Stern Pinball Launches Official Pokémon Machines at $6,999 to $12,999

Stern Pinball, a leading maker of arcade games, has launched an official Pokémon pinball machine. The company revealed the game this week as part of Pokémon's 30th anniversary. Machines come in three models, priced from $6,999 for the base Pro version up to $12,999 for the Limited Edition. They are available now for preorder from Stern and select sellers, with shipping set for February or March 2026.

Background

Pokémon started in Japan in 1996 as a video game and grew into a huge franchise with games, shows, cards, and toys. Fans have followed trainers catching creatures called Pokémon in different worlds. Stern Pinball, based in the US, builds high-end pinball tables used in arcades, bars, and homes. The company has made machines for other big names like Star Wars and Jurassic Park. This is the first official Pokémon pinball game from Nintendo in over 30 years. Stern worked with The Pokémon Company to license the characters and music. The release ties into the anniversary, bringing the old animated series back through new hardware.

The game uses Stern's SPIKE 3 technology, which powers lights, sounds, and shots on the table. Players flip paddles to hit a steel ball around a glass-covered playfield. Targets light up, ramps guide the ball, and toys move during play. Stern says every part honors the Pokémon story, from the first games to the TV show that ran for years.

Key Details

The pinball machine puts players in the role of a Pokémon trainer. The game starts in one of four habitats: forest, water, mountain, or desert. Each area has unique targets and paths for the ball. Shoot the glowing Poké Ball toy to find and catch Pokémon. Over 180 different Pokémon can appear, based on hits and scores.

Build a team by catching more, then face rival trainers in gym battles. Hit enough shots to finish a habitat and move on. All four lead to the Pokémon Arena for bigger fights. Team Rocket shows up often, trying to steal Pokémon. A multiball mode starts where extra balls join the playfield. Stop them with quick shots, or they take your catches.

Gameplay Features

An animatronic Pikachu sits on the table and moves during games. It cheers when you score or catch something. Premium and Limited Edition models have an electromagnet under the playfield. It flips the ball around in the arena for surprise shots. A Meowth Balloon toy drops down from Team Rocket, blocking paths until hit.

Video clips from the original animated series play on screens. Hear custom voices for Pikachu and Giovanni, Team Rocket's leader. The Pokémon Theme song starts games and multiballs. Ramps, spinners, and stand-up targets match Pokémon types, like water shots for ocean areas.

Stern's Insider Connected app links play across machines. Sign in to save caught Pokémon in a digital collection. View it anytime on your phone, even from different locations. This tracks progress like a Pokédex.

Three models differ in art, lights, and extras:

• Pro: $6,999, basic playfield with key toys.
• Premium: $9,699, adds electromagnet, more animations.
• Limited Edition: $12,999, top art, numbered plate, only 750 made worldwide.

Preorders need deposits: $500 for Pro, $1,000 for Premium, $2,500 for Limited Edition. Full payment before shipping. Sellers like Flip N Out Pinball and The Pinball Company list them now.

“Today we’re proud to finally deliver the long-awaited Pokémon by Stern Pinball machine,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball. “This game is a true celebration of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and the enduring adventure of Pokémon – brought to life in a whole new way through immersive pinball gameplay, thrilling battles and the timeless excitement of catching Pokémon.”

What This Means

This launch targets serious collectors and arcade owners. Prices match Stern's other premium tables, aimed at fans with space and money for home games. The Limited Edition's small run means quick sellouts for dedicated buyers. Arcades can add it to draw Pokémon crowds, mixing old-school pinball with modern app tracking.

Pokémon's 30th year brings more products, but this stands out for grown-up fans. It blends physical play with digital saves, letting groups compete on collections. Production starts soon, so early orders lock in spots. Businesses contact Stern for bulk info. Home players get a full adventure without screens, just flips and catches. The game keeps the catch-train-battle loop alive in arcades for years.