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Pinball

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Pokemon Pinball

productactive48 mentionsFirst seen Sep 12, 2023Last seen Apr 11, 2026

Profile

Pokemon Pinball is a Stern Pinball flagship pinball machine released in February 2026, built on the Spike 3 platform and designed by George Gomez and Jack Danger. The game features 180+ collectible Pokemon characters with a family-friendly, accessibility-focused layout while maintaining mechanical depth. Available in three tiers (Pro, Premium, LE), the Limited Edition run of 750 units sold out immediately with unprecedented secondary market demand ($20K-$30K+), making it one of Stern's most successful releases.

Aliases

PokemonPokémon PinballPokémon

Relationships

  • appears_inInsider ConnectedIntegrated with Insider Connected platform featuring 180+ catchable Pokemon tracked in Pokedexmedium
  • designedJack GuarnieriJJP founder involved in Pokemon game design reflecting his personal game preferencesmedium
  • manufacturesStern Pinball Inc.Stern Pinball manufactures and released Pokemon Pinball as their 2026 flagship titlemedium
  • designedGeorge GomezGeorge Gomez co-designed Pokemon Pinball alongside Jack Dangermedium
  • designedJack Danger

Facts

  • achievementSecondary market LE units selling for $20,000-$30,000+highfrom 2026-02-18
  • affiliationDeveloped by Stern Pinballhighfrom 2026
  • attributeFeatures 180-182 collectible Pokemon charactershighfrom 2026
  • attributeAvailable in three editions: Pro, Premium, and Limited Editionhighfrom 2026
  • attribute750 Limited Edition units producedhighfrom 2026
  • attributeLaunching with code version 0.80mediumfrom 2026-02-14

Claims (27)

  • factualmedium

    Pokemon Premium machine was installed at Jack Bar on March 29th, replacing an earlier Pokemon Pro model

    Source: Benjamin FurigaAwesomeness
  • factualmedium

    Pokemon Pinball has an outer left orbit alignment issue causing ball drains, identified in Pro units

    Source: Cary Hardy (Patreon chat reports, Gomez/Stern addressing)American Pinball......Assemble.
  • factualhigh

    Pokemon LE secondary market prices have dropped from $20,000 asks to $17,000-$18,000 unsold listings within two weeks of the stream.

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1196: "Stern's Surprise Pokemon Stream & Beetlejuice Scoop-Gate?"
  • opinionmedium

    LE buyers will receive games approximately 1.5 years before code is fully completed.

Recent Mentions (48)

  • Recent Stern release (Pro and Premium versions) driving significant new player acquisition at Electric Bat; simple ruleset appeals to casual players

    Episode 34 :: The Electric Bat CastApr 11, 2026
  • Stern Pinball machine; Spike 3 platform; designed by George Gomez and Jack Danger; Limited Edition unit #50 analyzed; $14,000+ all-in cost for Kaneda; family-accessible design; minimal mechanical toys but strong aesthetic/audio-visual presentation

    Episode 1208: "Kaneda's First Impressions of Pokemon LE"Apr 7, 2026
  • Stern machine being launched with Launch Party event on April 12th, replaced Pokemon Pro with Pokemon Premium at Jack Bar

    AwesomenessApr 6, 2026
  • Referenced as another Stern title; mentioned in context of game design collaboration with Andrew (likely Andrew Heighway).

    0.92 STAR WARS CODE GAMEPLAY!Mar 13, 2026
  • Stern game experiencing hardware issue with outer left orbit misalignment causing ball drains; issue identified in Pro units before LE production

    American Pinball......Assemble.Mar 12, 2026
  • Rumored unannounced pinball machine; predicted to be major juggernaut with licensing potential

Contradictions

  • Existing: 180 collectible Pokemon (mentions 4, 11)vsConflicting: 182+ Pokemon characters (mentions 10, 15)
    Unresolved
  • Existing: George Gomez finishing (mention 2)vsConflicting: Dual-signed/co-designed by George Gomez and Jack Danger (mentions 4, 10)
    Unresolved
  • Existing: 180 collectible Pokemon (Episode 4)vsConflicting: 182+ Pokemon characters (Episodes 10, 15)
    Unresolved
  • Existing: Release date January 6, 2026 (mention 2)vsConflicting: Official announcement February 12, 2026 and physical release ~February 14, 2026 (mentions 4, 10, 12, 13)

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Jack Danger co-designed Pokemon Pinball alongside George Gomez
medium
  • attributeBuilt on Spike 3 platformhighfrom 2026
  • attributeFeatures family-friendly layout with accessibility for new playershighfrom 2026
  • attributeIncludes Insider Connected at launchhighfrom 2026-02
  • roleDesigned by Jack Danger and George Gomezhighfrom 2026
  • statusStern's 2026 flagship cornerstone releasehighfrom 2026
  • statusLimited Edition sold out before shippinghighfrom 2026-02
  • statusReleased February 12, 2026highfrom 2026-02-12
  • Source: KanedaEpisode 1196: "Stern's Surprise Pokemon Stream & Beetlejuice Scoop-Gate?"
  • opinionmedium

    Pokemon success depends entirely on code depth capturing evolution, training, and battle mechanics from the franchise.

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1196: "Stern's Surprise Pokemon Stream & Beetlejuice Scoop-Gate?"
  • opinionmedium

    Pokemon's gameplay will not excite players accustomed to recent flagships like Godzilla, Foo Fighters, Jurassic Park, and Avengers.

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1196: "Stern's Surprise Pokemon Stream & Beetlejuice Scoop-Gate?"
  • predictionhigh

    Don will receive his Pokemon LE delivery within the next two weeks

    Source: DonWe Are Pinball #55 "Instagram Creepers!!"
  • opinionhigh

    Pokemon is a combo-friendly game with smooth shot flow that doesn't feel like a brick fest

    Source: Don and Genghis, reacting to gameplay videoWe Are Pinball #55 "Instagram Creepers!!"
  • factualhigh

    Pokemon pinball features a magnet under the Meowth battle area that pulses and interacts with the ball without fully grabbing it

    Source: Don and Genghis, discussing gameplay videoWe Are Pinball #55 "Instagram Creepers!!"
  • factualhigh

    Pokemon LE machines are currently selling for $20,000 on secondary market with multiple confirmed transactions

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1189: "The Single Most Important Question in Pinball Right Now!"
  • predictionmedium

    Pokemon will appreciate to $25,000-$30,000 in the medium-to-long term due to 750-unit scarcity and $228B IP valuation

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1189: "The Single Most Important Question in Pinball Right Now!"
  • opinionhigh

    Pokemon Pinball's simple layout (comparable to 1990s design) is driving approachability and crossover appeal vs. complex Keith Elwin games

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1189: "The Single Most Important Question in Pinball Right Now!"
  • factualhigh

    Pokemon Pinball LE has generated unprecedented demand with zero units available for sale anywhere in the world despite 750 units sold

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1189: "The Single Most Important Question in Pinball Right Now!"
  • factualhigh

    Pokemon Pinball uses original 151 Pokemon aligning with 30th anniversary celebration

    Source: Dennis (from official materials)Episode 265 - Gotta Catch 'Em All
  • factualhigh

    Pro model removes Arena magnet, Pikachu animatronic movement, Pokeball movement, and Whirlpool bowl compared to Premium/LE

    Source: Carrie Hardy (citing official specs matrix)Hardy LIVE! Pokemon Launch Watch Party!
  • predictionmedium

    Pokemon Pinball will receive a Costco home edition release

    Source: Carrie HardyHardy LIVE! Pokemon Launch Watch Party!
  • opinionhigh

    Pokemon Pinball's theme execution is superior to The Walking Dead's color palette approach

    Source: Carrie HardyHardy LIVE! Pokemon Launch Watch Party!
  • predictionmedium

    Pokemon Pinball will be profitable for location operators due to theme recognition and family appeal

    Source: Carrie HardyHardy LIVE! Pokemon Launch Watch Party!
  • opinionhigh

    Custom Master Ball shooter is exclusive to Pokemon Pinball launch, marking rare use of special shooter handles at initial release

    Source: Carrie HardyHardy LIVE! Pokemon Launch Watch Party!
  • factualhigh

    Pokemon Pinball Limited Edition units are already sold out

    Source: Carrie HardyHardy LIVE! Pokemon Launch Watch Party!
  • factualhigh

    Multiple animations in Pokemon Pinball are marked 'pending licenser approval', indicating Pokemon Company control over content

    Source: Walt Wood (from video observation)pokemon pinball first impressions
  • factualhigh

    Snorlax toy appears inconsistently in gameplay footage - visible in some shots, absent in others

    Source: Walt Wood (from video analysis)pokemon pinball first impressions
  • opinionhigh

    Snorlax toy is underutilized and should have been implemented as central bash mechanic rather than flat side toy

    Source: Walt Woodpokemon pinball first impressions
  • opinionhigh

    Pokemon Pinball playfield uses recycled/standard layouts from Star Wars, Wheel of Fortune, and Junkyard without significant innovation

    Source: Walt Wood analysispokemon pinball first impressions
  • opinionmedium

    The angled standup targets are intentionally curved to direct balls toward outlanes and increase quarters-per-play

    Source: Walt Wood (speculation/analysis)pokemon pinball first impressions
  • factualhigh

    Pokemon Pinball was co-designed by Jack Danger and George Gomez

    Source: Pinside forum (verified via Grock search during video)pokemon pinball first impressions
  • rumormedium

    Pokemon Pinball will have 750 Limited Edition units

    Source: Don (reporting community speculation)DPP #228 "Day 1 dispatch! BJ reception, BOF excites!"
  • PNP Ep. 538- End of PMPP? + Final Relaunch+ Pokemon +Road Trippin' + Elements
    Sep 15, 2023
  • Stern's 30th anniversary Pokemon IP game; Spike 3 platform; three tiers (Pro $6,999 / Premium $9,699 / LE $12,999); central focus of episode

    Episode 1196: "Stern's Surprise Pokemon Stream & Beetlejuice Scoop-Gate?"Mar 7, 2026
  • Stern's latest release; Pro/Premium/LE versions; features expression lights, magnet under Meowth area, toilet bowl on left ramp, high combo potential; Genghis receiving LE within 2 weeks; Don excited about music and gameplay flow

    We Are Pinball #55 "Instagram Creepers!!"Mar 6, 2026
  • Stern title designed by Jack Danger (now stepped back); others finishing; possibly bumped in 2026 schedule.

    The Pinball Show Ep 182 BONUS: Dirty Dots & Other Pindustry NewsSep 23, 2025
  • Stern Pinball's newly announced flagship title featuring 180+ Pokemon characters; available in Pro/Premium/LE tiers with custom Master Ball shooter

    Hardy LIVE! Pokemon Launch Watch Party!Feb 13, 2026
  • Stern Pinball game announced one week prior, generating unprecedented secondary market demand and speculation; LE trading at $20-25K; 750 total units planned

    Episode 1190: "Trade You My Pokemon For Your Winchester For Your Beetlejuice!"Feb 20, 2026
  • Rumored Stern title; historically associated with Jack Danger; recent speculation suggests Keith Elwin or Elwin/Danger team-up design; one of Jack's stated top theme choices

    Jack Danger Accepts New Role at Stern Pinball; 8 Quick Thoughts on the MoveJul 22, 2025
  • Newly announced Stern Pinball game featuring Pokemon IP; designed by Jack Danger and George Gomez; subject of detailed playfield analysis

    pokemon pinball first impressionsFeb 13, 2026
  • Official Stern Pinball machine announced in February 2026, built on Spike 3 platform, designed by George Gomez and Jack Danger with code by Tanya Kleiss

    First Look: Pokemon Pinball MachineFeb 14, 2026
  • Unannounced Stern title; teaser dropped Day 1 of show; 750 LE units expected; subject of secondary market FOMO speculation; AI renders suggest simple layout

    DPP #228 "Day 1 dispatch! BJ reception, BOF excites!"Feb 7, 2026
  • Stern Pinball title announced/teased during episode; LE production estimated 750 units (~500-550 US); media day Tuesday, NDA media Wednesday (per episode timeline); subject of extensive hype analysis; potential crossover appeal to Pokemon card collectors

    DPP #229 "Can you call yourself a Pinball Company if you can't make games?"Feb 9, 2026
  • Unreleased Stern game, minimal teaser trailer released, scheduled for Stern Media Day reveal

    Episode 51: Pinball at the Beach FOMO 🌊 Pokémon Is Almost Here?! + Major Pinball BuzzFeb 8, 2026
  • Rumored next Stern cornerstone game; would appeal to evergreen Pokemon fanbase spanning multiple generations; previously had Game Boy version with rumble pack; considered intellectually interesting from market perspective

    We’re Hosting the TWIPYs! | News with Colin | KineticistDec 31, 2025
  • Upcoming title (manufacturer not specified in podcast); reveal delayed multiple times; significant interest from Travis's wife Monica, impacting household purchasing decisions.

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Episode 71 - Beaches, Beetlejuice and Bulbasaur!!Feb 14, 2026
  • Speculated Cornerstone release for Stern with rumored Costco variant; Cale predicts January 2025 announcement based on historical pattern

    Pinball Roundtable Part - 6 with Retro Ralph and Cale Hernandez - Episode 70Aug 23, 2025
  • Stern Pinball's February 2026 flagship release; 750-unit LE sold out by Monday following Friday announcement; secondary market pricing $20K-$30K+

    Free Show: EPISODE 1188: "Why Pokemon Might Be The Most Important Pinball Ever & The LE Will Hit $30,000!"Feb 16, 2026
  • Stern Pinball's newly revealed game designed by Jack Danger and George Gomez, featuring 151 original Pokemon, approachable two-flipper layout, 30th anniversary branding; Pro $7k, Premium $9.7k, LE $13k (750 units, sold out)

    Episode 265 - Gotta Catch 'Em AllFeb 15, 2026
  • Stern Pinball's officially announced Pokemon-themed game; subject of episode analysis; Pro/Premium/LE tiers

    PNP 668- Pokemon Top 5 Rad 1 Bad+ WTF BTTF!?Feb 14, 2026
  • Upcoming Stern release; Jack Danger no longer designer; rumored for ~30th anniversary launch (February 2025); Costco distribution rumored; high-stakes IP with massive cultural moment

    PNP 665- Gremlins VS Goonies+ Pokemon ?'s+ AP Interview+ TWIPYS LIVE Vote!Jan 21, 2026
  • Upcoming Stern game; Pro version ships first before LE; licensing-driven design requires sculpted toys to avoid stripped-down appearance

    EP17 Brian CosnerFeb 16, 2026
  • Stern's upcoming 2026 release; announced at Pinball at the Beach event; designed by Gomez/Danger; expected to have strong location appeal; potential Insider Connected regional collection feature discussed

    We Are Pinball #52 "Triple Threat with Kaneda!"Feb 2, 2026
  • Upcoming Stern game Q1 2026 (February) designed by Jack Danger; Kaneda has exclusive information about Stern's plans

    Kaneda's Sunday Morning Service! May 11May 12, 2025
  • Stern cornerstone release arriving in ~2.5 weeks; expensive license rumored to have limited character roster; questioned for crossover appeal

    Episode 1170: "World Exclusive New Game Coming Early 2026"Dec 17, 2025
  • Rumor discussed; exclusive Patreon content claims inside information about theme licensing

    The Pinball Show Ep 137: Soft Dogs & Cold TakesSep 12, 2023
  • Licensing actively being negotiated by manufacturers; described as strong IP licensing possibility with details being finalized

    The Pinball Show Ep 138: The Flipper Finger AnalysisSep 26, 2023
  • Rumored next Stern game after Star Wars; will feature Spike 3 cabinet changes; commonly speculated by community

    Episode 254 – Blizzard of SlamAug 10, 2025
  • Stern Pinball's new release featuring Pokemon IP; designed for accessibility with depth; includes Pikachu, Meowth, Squirtle mechanics

    We Played It! Here's our thoughts...Feb 20, 2026
  • Stern Pinball machine based on Pokemon IP; subject of media day event; LE 750 units sold out immediately; features 182 collectable Pokemon in first code release; designed for accessibility to younger/new players

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 91 - Gotta Collect Em All, Pokemon Media Day ReviewFeb 18, 2026
  • Stern Pinball's 2026 flagship release; 750 LE units produced, completely sold out with unprecedented secondary market demand at $20K-$30K+

    Episode 1189: "The Single Most Important Question in Pinball Right Now!"Feb 18, 2026
  • Upcoming Stern cornerstone title; speculated Jack Danger as designer; referenced as highest-grossing media franchise

    Ep 143: All's QuietAug 12, 2024
  • Stern's new cornerstone title announced February 12, 2026; built on Spike 3; LE sold out before shipping

    Stern Pinball Reveals Pokemon PinballFeb 13, 2026
  • Stern's latest flagship release in three tiers (Pro/Premium/LE); features 180 Pokemon in Insider Connected at launch; designed to be accessible while maintaining depth

    Pokémon Pinball is Finally Here and It's Not What I ExpectedFeb 14, 2026
  • Stern's latest flagship title featuring 182+ Pokemon characters, custom region design, and beginner-friendly mechanics; co-designed by George Gomez and Jack Danger

    Stern Pokémon Pinball First Impressions - Should You Buy It?Feb 13, 2026
  • Stern Pinball's newest flagship release; Spike 3 platform; family-friendly layout with Junkyard similarities; three-tier Pro/Premium/LE variants

    Dirty Pool Pinball Live - Pokémon Pinball Reactions & Stern Cornerstone Talk w/ MNretrogamerFeb 16, 2026
  • Upcoming Stern title; timing aligns with Pokemon 30th anniversary and McDonald's promotion

    Lots of Interesting IP is Entering the Public Domain. Which Ones Would Make Good Pinball Machines?Jan 6, 2026
  • Upcoming Stern release; one of two confirmed options (Pokemon or Transformers) per George Gomez; announcement expected at CES

    028 - What A YearDec 30, 2025
  • Anticipated release January 30th with rumored Pikachu and Charizard versions; community waiting for release; expected to underperform Transformers

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Jan 24Jan 24, 2026
  • New pinball machine from Stern Pinball with three editions (Pro, Premium, LE); features Generation 1 Pokemon theme with multi-region Pokemon representation

    Cillian's Reaction to Pokemon PinballFeb 14, 2026
  • Upcoming pinball game with Pokemon theme featuring team building, collecting, and potential multiplayer mechanics

    Pokemon Pinball Teams, Battle Mode, Leveling?Feb 16, 2026
  • Stern release expected January 6, 2026; described as underwhelming; Costco pre-order of 3,000 units; designed by Jack Danger with George Gomez finishing

    Episode 1172: "Rocking Around The Holiday Pinball World"Dec 23, 2025
  • Jack Danger design; may be delayed due to licensing issues

    Episode 1136: "Thoughts After Seeing More Star Wars Gameplay"Sep 15, 2025
  • Upcoming Stern release (one week from episode date); predicted to sell well due to IP but lack mechanical innovation

    WARNING...COMMON SENSE RANT FREE SHOW: Episode 1183: "KANEDA SOLVES PINBALL SCALPING ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!!!"Feb 4, 2026
  • Stern Pinball release; anime-themed with 180 collectible Pokemon; three models (Pro/Premium/LE); dual-signed by George Gomez and Jack Danger; launching ~code 0.80

    Episode 1187: "Kaneda's Kandid First Impressions of POKEMON!"Feb 14, 2026
  • Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Expected release January 6, 2026 (Episode 1172, 2025-12-23)vsConflicting: Announced February 12, 2026; launched by February 13-14, 2026 (Episodes 12, 4, 11)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026