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The Beatles

gameactive79 mentionsFirst seen Jan 11, 2018Last seen Mar 16, 2026

Profile

The Beatles is a Stern Pinball licensed pinball machine released in 2018, based on the iconic British rock band. It was produced in a limited run of 1,964 units as requested by The Beatles, making it a sought-after title in the pinball community. The machine features competitive gameplay with a classic mode that disables magnets, and includes notable optical spinner mechanics. It has been referenced as a pricing benchmark for other licensed Stern titles and remains a notable entry in Stern's music-themed pinball lineup.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • edition_ofThe Beatles (Gold Edition)Edition variant: Gold Editionhigh
  • edition_ofThe Beatles (Diamond Edition)Edition variant: Diamond Editionhigh
  • edition_ofThe Beatles (Platinum Edition)Edition variant: Platinum Editionhigh

Facts

  • achievementShowcased at San Diego Comic-Con 2019highfrom 2019-08-26
  • attributeLimited production run of 1,964 unitshighfrom 2018
  • attributeProduction quantity requested specifically by The Beatleshighfrom 2018
  • attributeFeatures classic mode with magnets offhighfrom 2018
  • attributePraised for competitive playmediumfrom 2018
  • attributeMusic-themed pinball machinehighfrom 2018

Claims (23)

  • factualmedium

    The Beatles pinball machine is based on the Sea Witch ruleset.

    Source: Craft Brew SallyPinball Junk Drawer Episode 73 - District 82, Deep Reflections and BEER!
  • factualhigh

    The Beatles has five selectable modes (Loop Mania, Drop Target Frenzy, Super Spinners, Super Pops, Multiball) that can each reach level 5

    Source: Joel EngelberthThe Beatles Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • factualhigh

    The spinning disc magnet in the center of The Beatles playfield adds chaos and unpredictability

    Source: Joel EngelberthThe Beatles Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • opinionhigh

    The Beatles is intentionally designed as a simple, accessible, single-level game to contrast with modern complex rulesets

Recent Mentions (79)

  • Stern Pinball modern remake of Sea Witch; features tweaked rules for faster gameplay; includes special mode added by Dean Grover allowing play of original Sea Witch rule set

    The 10 Best Pinball Machines Ever Made From 1980 - 1984Mar 16, 2026
  • Stern pinball game; rumored to potentially have Sea Witch released as variant.

    Episode 1: The Classic Pinball Podcast - Pintastic pinball show previewJun 22, 2019
  • Stern pinball machine based on 1960s Beatles music; Sea Witch-based playfield design; major discussion focus on design philosophy and pricing

    episode 15 nacho pinballNov 4, 2018
  • Pinball machine owned by Foghorn Leghorn; used for connectivity testing when Godzilla experienced issues

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 55 - X-men, Avatar and A Pinball Streak DIES!Sep 12, 2024
  • Pinball game at Pinbrew Fest; present throughout tournament; noted as one of few games appearing consistently

    #82 Stiff Competition - The Classic Pinball PodcastApr 12, 2022
  • Pinball remake of Sea Witch with added mechanics; discussed by Roger Sharp as example of successful remake strategy

Contradictions

  • Existing: Release year is 2018 (from mention 3)vsConflicting: Episode 293 references The Beatles machine but compares its mechanics to an unrelated toy (Electric Magic on Led Zeppelin premium/LE), which appears to conflate different machines
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

attribute
Licensed pinball machine by Stern Pinball
high
from 2018
  • intelligence_frequency_spikenoexpertfrom 2026-03-02
  • Source: Joel EngelberthThe Beatles Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • opinionhigh

    The lack of ramps and single playfield level makes extra ball access uniquely challenging and high-risk

    Source: Joel EngelberthThe Beatles Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • opinionhigh

    The Beatles pinball is excellent for variety in collections dominated by deep-ruleset modern games

    Source: Joel EngelberthThe Beatles Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • factualmedium

    Completing all five modes to level 5 unlocks an ultimate wizard mode

    Source: Joel EngelberthThe Beatles Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)
  • factualhigh

    The Beatles was limited to 1,964 gold edition units and started at over $10,000, more than double the concurrent Stern Pro price of approximately $6,000.

    Source: AlanEpisode 30 - Throwback Games
  • opinionhigh

    George Gomez's tweaks to the Sea Witch layout for The Beatles (making the upper loop repeatable, adding a spinning disc, multiball magnet, and drop targets) improved the original design.

    Source: Alan and AlexEpisode 30 - Throwback Games
  • factualhigh

    The Beatles pinball uses a modified 1980s Stern Sea Witch layout and featured the most expensive license ever procured for a pinball machine at the time (2018).

    Source: AlanEpisode 30 - Throwback Games
  • factualhigh

    The Beatles pinball machine had controversial premium pricing

    Source: Chris Craft Brew SallyPinball Junk Drawer Episode 24
  • factualhigh

    The Beatles were referenced in Williams' Beat Time (1967) before receiving an official licensed Stern game in 2018

    Source: ArticlePART OF THE MACHINE - ON TOUR
  • predictionhigh

    Christopher Franchi's The Beatles pinball machine will arrive within 30 days directly from Sam Stern/Stern Pinball

    Source: Christopher FranchiEpisode 56: My secret lover Chris Franchi! And Dad Jokes!
  • opinionhigh

    Christopher Franchi was initially skeptical of The Beatles pinball due to pricing but changed opinion after playing it at MGC and now considers it one of his all-time favorite games

    Source: Christopher FranchiEpisode 56: My secret lover Chris Franchi! And Dad Jokes!
  • opinionhigh

    The Beatles (Stern) is one of Drew's favorite Stern pinball games of all time

    Source: DrewEpisode 50: Drew and Ian return!
  • opinionmedium

    The Beatles by Sam Stern is one of the greatest pinball machines ever made

    Source: Greg BoneSDTM Pinball Ep 107: This Or That? (Rick & Morty, Jurassic Park, AFM alternate art, beer, & more!)
  • opinionmedium

    The Beatles pinball game has improved playfield geometry and shot flow compared to the 1980 Sea Witch

    Source: HostAlameda Pinball Museum Visit
  • factualhigh

    The Beatles did not tour after 1967 and stopped performing live

    Source: Cousin BrucieEpisode 169: Cousin Brucie & The Beatles
  • opinionhigh

    The British Invasion and Beatles saved the American music industry in the early 1960s

    Source: Cousin BrucieEpisode 169: Cousin Brucie & The Beatles
  • factualhigh

    The Beatles pinball machine includes Beatlemania Multiball as a major mode

    Source: Game callout during gameplaySDTM: Pincinnati and The Beatles!
  • factualhigh

    All My Loving is a mode where switches build jackpot

    Source: Game callout during gameplaySDTM: Pincinnati and The Beatles!
  • factualhigh

    The game features a 1964 bonus multiplier theme element

    Source: Commentary during gameplaySDTM: Pincinnati and The Beatles!
  • factualhigh

    Mystery shots are lit during regular play progression

    Source: Repeated callouts during gameplaySDTM: Pincinnati and The Beatles!
  • Episode 27 - One more question Roger Sharpe
    Dec 11, 2018
  • Stern pinball game featuring opto spinners; George Gomez referenced as design precursor for spinner mechanics used in Star Wars

    Episode 62 - On The Eve of a Cornerstone (George Gomez)Jul 23, 2019
  • Jersey Jack Pinball game; remake of Sea Witch with Beatles theme; received code updates; players enjoyed the game despite initial skepticism

    Ep 76 - Goodbye Ramps, Hello Single Level?Oct 29, 2019
  • Recent Stern Pinball release; located at Bannerman's in Bartlett, Illinois; discussed as underrated but potentially overpriced

    Episode 66 - Tire Kickin'Aug 20, 2019
  • Band whose music inspired Steve Ritchie to pursue rock music after hearing them

    Steve Ritchie – Before The MulletJun 26, 2020
  • Limited edition Stern Pinball machine; 1,900 units total (1,800 Gold Edition at ~15k GBP, 100 Platinum, 50 Diamond at 40k GBP); discussed as pricing/availability example and licensing cautionary tale.

    The Great British Pinball Podcast Episode 7Dec 21, 2023
  • Licensed pinball machine being played and demonstrated in this video

    SDTM: Pincinnati and The Beatles!Nov 30, 2018
  • Stern Pinball title; mentioned in comparison to Elton John regarding art quality and song selection

    Wait! Elton John has a Pinball Machine?!? (JJP 2023)Jan 8, 2024
  • Musical artist referenced in song lyrics; potential IP holder for Beatles Pinball theme

    The Beatles Pinball - Stern PinballNov 21, 2018
  • Recent Stern release at Taylor's location; outearning Godzilla at location

    ゴジラDec 3, 2021
  • Modern Stern game; described as modified Sea Witch with improved geometry; hosts discuss as alternative to Sea Witch remake

    Falcon Crest is GOMay 13, 2021
  • Stern Pinball game (2018); modified Sea Witch layout with Beatles 1964 theme; limited to 1,964 gold units; originally priced $10,000+; featured first opto spinners in Stern games

    Episode 30 - Throwback GamesMay 13, 2024
  • Stern/Kapow machine; artwork by Christopher Franchi; Drew's pick for best artwork; called 'the most beautiful machine ever made'

    Episode I The Phantom Cringe (Pilot Episode)Mar 20, 2019
  • Recently licensed pinball theme obtained by a manufacturer; Ron's preferred choice

    Episode 73 – Italians Do It BetterJan 11, 2018
  • Pinball game by Kaminkow pursuing for a decade. Licensed million-dollar-plus IP (potentially most expensive in pinball history). Designed as 1960s-inspired retro game, not overly complex.

    Ep 68: Pinball Legend Joe KaminkowSep 3, 2021
  • Stern Pinball machine released 2018, designed after Sea Witch, available in Gold/Platinum/Diamond limited editions; primary focus of this stream

    The Beatles Pinball w/ Zach MenyJun 2, 2020
  • Rumored rethemed Sea Witch from Stern; major IP license; rumored Joe Kamakow design

    Episode 111 – Center PostOct 10, 2018
  • Stern Pinball game; features Cousin Brucie as announcer; Thompson's sound design with era-authentic Ed Sullivan Show-style fanfares

    Ep 90: Living the Dream with Jerry ThompsonAug 8, 2022
  • Stern Pinball game; controversial due to $1M licensing cost; Franchi chose 1964 retro Beatles theme over Yellow Submarine option; created vintage memorabilia-themed artwork

    Christopher FranchiJul 5, 2019
  • Pinball machine with controversial premium pricing structure; referenced as comparison for potential Harry Potter pricing

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 24Jun 22, 2023
  • Pinball machine in Foghorn's collection; Foghorn plays without learning full ruleset; mentioned alongside Godzilla in basement lineup.

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 20Apr 30, 2023
  • Pinball machine manufactured by Stern Pinball; directed by Christopher Franchi (artist), designed with intricate rules and multipliers, sound package by Jerry Thompson; Christopher Franchi acquiring copy with delivery expected within 30 days

    Episode 56: My secret lover Chris Franchi! And Dad Jokes!May 27, 2020
  • Stern game mentioned as example of well-integrated, cohesive art design similar to Avengers

    Episode 78: Pinbot Love Letter, Avengers Review, Top ThreeOct 30, 2020
  • Pinball game where Gabe scored 15 million and Andre won in recent San Francisco league finals

    Space Cadet VPX (JP Salas)Jun 10, 2022
  • Stern game criticized for high pricing ($8,000-$12,000) affecting sales; hypothetical accessibility discussion

    Episode 26: Elvira Leak, Another dumb top 5, and a few twists and turns!Sep 18, 2019
  • Stern release; coming to Australia in March; Rawdon and Rachel both considered purchasing but decided against due to cost ($13,250 AUD)

    Tribe Multiball with Rachel and Tim, Episode 22: $1,000 BillsJan 30, 2022
  • Game used as second match in Sunshine vs Rachel series; features mode selection, multiball, spinners, loop shots

    Women's Tournament Finals - Pinball Expo 2019Aug 3, 2020
  • Pinball machine in host's personal collection; valued at $8-9k on secondary market; staying in Wisconsin basement

    Pinball Junk Drawer, Episode 6Jan 26, 2022
  • Legendary rock band; referenced as having pinball machines already in existence

    Top 5 Pinball Dream Themes - 2025Jan 25, 2025
  • Historical reference for $10K pricing establishing precedent

    007 James Bond 60th LE (Stern 2023)Jul 29, 2024
  • Modern pinball game based on Sea Witch playfield with improved geometry and better shot flow compared to original

    Alameda Pinball Museum VisitFeb 16, 2020
  • Licensed Stern Pinball machine (2018) featuring Beatles theme; price point ~$12,000; played throughout stream with tutorials for newcomers

    The Beatles (Stern 2018)Oct 26, 2019
  • Stern licensed pinball game made with Kapow, Jon considers playing, referenced as contemporary cultural artifact with Batman connection

    Batman '66 (Stern 2016)Nov 8, 2019
  • Sam Stern boutique title; praised as 'one of the greatest' pins by Greg Bone

    SDTM Pinball Ep 107: This Or That? (Rick & Morty, Jurassic Park, AFM alternate art, beer, & more!)Mar 18, 2020
  • Rumored Stern Pinball game, speculated January 5 2019 release

    SDTM Episode 70: This Month In Pinball/August 2018Aug 17, 2018
  • Pinball game title referenced in video title; no substantive content available about the machine

    SDTM First Look: The Beatles Pinball GameplayNov 13, 2018
  • Pinball machine under review; modern recreation of classic 1980 Barnyard game with Beatles theme; $4,000 price point

    SDTM Episode 95: The Beatles Pinball Machine ReviewJun 11, 2019
  • #10 entry on underrated list; Stern Pinball licensed title designed by George Gomez based on Sea Witch layout; praised for superior code, wizard mode depth, and film/music asset integration; criticized primarily for high price

    Top 10 Most Underrated Pinball Machines Of All TimeDec 26, 2020
  • Stern Pinball game; hosts reference it as successful retheme of Sea Witch, hoping for Quicksilver retheme

    Top 10 Most Overrated Pinball Machines Of All TimeJan 10, 2021
  • Pinball machine; theme preference sometimes outweighs pure mechanics in collector decisions

    SDTM: This Or That? 2024 PinballJun 9, 2024
  • Theme/IP referenced in pinball machine audio

    Pincinnati and The Beatles PinballDec 1, 2018
  • Mentioned as upcoming Stern Pinball release alongside Black Knight

    Black Knight Sword of Rage Pinball LE/PREM 0.97 Code RevealJun 25, 2019
  • Stern Pinball licensed game being played; subject of video analysis focusing on Taxman wizard mode and overall game design

    The Beatles Pinball Taxman Wizard Mode.Nov 10, 2020
  • Pinball machine mentioned as difficult/challenging to play

    Riverboat Gambler Pinball 75 Million?!Aug 20, 2020
  • Stern Pinball game featuring nine Beatles songs, notable for complex licensing approval process involving Apple, George Harrison's widow's approval required

    George Gomez discusses Pinball design.Oct 18, 2019
  • Pinball machine based on Sea Witch; host uses mental strategy of treating upper and lower flippers as separate games to improve scoring.

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 73 - District 82, Deep Reflections and BEER!May 21, 2025
  • Stern Pinball music-themed game, part of Stern's music pinball catalog

    STERN TEASES FOO FIGHTERS - UPDATEDFeb 28, 2023
  • Stern pinball machine based on classic Sea Witch; features difficult-to-acquire music license

    Pinball Cribs: Episode 2Oct 11, 2019
  • Rock band featured in exhibition via Beat Time (1967) and Stern's Beatles: Beatlemania Pinball (2018)

    PART OF THE MACHINE - ON TOURAug 3, 2020
  • Stern Pinball game on display at EAG 2020 (Gold edition)

    EAG INTERNATIONAL EXPO 2020Jan 15, 2020
  • Musical group that The Beatles pinball is licensed from; licensing brokered by Bravado Merchandising

    BEATLES PINBALL - UPDATEDOct 26, 2018
  • Musical group whose IP is licensed for the pinball machine; production limited to 1,964 units as requested by The Beatles

    BEATLES PINBALL - MORE DETAILSNov 7, 2018
  • Stern pinball machine; licensing cost of $1M serves as price comparison for major IP

    Why We Don't See More DC Comics Licensed Pinball MachinesJul 24, 2023
  • Stern Pinball licensed game released in 2018, Gold Edition, single-level playfield, Sea Witch-based layout, 1964 era theme.

    The Beatles Pinball Tutorial (Flip N Out Pinball, 2025)Jan 18, 2025
  • Pinball machine with artwork by Christopher Franchi, described as visually stunning and breathtaking when experienced in person

    The Super Awesome Pinball Show - S01 E17Oct 21, 2020
  • Stern pinball game; Franchi artwork; final game before career stall; described as 'very limiting property'

    Super Awesome Pinball Show SpecialDec 8, 2024
  • Stern Pinball game described as one of hosts' favorite modern titles; positioned in retro-vibes comparison with topper as key differentiator

    SDTM: This Or That? 2: The Empire Flips BackJan 25, 2025
  • Modern pinball release mentioned as part of Arcade Amusements' lineup

    Where to Play Pinball in Colorado Springs: Arcades, Barcades, and Pool Halls with MachinesMay 19, 2025
  • Earlier Stern cornerstone pinball game; Bond 60th shares identical playfield-to-glass clearance and uses same cabinet stature (shorter than regular cornerstones). Referenced as collector display concern.

    The Pinball Show Ep 121 Part 2: From BUY Now! To CRY Now! #crycrycryJan 17, 2023
  • Jersey Jack Pinball premium-licensed game; criticized as overpriced for value received; template for comparison with Toy Story 4's similar pricing criticism

    Ep 87: Escape from TS4Jun 29, 2022
  • Recent Stern classic-style game incorporating Keith's Sea Witch machine as reference; George Gomez provided design feedback and improvements (loop adjustment, spinner addition)

    Ep 12: Keith Elwin!Jul 1, 2019
  • Stern Pinball title pushed from Pinball Expo 2018 to January 2019 release, planned EAG London debut

    Pinball Industry News: August 2018 Re-capSep 2, 2018
  • Rock band central to both interview and pinball machine theme; historical focus on their 1960s impact and cultural influence

    Episode 169: Cousin Brucie & The BeatlesDec 23, 2018
  • Licensed pinball machine by Stern Pinball; 1964 America arrival themed; limited production of exactly 1,964 units; 100 Diamond tier, 250 Platinum tier, remainder Gold tier; features nine Beatles songs; includes drop targets, multi-ball, spinner, magnets; designed by Joe Kamenkow with George Gomez oversight; art by Chris Franchi; music/sound by Jerry Thompson; programming by Tim Grover

    Bonus Podcast: Joe Kaminkow & Gary Stern on The Beatles: Beatlemania PinballNov 6, 2018
  • Stern pinball game with expensive license; positioned as niche but succeeded commercially as street piece in casual venues; simple gameplay with iconic recognizable music

    Episode 259: George GomezMay 16, 2020
  • Recent Stern release; retheme of Sea Witch; high-end premium pricing ($22,000-$25,000 range); limited to ~2,000 units; reported $1M license cost; positioned toward Beatles and high-end collectors as much as pinball players

    Episode 164: Deals! Collecting! Pricing!Nov 20, 2018
  • Modern Stern redesign of Sea Witch layout by George Gomez; made significantly easier with more accessible shots; theme licensing with Beatles IP

    Episode 32 - Stern's 'Miracle' YearMay 27, 2024
  • Referenced for optical spinner mechanics comparison to Electric Magic toy on Led Zeppelin premium/LE

    Episode 293: Timmy Page SextonDec 16, 2020
  • Stern licensed machine produced in limited run of 1,964 units as requested by the Beatles; cited as example of limited production affecting bill of materials calculations.

    Ep 138: Behind Stern's DoorsMay 25, 2024
  • Stern licensed title referenced as pricing benchmark for Harry Potter speculation

    Ep 27: Scott's Return and Josh's EpistleFeb 6, 2020
  • Stern 2018 music pin; hosts acquired on whim to fill lineup gap; praised for competitive play but not making top 5; has classic mode with magnets off

    #010.5 Music Pins Pt 2: Our Top 5 Music PinsAug 21, 2025
  • Stern pinball machine; host claimed high score victory over Mike Vinacore at Bottom Lounge event

    028 - What A YearDec 30, 2025
  • Referenced in context of online connectivity discussion; Ryan doesn't currently own one

    Episode 90 – Stern Battle Royale!!Apr 29, 2019
  • Limited production licensed title (1964 units) showcased in Marriott hall

    Stern Pinball @ San Diego Comic-Con 2019!Aug 26, 2019