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Roll Out for Battle with TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye by Stern Pinball

Stern Pinball Website Newsfeed·article·analyzed·May 20, 2026
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Analysis

claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · $0.021

TL;DR

Stern reveals TRANSFORMERS pinball with animatronic Megatron, G1 authenticity, and new Cyber Coin system.

Summary

Stern Pinball officially announced TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye on May 20, 2026, a new pinball machine featuring a fully animatronic Megatron with rotating fusion cannon, Soundwave cassette deck toy, and custom Optimus Prime bash toy. The game integrates G1 cartoon authenticity with voice actors Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, video clips, and a new Cyber Coin wallet system via Insider Connected platform. Limited to 750 units globally, pricing ranges from $6,999 (Pro) to $12,999 (LE), with availability through authorized distributors.

Key Claims

  • TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye features a fully animatronic Megatron robot toy with an articulated fusion cannon that rotates and fires pinballs back at players

    high confidence · Stern Pinball official announcement, May 20, 2026

  • Limited Edition model is limited to 750 games globally

    high confidence · Stern Pinball official announcement

  • The game includes custom call-outs from Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron and Soundwave)

    high confidence · Stern Pinball official announcement

  • The machine introduces a brand-new Cyber Coin wallet system where players can earn Cyber Coins to unlock exclusive challenge modes

    high confidence · Stern Pinball official announcement

  • The game includes a head-to-head experience that allows two players to compete simultaneously in real time for the first time

    high confidence · Stern Pinball official announcement

  • Players can embark on missions inspired by major story arcs from the original 1984 TRANSFORMERS animated television series

    high confidence · Stern Pinball official announcement

  • The game celebrates the 40th anniversary of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE and includes the iconic song 'The Touch' by Stan Bush

    high confidence · Stern Pinball official announcement

Notable Quotes

  • “The TRANSFORMERS franchise has inspired generations with its timeless battle between good and evil. With TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball, we've created a machine that dynamically changes before your eyes, delivers groundbreaking gameplay, legendary music, and the ultimate showdown fans have been waiting for.”

    Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball @ May 20, 2026 — Official confirmation of design philosophy emphasizing dynamic mechanical innovation and franchise authenticity

Entities

Stern PinballcompanyHasbrocompanyTRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the EyegameSeth DavispersonPeter CullenpersonFrank WelkerpersonStan BushpersonKnights of UnicornorganizationInsider Connectedproduct

Signals

  • ?

    announcement: Stern Pinball officially announced and released TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine on May 20, 2026, with full specifications, pricing, and feature details

    high · Official Stern Pinball press release dated May 20, 2026 with CEO quote and comprehensive product information

  • ?

    design_innovation: Game features fully animatronic Megatron with articulated, rotating fusion cannon that fires pinballs back at players; represents significant mechanical innovation in pinball design

    high · Official specification: 'fully animatronic Megatron robot toy with an articulated fusion cannon that rotates and fires pinballs back at players'

  • ?

    design_innovation: Introduction of real-time head-to-head two-player simultaneous competition mode on Stern platform; marks first implementation of this feature

    high · Official announcement states: 'for the first time, includes a head-to-head experience that allows two players to compete simultaneously in real time'

  • ?

    product_strategy: Limited Edition model capped at 750 units globally; collectible positioning with sequential numbering and Certificate of Authenticity

    high · Official specification: 'Limited to 750 games globally' with 'sequentially numbered plaque' and 'signed Certificate of Authenticity'

  • ?

    licensing_signal: Stern Pinball secured major Hasbro TRANSFORMERS license including use of G1 cartoon authenticity, character likenesses, and integration of original voice actors (Peter Cullen, Frank Welker) and series music

    high · Official collaboration with Hasbro; game includes authentic video clips from 1984 animated series, voice talent, and references to 40th anniversary of TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE

Transcript

web_scrape · $0.000

Roll Out for Battle with TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye by Stern Pinball Stern Pinball Celebrates an All-New, Action-Packed Pinball Experience CHICAGO, IL – May 20, 2026 – Today, Stern Pinball, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of pinball games, in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc., a leading games, IP and toy company, revealed and released a new adrenaline-fueled pinball experience celebrating one of the most iconic and successful entertainment franchises in the world – TRANSFORMERS. The TRANSFORMERS franchise has captivated generations of people worldwide across toys, comics, television, film and merchandise. Now, fans can experience the legendary battle between Autobots and Decepticons like never before through immersive, action-packed pinball. TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye by Stern Pinball is available now in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models. In Stern Pinball’s TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye, players join Optimus Prime and the Autobots in their mission to stop Megatron and the Decepticons from stealing Earth’s energy, conquering Cybertron, and dominating the universe. TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pushes mechanical innovation to new heights with a fully animatronic Megatron robot toy with an articulated fusion cannon that rotates and fires pinballs back at players. Soundwave’s cassette deck locks pinballs before launching them into high-intensity action while a custom sculpted Optimus Prime robot bash toy stands ready for battle, adding depth and spectacle to this world under glass that’s …MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE. Players will experience the ultimate battle between Autobots and Deceptions, and can store Energon Cubes to power up, team up with the Dinobots, collect Transformers Tech Spec cards, and prepare for a climactic battle against Megatron. Players embark on missions inspired by major story arcs from the original 1984 TRANSFORMERS animated television series, and the machine integrates authentic video clips and story-driven missions that bring the brand’s legacy to life. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE, the game includes a special mode featuring the iconic song “The Touch” by Stan Bush, custom call-outs from legendary voice actors including Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron and Soundwave), and original music from Knights of Unicron. Loaded with Stern Pinball’s cutting-edge technology, TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye seamlessly blends physical and digital gameplay. Utilizing Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected platform, the machine introduces a brand-new Cyber Coin wallet system, where players can earn Cyber Coins to unlock exclusive challenge modes. The machine also features a special challenge mode, “Prime Training,” where Autobots guide players through the art of pinball mastery, and for the first time, includes a head-to-head experience that allows two players to compete simultaneously in real time. Limited to 750 games globally, the highly collectible Limited Edition model includes the updated Expression Lighting System™ and Speaker Expression Lighting System with TRANSFORMERS-themed game effects, a full-color mirrored backglass, full-color high-definition cabinet decals, exclusive custom pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, a signed Certificate of Authenticity, and a digital Insider Connected LE owner’s badge on registration. “The TRANSFORMERS franchise has inspired generations with its timeless battle between good and evil,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball. “With TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball, we’ve created a machine that dynamically changes before your eyes, delivers groundbreaking gameplay, legendary music, and the ultimate showdown fans have been waiting for.” TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball is available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world. Find out more and contact us for availability in your location on the game information page here. Stay up to date by following Stern Pinball on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Pricing and Availability: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”) and Recommended Retail Price (“RRP”): *MSRP (US) and RRP (Europe) are for sales to end-users before any applicable VAT, or other taxes and are subject to change. Pro Edition: $US 6,999 (RRP – €6,699.00; £5,799.00) Premium Edition: $US 9,699 (RRP – €8,749.00; £7,599.00) Limited Edition: $US 12,999 (RRP – €11,999.00; £10,499.00) TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball games feature Stern’s best-in-class commercial quality reliability backed by a pinball best-in-class one-year warranty. About Insider Connected Insider Connected™ is Stern Pinball’s community network that allows players and owners to engage with pinball games in rapidly expanding ways. The platform unites pinball players worldwide and enhances the fun through a variety of useful online features. Insider Connected is included with every new Stern product and is available as an add-on for existing games. Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com or in the intuitive Insider Connected™ mobile app on iOS and Android. By tapping a device on any enabled machine, players can track and resume game progress wherever they play, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the pinball community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests. In addition to offering benefits to players, Insider Connected allows Stern to serve its game owners worldwide by upgrading games, offering new features and quests, and extending the longevity of machines for years to come. About Stern Pinball, Inc. Stern Pinball, Inc. creates compelling entertainment that inspires a lifetime love of games, sparks passion, forges friendships, and connects people everywhere through fun, innovative, technologically advanced pinball games and experiences. Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets worldwide. Recent Stern Pinball titles include Pokémon, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games, from professional pinball players competing in high-stakes global competitions to novice players discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com. ABOUT TRANSFORMERS The TRANSFORMERS brand is a global powerhouse franchise with millions of fans around the world. Since 1984, the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons has come to life in movies, TV shows, comic books, innovative toys, and digital media, bringing incredible “MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE” experiences to fans of all ages. The brand’s enduring connection is made possible by its rich storytelling and characters: the heroic Autobots who seek to protect all life, and the evil Decepticons who seek to conquer the universe. The TRANSFORMERS brand is a Hasbro franchise. About Hasbro Hasbro is a leading games, IP and toy company whose mission is to create joy and community through the magic of play. With 165 years of expertise, Hasbro delivers groundbreaking play experiences and reaches more than 1 billion fans annually around the world, through physical and digital games, video games, toys, licensed consumer products, location-based entertainment, film, TV and more. Through its franchise-first approach, Hasbro unlocks value from both new and legacy IP, including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Powered by its portfolio of thousands of iconic marks and a diversified network of partners and subsidiary studios, Hasbro brings fans together wherever they are, from tabletop to screen. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, a 2025 JUST Capital Industry Leader, one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50, and a Brand that Matters by Fast Company. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com or @Hasbro on LinkedIn. All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.
Megatron
game
Optimus Primegame
Soundwavegame
TRANSFORMERS franchiseproduct
Expression Lighting Systemproduct
Insider Connected LE owner's badgeproduct
  • ?

    technology_signal: Insider Connected platform expanded with new Cyber Coin wallet system enabling in-game currency, challenge unlock mechanics, and persistent player progression across venue networks

    high · Official announcement: 'introduces a brand-new Cyber Coin wallet system, where players can earn Cyber Coins to unlock exclusive challenge modes'

  • $

    market_signal: TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pricing ranges from $6,999 (Pro) to $12,999 (LE), positioning as premium cornerstone title with significant LE premium ($6,000 delta from Pro)

    high · Official MSRP: Pro $6,999 USD; Premium $9,699 USD; Limited Edition $12,999 USD

  • ?

    product_launch: Game announced and immediately made available (May 20, 2026) through authorized Stern distributors worldwide; no pre-order or delayed release window

    high · Official announcement states 'released' and 'is available now in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models' and 'is available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world'

  • ?

    design_philosophy: Game design emphasizes G1 cartoon canon fidelity with original 1984 animated series story arcs, authentic voice acting, 40th anniversary celebration of TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE, and original music from Knights of Unicorn

    high · Official description: 'missions inspired by major story arcs from the original 1984 TRANSFORMERS animated television series' with 'authentic video clips and story-driven missions'; special mode celebrating 40th MOVIE anniversary with Stan Bush's 'The Touch' and voice talent

  • ?

    gameplay_signal: Game features multi-layered objectives including Energon Cube collection, Dinobot team-up mechanics, Transformers Tech Spec card collection, and climactic Megatron battle; structured around mission-based progression

    high · Official gameplay description: 'Players can store Energon Cubes to power up, team up with the Dinobots, collect Transformers Tech Spec cards, and prepare for a climactic battle against Megatron'

  • ?

    community_signal: Game designed to appeal to multi-generational TRANSFORMERS fan base across 40+ year franchise history; marketed as definitive pinball expression of IP

    high · Official messaging: 'TRANSFORMERS franchise has captivated generations' and designed to celebrate 40th anniversary of TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE with legacy voice actors and original animated series integration