised for accessibility and fun factor by players and streamers
American Pinball title currently in production; described as boring and uninspiring despite commercial success; being produced by skeleton crew of two workers
American Pinball release (2020); Joe Balser design; characterized as strong game that impressed Jeff Teolis despite limited play time
American Pinball's first licensed game; features tachometer multiplier system advancing through five gears, creature battle modes, loop crash multiball, stepped RPM targets, customizable car display; designed for location/family-friendly play with clear approachable rules.
American Pinball title; failed to connect pinball and Hot Wheels enthusiast demographics; released before COVID impacted American Pinball
American Pinball licensed game criticized for missing loop-de-loop/car wash feature; Orbital Albert notes lack of innovation in execution
Licensed pinball title developed by American Pinball; license ended December 2025; remaining pre-license orders being completed
American Pinball pinball machine available at Black Friday pricing
American Pinball licensed game; multiple production runs mentioned; underperforming in market
Licensed American Pinball title; contract ended December 2025; last licensed commitment being fulfilled
American Pinball title that collector expressed interest in post-ownership announcement
American Pinball licensed game; license expired end of 2025; final ordered units being completed
American Pinball licensed title currently in production; license ending soon
Toy brand whose vehicles were disassembled, decaled, and painted for custom Cobra Kai playfield cars
American Pinball's only previous licensed game; criticized as 'competent' but underwhelming; metaphor as Papa John's pizza availability
American Pinball licensed title; referenced for durability (40,000+ plays with minimal maintenance)
Pinball machine used as example of equipment that commonly breaks during tournaments. Tom notes location version has persistent lighting issues.
Possible American Pinball license for 2020
Stern 2020 release; mentioned in list but not deeply analyzed in episode