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Sonic

gameactive65 mentionsFirst seen Apr 27, 2021Last seen Aug 1, 2026

Profile

Sonic is a pinball game by Jersey Jack Pinball, designed by Steve Richie, featuring a ring-collecting game mechanic. The game was expected to release in July 2025 and was anticipated to be a major hit and momentum driver for JJP's product line. Sonic represents a significant title in the pinball market, with Richie's design pedigree and the strength of the Sonic brand expected to appeal to players.

Aliases

Sonic (game)

Relationships

  • affiliated_withHarry PotterHarry Potter production capacity constraints delayed Sonic pinball launch by Jersey Jack Pinballmedium
  • ownsSegaSega licensor of Sonic IP to pinball manufacturersmedium

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (9)

  • factualhigh

    Sonic pinball machine is being distributed to multiple arcade venues including Kid Force, Pinball Planet, Victory Point, and Sweeper City

    Source: Jeff, CorbinSubstitute Teacher - AV Cart Edition
  • factualhigh

    Sonic's loop-de-loop ramp sends the ball straight down the middle approximately 40% of the time

    Source: Kaneda (direct observation from play)Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular July 5 AMERICA 250!!!
  • predictionmedium

    Sonic is not designed to be a mode-based game with significant code updates coming

    Source: KanedaKaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular July 5 AMERICA 250!!!
  • opinionmedium

    99% of pinball players lack the skill to effectively control the upper playfield on Sonic

Recent Mentions (59)

  • Pinball machine at Arcade Monsters that Erika expresses interest in playing

    Arcade Monsters 360° Tour | The most INSANE arcade I've ever seenJul 31, 2026
  • Arcade game observed at Arcade Monsters

    Arcade Monsters Tour | The most INSANE arcade I've ever seenAug 1, 2026
  • Recent pinball release featuring upper playfield and loop-de-loop mechanics; loop release mechanism needs calibration; repetitive animation clips in early code

    EP03 PinTalk with Sterling and DavidJul 31, 2026
  • Jersey Jack Pinball title; shipping prioritized toward location/arcade operators; Zach Minney deferred detailed discussion to Patreon exclusive content

    The Pinball Show Ep 195: Dungeon Crawler Carl & Bon Jovi ReleasesJul 30, 2026
  • Jersey Jack Pinball game; #1 earner at Lumberjack Johnny's in both weeks of reported data; hosts note JJP games require learning curve; CE (Collector's Edition) previously at venue, now replaced with Pro version.

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 103 - Livin' On A Prayer In More Ways Than OneJul 29, 2026
  • Jersey Jack Pinball machine featuring loop-de-loop mechanics; used as unfavorable comparison point for Bon Jovi's more sophisticated loop design

Contradictions

  • Existing: Sonic is a Jersey Jack Pinball game designed by Steve RichievsConflicting: Mention 2 describes Sonic as a rumored theme for Steve Richie's next Stern game
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Source: KanedaKaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular July 5 AMERICA 250!!!
  • opinionhigh

    Sonic has no crazy light shows or moments of pause that create wow factor for players

    Source: KanedaKaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular July 5 AMERICA 250!!!
  • factualhigh

    Sonic pinball has an upper clear playfield that doesn't impede gameplay

    Source: Foghorn LeghornPinball Junk Drawer Episode 101 - Pinball Guest Survey
  • predictionmedium

    Sonic pinball announcement expected around June 23rd

    Source: Retro RalphPinball Roundtable - The boys are BACK!
  • factualmedium

    Jersey Jack plans Sonic Arcade Edition release model based on Harry Potter success

    Source: Kale HernandezPinball Roundtable - The boys are BACK!
  • factualhigh

    Sonic playfield images are circulating online with discrepancies between AI artwork and actual playfield photos

    Source: DonGolden State Pinball Fest Trip Report
  • PNP 678- 5 Rad 1 Bad: BOF Bon JoviJul 29, 2026
  • Stern game that Eric expects to acquire; multiple customers pre-lined up to purchase pending hands-on trial

    EP03 Radioactive Pinball PodcastJul 25, 2026
  • Newly announced/recently revealed Steve Ritchie design featuring upper playfield, criticized as boring

    The Great British Pinball Podcast Episode 35Jul 17, 2026
  • Pinball machine previously at Flip n Out, packed up and removed by Timbo; Joel's son was upset about losing it

    🔴LIVE - Surprise Trade-In game!Jul 22, 2026
  • Recent Stern release; Carrie recently acquired one; noted as easier to obtain than Harry Potter

    Kaneda's Saturday Morning Spectacular July 18Jul 18, 2026
  • Pinball game with alleged quality control issues; new units reportedly arrive with defective rubbers requiring repair

    Episode 1240: "Kaneda's SURPRISE MIDNIGHT News Exclusive!"Jul 21, 2026
  • Jersey Jack Pinball game designed by Steve Ritchie, released on Sonic's 35th anniversary, themed around Sonic Generations, features fast flow design and magnetic accelerator loop.

    Pinball Minority Report - New Games + Dungeon Crawler Carl (Who's Making It?) | Ep. 5Jul 10, 2026
  • Recent pinball game release mentioned as part of strong summer release window

    Episode 89_Summertime Funn-erJul 20, 2026
  • Stern Pinball game designed by Steve Ritchie, recently released, receives negative first impressions on playflow and engagement from venue players

    The Great British Pinball Podcast EP 35Jul 17, 2026
  • Recently released pinball machine currently in location distribution rotation across Ohio venues (Timber Beast, Kid Force, Pinball Planet, Victory Point)

    Substitute Teacher - AV Cart EditionJul 14, 2026
  • Upcoming Jersey Jack Pinball machine based on video game IP; announcement expected June 23rd; planned for Arcade Edition release model; follows Harry Potter success

    Pinball Roundtable - The boys are BACK!Jun 9, 2026
  • Mentioned in planned discussion topics alongside Pokémon and Transformers; fan layout debated

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Episode 74 - Travis is an Adult today?Jul 11, 2026
  • Jersey Jack Pinball machine in development; described as looking incredible

    The Pinball Chinwag Returns! | Sonic, Pokémon, Dune, Stern, JJP & More!Jul 4, 2026
  • Jersey Jack Pinball game; video game arcade theme; features upper playfield, loop-de-loop ramp issues, video game clips, no substantial narrative; Limited Edition with Sonic topper; divisive reception regarding long-term engagement

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular July 5 AMERICA 250!!!Jul 4, 2026
  • Jersey Jack Pinball's latest release; shipped to wild, 1,300 units sold in first three days at New Jersey launch

    Episode 271 – SeasickJul 8, 2026
  • Stern Pinball game rumored to appear at Silverball but did not; all units already allocated to distributors at tournament time; hosts plan to demo at Pinball Perry or back store in Peoria

    054: Exclusive Audio Only Episode - Tourney for the HardcoreJul 1, 2026
  • Recently released pinball title, fast-paced with upper clear playfield and unique topper, generating community hype

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 101 - Pinball Guest SurveyJun 30, 2026
  • Upcoming pinball release mentioned for future streaming; Zach indicated will be busy with Sonic release

    🔴LIVE - TRANSFORMERS: More than meets the eye by Stern Pinball Pro MachineJun 18, 2026
  • Jersey Jack Pinball title in development; Don planning to purchase Pro model pending early play-testing access

    Barrels Reserve ExplainedJun 17, 2026
  • Pinball machine announced for later in 2026; Hardy notes ball-rolling mechanic and existing pinball history make licensing sensible

    3 Reasons Why Pokémon is HUGE for Pinball!Feb 18, 2026
  • Upcoming pinball title; early 90s nostalgia; competition for themed machines

    Episode 1191: "The Real Anxious People Are...The Scalpers!"Feb 23, 2026
  • Upcoming Spooky pinball; shipping before Transformers/Beetlejuice; confirmed in pipeline

    Kanedas Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular April 18Apr 18, 2026
  • Unreleased Stern title; Electric Bat considering for placement after Harry Potter discussion; described as 'latest release'

    Welcome to our live show!Jun 11, 2026
  • Jersey Jack Pinball upcoming release, confirmed launch 23rd, will be playable at Interium shortly after, theme is Sega Sonic IP

    WAP #59 "Magnets, SLE's, and MORE!!"Jun 10, 2026
  • Upcoming Stern pinball designed by Steve Ritchie; expected release within 1-3 weeks from episode; features inline drop targets and magnetic accelerator

    DPP #244 "Toppers and Museum Field Trips"Jun 9, 2026
  • Unreleased Jersey Jack Pinball title; playfield leaked; game-focused (not movie tie-in) version; extensive NDA playtesting underway

    Loading ScreenJun 5, 2026
  • Unreleased pinball machine (manufacturer not specified, likely Stern), four people have seen it but are under strict NDA; uncertainty whether it will be 16-bit or updated version

    EP23 Jamie Burchell My Journey Into PinballJun 3, 2026
  • Upcoming Jersey Jack Pinball release designed by Steve Ritchie; based on video game IP, not movie; announcement expected; rumors of arcade edition variant

    Episode 269 – UntitledJun 3, 2026
  • Jersey Jack upcoming pinball machine based on Sonic IP, speculated June 9 release

    DPP #243 "Free pinball focus group!"Jun 1, 2026
  • Upcoming Stern Pinball title; designed by Steve Ritchie; announced/teased with marketing image featuring Ritchie

    🔴LIVE - Flip N Out With Friends: Transformers Pinball Reveal Day!!!May 21, 2026
  • Rumored pinball machine from Jersey Jack Pinball; described as coming soon.

    🔴LIVE - Farewell to one of my games...May 14, 2026
  • Unreleased pinball game with circulating playfield images and AI-generated artwork; details largely unknown

    Golden State Pinball Fest Trip ReportMay 17, 2026
  • Upcoming JJP pinball machine; described as 'just around the corner'

    Hardy LIVE! Stern Pinball Leaks their Next Cornerstone Game Images?May 13, 2026
  • Referenced as rumored upcoming pinball game competing for collectors' budgets

    WAP #57 Let's talk All things PinballMay 13, 2026
  • Pinball game to be revealed in June; Kaneda expects it will exceed Back to the Future in appeal; part of crowded release pipeline

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular May 9May 10, 2026
  • Upcoming pinball title Kaneda is excited about; represents new IP direction he prefers

    Episode 1217: "Exclusive Back to the Future Details"May 8, 2026
  • Mentioned as JJP title under development; used as example of licensing deal quality concerns for Jersey Jack

    The Pinball Show Ep 192 BONUS: What Each Pinball Manufacturer Needs To Do To Reach The Next LevelMay 5, 2026
  • Unreleased Jersey Jack Pinball machine; rumored to debut exclusively at Melbourne Pinball Expo; five playable units confirmed by George

    PINBALL OZ WIDE - EPISODE 17: I LIKE WIDE BODYS AN' I CAN NOT LIEApr 30, 2026
  • Homebrew pinball game designed by Ryan McQuillen; basis for his hire by American Pinball

    Homebrew Showcase: Big Trouble in Little China Pinball at Texas Pinball Festival 2026Apr 6, 2026
  • Upcoming Stern Pinball machine releasing summer 2026 based on Sonic franchise

    DPP #235 "Unboxing a Pokemon"Apr 3, 2026
  • JJP in development; Kaneda predicts will raise industry bar with simpler code; Jean Paul the Win involved; Kaneda has playfield exclusive info withheld for $200 donations

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular March 21Mar 22, 2026
  • Upcoming Jersey Jack Pinball title mentioned as next game after Harry Potter; designer Steve Ritchie

    Episode 1198: "What Did I Miss?"Mar 16, 2026
  • Jersey Jack Pinball 2026 release; Steve Richie designer; video game IP from 1990s; expected to feature spinners, flow mechanics; fall release (not TPF timing)

    Don's Pinball Podcast Sunday Livestream11/23/25Nov 24, 2025
  • Jersey Jack Pinball's expected 2026 title; video game IP; central to competitive narrative vs. Stern's Pokémon.

    The Pinball Show Ep 188 BONUS: MORE 2026 Pinball PredictionsJan 27, 2026
  • Spanish pinball manufacturer from Madrid; experimented with fiberglass/polyurethane playfields in machines like Butterfly

    #52 Gremlins - The Classic Pinball PodcastApr 27, 2021
  • Licensed IP; Kaneda speculates Sonic license was taken from American Pinball by Stern; unconfirmed rumor

    Episode 831: "A Case For Jaws"Aug 8, 2023
  • Homebrew pinball machine by Ryan McQuade; shown at Pintastic and inspired Brad Leutco to pursue custom pinball building

    Home Brew Developers Panel - 2025Dec 2, 2025
  • Homebrew pinball machine by Ryan McQuaid using digital-first design approach that Kyle emulated

    Off The Record Pinball Podcast Ep 19: Pinball Innovators & Makers Podcast Ep 2: The Wondering WorldFeb 20, 2023
  • Spanish pinball/amusement company known for games like Prospector and Mars Trek; created custom Gamitron conversion kit variant with improved artwork

    Data East – Fake It Til Ya Make ItJun 19, 2022
  • Jersey Jack Pinball title; Steve Ritchie-designed ring-collecting game; leading next release charge before subsequent games

    DPP #214 "Gimmie Ghostbusters!"Oct 26, 2025
  • Rumored theme for Steve Richie's next Stern game

    Saturday Morning Spectacular July 26Jul 27, 2025
  • Jersey Jack Pinball game; Kaneda predicts will be major hit of 2025; characterized as superior theme to Harry Potter for pinball; expected to boost JJP momentum

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Feb 7Feb 8, 2026
  • Sega game referenced as upcoming title expected to be impressive

    Episode 1178: "Brand Building in Pinball"Jan 15, 2026
  • Forthcoming game with July release date mentioned by Kaneda

    Kaneda Kudos TestJan 3, 2026