The Beatles is a licensed pinball machine manufactured by Stern Pinball, released in 2018 as a premium remake celebrating The Beatles' 1964 first US visit. Designed by Joe Kamenkow with significant licensing investment, the game features tiered pricing models (Pro/Premium/LE/Diamond/Platinum variants), modern LED technology, and streamlined single-level design with strong audio feedback. The game achieved notable market presence despite ultra-premium pricing that limited accessibility, and has become a sought-after collector's item appearing in both arcade venues and private collections.
Beatles pinball can toggle off magnetic saves to emulate classic pinball mechanics
Beatles licensing deal set precedent at $1 million upfront (groundbreaking at the time)
Beatles Gold editions are selling for approximately $8,000 in the secondary market
Beatles Diamond editions are trading at approximately $15,000 in the secondary market
Stern Pinball machine being shown at CES 2019 before Munsters announcement; receiving showcase priority
Pinball machine; mentioned as requiring play style adjustment similar to Houdini to achieve success.
Referenced as example of flipper input affecting skill shot selection during plunge
Stern Pinball game receiving code update v1.29.0
Pinball title in hosts' collection, available to visitor Chris who preferred Godzilla
Modern pinball game discussed in context of classic vs. modern game design philosophy
Licensed pinball machine in development by Stern; features 1964-era aesthetic; approved by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison, and Yoko Ono
No linked glossary terms
Beatles was designed in 2018 and modeled after the Sea Witch machine from the late 1970s/early 1980s
Beatles toppers are exclusive to Flippin' Out Pinball stream and not widely available after current stock depletes
Beatles pinball by Jersey Jack sold 1,964 units
Beatles pinball has sold 1,963 units.
Beatles (Stern 2018) is a re-theme of Sea Witch
Beatles license cost approximately $1 million and took multiple years to negotiate
Beatles reached 40 million followers via official Beatles Facebook page vs. Stern's 185,000
Dean Grover was the primary coder for Beatles
Newly leaked Kapow pinball; Sea Witch reskin with pastel 1960s color palette; early 1960s theme; 1964-unit production limit; received negative critical reception; features spinning disc, magnet, extra targets, and ball lock additions to base game
Stern game entering limited production run, surprising that it hasn't sold out despite Beatles IP cache
2018 Stern release; re-theme of Sea Witch; not played by panelists but praised visually
Stern Pinball game referenced as having shifted outlane rubber angles to manage game length
Stern pinball machine; available only on charity tournament play at Museum of Pinball; Jared found it unappealing unless collector has significant disposable income
Stern Pinball title; limited production (1,964 planned); at Bannerman's in Chris Bartlett, Illinois; Ken argues price-point limited sales potential
Rumored Stern game potentially rethemed from Sea Witch with designer to be determined
Stern Pinball machine, officially released this week; featured in episode opener discussion
Stern pinball machine; expected to arrive in Australia in March; Rawdon would like one but cannot justify the $13,250+ AUD cost
Stern Pinball game with artwork by Christopher Franchi; highly praised for artwork package, sound design by Jerry Thompson, and engaging gameplay; Franchi has replacement unit arriving within 30 days
Referenced for influence and legacy; Beatles pinball machine exists; discussed in context of live performance limitations vs. studio albums
Pinball machine Zahler dislikes
Modern pinball machine; described as simple to learn; recommended to new collectors; Jeff Teolis owns one
Pinball machine; Martin owns; wife liked the theme; acquired via trade-in of home-use Austin Powers
Stern game; reskin of Sea Witch; art by Franchi; discussed as comparison for potential Harry Potter layout approach
Stern pinball machine with bright glowing playfield, used in Stern Pro Circuit Finals
Classic pinball machine; integrated as second game variant in Centaur 2.0; has shallow but fun code, commonly used in modern tournaments
Gomez-designed pinball game; available on location at Spin It Records in Moncton; praised for spinner sound package and spinners modes
Stern pinball machine; music theme; only 1,966 units initially produced; weak sales; Stern ran second production order; owned by Scott Larson
Stern pinball game; gold edition delivered to Rock Fantasy venue on Thursday; subject of speculation about CES announcement alongside Munsters.
High-priced pinball machine ($8,500+ for Gold model) based on The Beatles; plays well but brutally difficult due to missing post rubbers
Stern LE; unsold inventory (3-4 units at distributor); most expensive license in history; layout reused from Keith Elwin's design; underperformed sales expectations
Stern pinball machine; demo unit at Stern; Ken and Bill's surprise favorable impression; art by Christopher Franchi
Stern pinball title rumored to be in pipeline; allegedly re-themed Sea Witch; potentially Kapow title
Forthcoming Stern/Kapow pinball title; rumored to be Sea Witch playfield re-theme with potential spinning disc addition
Pinball machine with scoring animations designed to homage Captain Fantastic; preferred by Bill over Primus; recent release
Newly revealed Stern pinball machine with Sea Witch-based layout, EM-style theme, period-correct artwork by Christopher Franchi, and notably lacking a coin door
Stern release that hosts initially underestimated but found impressive after deeper play; exemplifies hype cycle reversal pattern
Stern Pinball classic remake with expensive licensing; George explained costly components and licensing fees; improved shot flow over original
Stern Pinball retheme of Sea Witch; initially dismissive but appreciated after hands-on experience
Music-themed pinball game; Chuck considers it a great pin
Game discussed in solid-state classification context; Carl questions why it wouldn't qualify while TNA does
Pinball machine; hosts purchased a demo unit from Tilt Amusements
Stern game; Gold variant selling around $6,000 on secondary market; discussed as alternative to Fathom at similar price point
Stern pinball machine; hosts' favorite, described as gorgeous and great shooting
Stern title at MGC; surpassed expectations with elegant design and fun left-loop shot repeatability
Stern Pinball machine based on The Beatles band, multi-tier pricing ($79.99 Gold, $25,000 Diamond), designed by Keith Elwin, significant industry discussion
Stern pinball title mentioned as example of re-released classic IP
New pinball machine with yellow/gold artwork; featured on Head to Head Pinball Podcast; not yet played by Ron at time of recording
Recently acquired pinball machine in gold version; host received unit and replaced X-Men with it
Spooky pinball with pastel, vintage-looking cabinet art by Christopher Franchi; Mike finds it looks faded
Stern Pinball game, part of host's personal collection/preferred machines
Pinball machine at Golf n Stuff in rotation
Pinball machine in hosts' collection; discussed as beautiful out-of-box; subject of subwoofer mod consideration
Stern Pinball machine featuring Beatles-themed rules with modes, multiball, spinners, and a notorious center spinning disc; featured in tournament match
Hypothetical/rejected pinball machine project; Sharpe had licensed it for Williams circa 1993 but upper management declined to produce
Recent Stern pinball game featuring a modern version of the company's traditional spinning motor design (45 disc spinner)
Upcoming Stern Pinball game; rumored to be released before Munsters; subject of million-dollar licensing deal per Joe Kamikow interview
New limited-run Stern pinball machine with 1,964 unit production; three tier editions (Gold/Platinum/Diamond); re-theme of Sea Witch
Recent pinball release; repositioned/refined throwback layout; not considered deep code game
Stern pinball machine in hosts' collection; Elvira will be a new playmate alongside this and others
Recent Stern pinball remake of classic game; George Gomez improved playfield design from original; expensive licensing (eight to nine Beatles songs); cost barrier to producing similar classics line
Stern 2018, featured in Modern Pinball collection
Stern pinball remake cited as precedent for dual rule set option (updated and original) applicable to classic game remakes
Jersey Jack pinball machine; recommended by hosts as shorter-play modern game suitable for casual/family play
Stern Pinball game; replacement unit acquired by Christopher Franchi with node board connectivity issues
Upcoming licensed pinball machine by Kapow; Sea Witch reskin with spinner; pricing: $10-15k (Pro), $18-25k (Premium), $50k (LE)
Stern Pinball title; referenced as example of minimal licensed track allocation vs. Rush's 16-song package
Pinball machine referenced as successful example of single-level, old-school-style layout with modern flippers
Premium-only title; fantastic game but forgotten by casual players due to lack of pro version for location visibility
Stern game with complex mechanics (11 drop targets, 4 flippers, multiple magnets); used as comparison point for Bond 60th's relative simplicity despite 2x price difference
Referenced as comparison for optical spinner mechanism used in Electric Magic toy on Led Zeppelin Premium/LE
Stern pinball game with significant licensing restrictions; Beatles members initially prohibited from speaking; Thompson pitched samples to change licensors' minds; Cousin Brucie recorded as radio announcer; approved by Beatles widows and surviving members.
Jersey Jack premium game; Tremonti notes secondary market pricing prevented his ownership
Recent George Gomez design based on Sea Witch layout by Mike Kubin; modernized with improved loop shots and 9 Beatles songs
Pinball machine recently upgraded with new Titans and custom mods by host
Stern 2018 (Gold variant); recently acquired by hosts but not on either top 5 list; plays like classic machine with magnetic save toggle option
Beatles-themed pinball machine in Dutch Pinball Museum collection
Stern Pinball game; received new 'Classic Mode' code update mimicking 1979 Sea Witch scoring rules
Stern Pinball game; described as the most expensive pinball license ever paid; pricing referenced as comparison for potential Harry Potter costs
Licensed Beatles-themed game by Stern using redesigned Sea Witch layout; debuted at IAPA, launched in NYC and London pop-up store
Stern Pinball game pushed back from Pinball Expo to January 2019 release; potential debut at EAG London show; Kapow title.
Pinball machine by Stern; Petey criticized it, suggesting Wang Chung would have been a better theme
Stern Pinball machine based on 1960s Beatles; Keeler won launch tournament in December; game signed by Cousin Brucie; now featured at front of Rock Fantasy retail space
Stern pinball machine referenced as example; features instant multi-ball opportunity on third ball.
Rumored upcoming Stern pinball license; potential fall or January release date; mentioned by host as speculative
Stern Spike 2 game; ranked 99 on Pinside; throwback playfield variant with higher pricing
Licensed pinball game referenced as successful throwback; noted to be reskin of Sea Witch; indicates community appetite for theme-driven retro mechanics
Licensed pinball machine recently acquired by High Score Pinball Arcade
Stern pinball machine in Jamie's collection; acquired as upgrade trade from Austin Powers game; considered a good acquisition/upgrade choice
Single-level pinball game; George references as example of streamlined design approach similar to home editions
Limited edition (1,964 units); $7,800 MSRP; pricing criticized as premium-for-license; distributor inventory remains available
Stern classic-style remake; Keith initially skeptical but impressed after playing; demonstrates successful vintage layout update with modern flippers
Pinball game created by Joe Kaminkow using $1M personal investment
Single-level pinball game without significant mechs; discussed as example of fun game not needing unnecessary mechanical features
Pinball machine created by Joe Kaminkow with $1 million personal investment; significant achievement in licensing and pinball design history
Jersey Jack game allowing mode selection from first ball; cited as example of not offering multiball immediately to maintain moment scarcity
Recent Stern pinball game featuring Sea Witch rules variant created by Dean; fast competitive game (~20 minutes for top players); Rachel Bess contributed to rules design; Christopher Franchi artwork
Stern pinball machine; acquired by Jake in Taiwan workshop collection in February
Hosts' home machine; receiving mod upgrade with Beatles video loop TV
Stern Pinball game; host mentioned being on leaderboard with score just under 5 million on Insider Connected.
Praised for level-based mode design and clear audio feedback that communicates progression without visual confirmation
New Stern release with $15,000 NZD price point, warm white LEDs, Sea Witch-inspired layout; low-res footage shown at IAFA; collector interest tempered by pricing
Ultra-premium Stern game priced higher than Elvira; Joe notes nobody in his area bought one, preventing access
Major licensed title released by Stern (1964 edition celebrating Beatles' first US visit)
Stern licensed pinball machine featuring The Beatles IP
Pinball machine by Joe Kamenkow; 1,963 units produced
2018 Stern studio game; remake/re-thing of classic; million-dollar license; tiered pricing (Pro/Premium/LE/Diamond/Platinum)
Licensed premium title priced at £12,000 in UK; example of extreme pricing Neil uses to illustrate market concerns