Briefs

Stern Dominates Headlines with Star Wars Spike 3 Launch, Pokémon Tease, and Vault Program Rollout Amid Community Growth Focus

February 12, 2026 sees Stern Pinball asserting market dominance through multiple strategic moves: the reveal of Star Wars: Fall of the Empire on new Spike 3 hardware with innovative AT-AT/Death Star toys, a Pokémon Pinball teaser signaling another blockbuster IP partnership, and formalization of the Vault Program discontinuing nine titles (most sold out). CEO Gary Stern emphasizes three-segment market strategy (operators/collectors/newcomers) and positions Insider Connected as existential to the company's future, claiming unconnected products will fail within 5-10 years. The company reports 20% growth in factory tour attendance (1,200+) and commits to expanded All Access membership benefits. Meanwhile, Jersey Jack Pinball's Pokémon game generates enthusiastic early impressions as a "love letter" to designer Jack Guarnieri's influences, with community members praising its accessible design and classic game homages. Stern's aggressive connectivity push, combined with exclusive software modes tied to physical accessories (Jaws 50th Anniversary topper, Star Wars FOTE Challenge Mode), signals a strategic bet on recurring revenue and data-driven product development. Community sentiment remains positive toward new releases, though location operator neglect continues to frustrate players encountering poorly maintained commercial machines.