Episode 53: Is American Pinball Bringing Back Circus Voltaire?!
The Flipside Pinball Podcast
58 min
Summary
American Pinball first Williams remake rumored to be Cirqus Voltaire; Pokémon (Premium/LE) resale frenzy reaches $20k+.
Retro Ralph discusses Pokemon pinball's unprecedented secondary market demand (LE spots selling for $20k+), production schedule changes, and reveals rumored information that American Pinball first Williams remake will be Cirqus Voltaire (1997, designed by John Papadiuk). He also covers industry news including Melvin Williams' move to American Pinball as creative director after DPX dissolution, and the uncertain future of Dutch Pinball to the Future title.
Highlights
- Pokémon (Premium/LE) pre-orders are being resold for up to $20,000 despite games not yet shipping
- Pokemon location pros will ship before home pros, reversing earlier production expectations
- American Pinball first Williams remake will be Cirqus Voltaire
- Melvin Williams left DPX and joined American Pinball as creative director
- Cirqus Voltaire (1997) sold approximately 2,500 units or fewer than 3,000
- DPX (Dutch Pinball X) has dissolved and merged back into Dutch Pinball
- Back to the Future pinball by Dutch Pinball is unlikely to release in 2026
- Retro Ralph's Pokemon trip video to Stern reached 13,000 views
In this episode, we dive into the chaos surrounding the Pokémon LE launch and the frenzy that followed. Is there really a crossover happening between hardcore Pokémon fans and new pinball players, or is that narrative overblown? We break down what we’re seeing, what it could mean for the hobby, and whether this moment is bigger than just one title.
In this episode
Back to the Future
Data East
Beetlejuice
Spooky Pinball
Evil Dead
Spooky Pinball
Harry Potter
Jersey Jack Pinball
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