Stern Pinball has launched an official Pokémon pinball machine in collaboration with The Pokémon Company International, priced starting at $6,999. The machine features nostalgic elements from the original cartoon, including an animatronic Pikachu and gameplay focused on catching Pokémon from the Kanto region. Limited editions can reach up to $12,999, with broader availability planned for arcades and bowling alleys.
The new Pokémon pinball machine, developed by Stern Pinball in partnership with The Pokémon Company International, brings elements of the classic animated series to arcade gaming. Starting at $6,999, it allows players to assemble a team featuring Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Pikachu, while aiming to catch up to 182 Pokémon, primarily from the Kanto region, with additional ones to follow.
Gameplay includes Gym Battles across four biomes and confrontations with Team Rocket, evoking the show's adventures. The machine incorporates a monitor displaying clips from the cartoon, an animatronic Pikachu for added immersion, and speakers that play the iconic theme song. Players can track their Pokédex progress via Stern Pinball's app.
Stern offers three models: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition. The top-tier version, priced at $12,999, is one of 750 units and includes a Master Ball plunger, a numbered plaque, and a signed certificate of authenticity. For those unable to purchase outright, the machines will soon appear in arcades and bowling alleys, making the experience more accessible to fans.
This release taps into Pokémon's enduring popularity, blending pinball mechanics with the franchise's capture-and-battle system. References to locations like Cerulean City highlight the nostalgic ties to early Pokémon lore.
