Probably why you're here.
The Rare Pinball Files: a Deep Dive on Hankin's Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Taking a look at the ultra-rare Empire Strikes Back pinball machine from 1980, plus a chat with a Star Wars super-fan and pinball collector in Australia.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in Los Angeles: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
Los Angeles spreads pinball across neighborhoods from the Arts District to Long Beach, with barcades, vintage bars, breweries, and dedicated arcades offering everything from electromechanical classics to the latest releases.
Colin Alsheimer
The Undying Charm of The Addams Family
The Addams Family has always been on the radar for pinheads thanks to the 1992 Pat Lawlor classic game. But for the culture at large? Not as much. Until recently, that is, as The Addams Family has risen back to life in the wake of several recent media projects.
Jose Irizarry
Hype Index Updates: February 2023
Recapping the Hype Index updates for February, 2023.
Colin Alsheimer
From Game Console to Pinball Machine: 12 Video Game Themes Fans Want to See
HBO is having a moment thanks to the success of their drama The Last of Us, based on the 2013 game. It’s received critical acclaim and a growing fanbase, so it’s only a matter of time before we see other video game adaptations pop up in TV and film and, hey, why not in pinball, too?
Brad Milison
Recapping the Winners of The 2023 PiNbALL DeGENeRaTE Awards (AKA the DeGENies)
The 2nd annual Pinball Degenerate Awards (aka The Degenies) were pulled off without so much as a hitch.
Colin Alsheimer
Everything You Need to Know About Pinball Machine Rental
Are you looking to get into pinball but don't want to commit to buying a machine? Then rent a pinball machine! Find out everything you need to know about pinball machine rental - from the benefits of renting versus buying, to how you can find local distributors and operators that offer rentals.
Colin Alsheimer
Ten Degenerate Pinball Machines Fans Actually Want to See
Sure, it’s easy to make a pinball machine based on a blockbuster movie, hit TV show, or other successful IP, but what about turning to more niche themes?
Brad Milison
Tackling South Carolina’s Pinball Ban
Learn about the efforts to overturn South Carolina's pinball ban for minors and why it should be removed from the books.
Jose Irizarry
Ten Music Themed Pinball Machines Fans (Under 50) Want to See
Look, we love all pinball, but we're kinda tired of the Grandpa rock bands. Here are 10 (slightly younger) music themes pinball fans actually want to see.
Brad Milison
From Flop to Flip: The Surprising Success of Pinball Machines Inspired by Bad Movies
Discover how some of Hollywood's biggest flops were able to bounce back and become fan-favorites in the world of pinball. From box office bombs to gaming gold, these seven movies will surprise you with their second chance at success.
Brad Milison
The 10 Best Steve Ritchie Pinball Games, Ranked
Steve Ritchie has made some epic games. He's often in the running for best pinball designer of all time, alongside other industry greats like Pat Lawlor, Keith Elwin, Barry Oursler, and others. But which ones stand out as the best of the best? Let's find out.
Colin Alsheimer
10 Horror Themed Pinball Machines Fans Are Dying to See
At Kineticist, we track the hottest in pinball IP demand over at our Hype Index, and these are the top 10 horror themed pinball machines that fans are absolutely dying to see.
Brad Milison
44 Best Affordable Used Pinball Machines to Buy in 2024 ($5k or Less)
If you dig deep enough, it's still possible to find the right pinball machine for your collection at a fair price point. We'll help you get started with our roundup of affordable pins.
Colin Alsheimer
IFPA: Competitive Pinball Bounces Back in 2022
The International Flipper Pinball Association just released its annual “State of the Union” address recapping 2022. How did they fare? Read on to find out.
Jose Irizarry
Exploring Chicago's Incredible Pinball Hotspots
Chicago Illinois is a city that offers something for everyone, and for pinball and arcade fans, it's a veritable paradise. The Windy City is home to some of the best pinball and arcade spots in the country.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in Nashville: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
Nashville's pinball scene spans dedicated arcades, 21+ barcades, neighborhood bars, and entertainment complexes across the metro. This guide covers seven venues from East Nashville to the surrounding suburbs.
Colin Alsheimer
The Ultimate Guide to Pinball Shows & Tournaments in 2026
It's time for our annual roundup of the best pinball shows, conventions, expos, and tournaments that should be on your travel schedule for the year.
Colin Alsheimer
The Best Pinball Websites to Feed Your Pinball Obsession
We've put together a list of the best pinball websites on the internet, broken down into easy-to-digest categories. Whether you're looking to dive headfirst into the scene or just want to buy a shiny new machine, we've got you covered.
Colin Alsheimer
Stern Pinball Announces James Bond 007 60th Anniversary Pinball!
DEEP DIVE: In Depth Overview of the Machine, Features, Rules, and More!
Will Oetting
Where to Play Pinball in Boise: Arcades, Bars, and Restaurants with Machines
Boise's pinball scene spans dedicated arcades, neighborhood bars, and casual restaurants across the Treasure Valley. Here's where to find machines in the Idaho capital and surrounding communities.
Colin Alsheimer
Uncut Gems: 21 Best Gottlieb Pinball Machines of the Modern Era
We apply our Pingorithm® rankings to Gottlieb's modern pinball machines.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in Denver: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
Denver's pinball scene stretches from downtown barcades to suburban breweries, offering players a range of options whether they're looking for a 21+ night out or a family-friendly afternoon.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in Milwaukee: Arcades, Bars, and Venues with Machines
Milwaukee's pinball scene stretches from downtown food halls to neighborhood dive bars and a suburban arcade with 30+ machines. Here's where to find games across the metro.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in Dallas–Fort Worth: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
The Dallas–Fort Worth metro offers pinball at barcades and arcades spread across the Metroplex, from downtown Dallas to the mid-cities and suburbs.
Colin Alsheimer
A Comprehensive Guide to Pinball for New Players
If you're looking to join the pinball scene, here's your guide! Learn everything from how to get started playing and checking out nearby venues, all the way up through joining passionate online communities for extra help.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in Tucson: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
Tucson's pinball scene spreads across the Sonoran Desert metro, with machines at downtown barcades, craft breweries in Marana, and family-friendly restaurants near Sabino Canyon.
Colin Alsheimer
11 Must-Have Pinball Apps For Your Home Screen (Plus 5 Games to Avoid)
If you're a pinball player or collector, these are the must-have pinball apps for your phone or tablet (plus a few apps you can skip for now).
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in Kansas City: Arcades, Bars, and Entertainment Venues with Machines
The Kansas City metro spans both Missouri and Kansas with pinball scattered across dedicated arcades, dive bars, family entertainment centers, and even a cheesesteak joint.
Colin Alsheimer
Spooky Pinball Announces SCOOBY-DOO PINBALL!
DEEP DIVE: In Depth Overview of the Machine, Features, Rules, and More!
Will Oetting
Are You a Pinball Wizard? Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About a Pinhead's Least Favorite Phrase
Get ready to become a pinball wizard and uncover the secrets of the pinhead's least favorite phrase.
Colin Alsheimer
13 Totally Radical 1970s Era Williams Pinball Machines
Taking a look at 13 totally radical pinball machines produced by Williams Electronics Company from 1970-1979.
Colin Alsheimer
Daikaiju Pinball: Interview with the Creators
We got a chance to ask some questions of the creators of the Daikaiju Homebrew pinball machine; Rob Anderson and Steven Kowal.
Will Oetting
Where to Play Pinball in Phoenix: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
Phoenix and The Valley spread pinball across dedicated arcades, barcades, breweries, and entertainment venues from Mesa to Surprise. This guide covers where to find machines across the metro.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in New York City: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
Pinball in New York City is spread across neighborhoods, with Brooklyn hosting the largest concentration and Manhattan and Queens offering smaller but steady options. This guide maps out where to find machines across the city.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in St. Louis: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
This guide covers 13 pinball locations across the St. Louis metro area, including dedicated arcades with 100+ machines, pinball-focused bars, breweries, and entertainment venues in both Missouri and Metro East Illinois.
Colin Alsheimer
For Amusement Only Games Announces Drained Pinball! Deep Dive!
The first third-party playfield module for Multimorphic’s P3 Pinball Platform, designed, developed, and produced by For Amusement Only Games, LLC.
Will Oetting
Where to Play Pinball in Boston: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
Boston's compact urban footprint means pinball is scattered across the metro rather than concentrated in one district. From speakeasy barcades in Cambridge to a craft distillery in Roxbury, here's where to find machines in Greater Boston.
Colin Alsheimer
The Best Online Pinball Communities (other than Pinside)
One of the best parts of getting into the pinball scene is discovering the great community behind it. Check out our roundup of the best places to find the pinball community online (besides Pinside.com).
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in Portland: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
Portland spreads pinball across dedicated museums, downtown barcades, and neighborhood bars from Hillsboro to Lents. Several venues offer free play admission while others keep machines on coin drop.
Colin Alsheimer
Pinflation 2022: Slower Rising Prices
How have pinball prices fared in 2022?
Ted "Doc" Finlay, Ph.D.
Where to Play Pinball in Austin: Arcades, Bars, and Entertainment Venues with Machines
Austin's pinball scene spans dedicated arcades with 90+ machines, free-play entertainment venues, neighborhood bars with league nights, and craft beer spots in the surrounding metro. Whether you're after Texas's largest pinball lineup or casual games with local cider, Austin delivers.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in Minneapolis: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
Minneapolis pairs its craft beer scene with serious pinball, from dedicated pinball bars in Uptown to brewcades in Northeast and family-friendly spots in the suburbs.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in San Francisco: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
San Francisco offers pinball at dedicated arcades, barcades, breweries, and historic attractions. Free Gold Watch leads the city with the largest collection, while neighborhood spots across the Mission, Castro, and Fisherman's Wharf round out the options.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in San Diego: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
San Diego pinball is spread out: Downtown has the big “make it the main event” arcade option, while Gaslamp and a few neighborhood spots cover the bar-and-beer side. Here are five places to play right now, with addresses and current public machine info where available.
Colin Alsheimer
The 10 Best George Gomez Pinball Machines, Ranked
The pinball world is a small one. If you're in it, you know all the names. And if you know all the names, you probably also know that George Gomez is one of the biggest names in the business. In this post we take a look at his 10 best games before the release of James Bond.
Colin Alsheimer
Where to Play Pinball in Green Bay: Arcades, Bars, and Breweries with Machines
Green Bay's pinball scene ranges from a 100-machine free play arcade to downtown barcades and breweries hosting IFPA tournaments. Here's where to find machines across the metro.
Colin Alsheimer
An Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Stern Insider Connected on Your Pinball Machine
If you're a fan of Stern pinball machines, then you're going to love the new Stern Pinball Insider Connected kit! This amazing new system allows you to connect your machine to the internet and access a variety of features, including game updates, special achievements, progress tracking, and more.
Colin Alsheimer