Pokémon enters the world of high-end pinball with Stern collaboration

The Pokémon Company and Stern Pinball have officially joined forces to create the first-ever professional-grade Pokémon pinball machine. This makes the first formal debut of Pokémon at Pinball, obviously outside of the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games, with a machine packed with modern technology designed to bridge the gap between physical pinball and the iconic monster-collecting RPG, perfect for the 30th anniversary celebration.

The machine features an art package centered on the Kanto Region and the original 151 Pokémon, but players aren’t limited to the classics. At launch, the machine includes 182 Pokémon from various generations to discover, with Stern planning to push background updates to add even more content over time.

High-tech catching and Competitive battles

The gameplay loop introduces a “Catch ‘Em All” mechanic that is as challenging as it is rewarding. Players travel through different biomes—Forest, Lake, Mountain, and Desert—to find specific creatures. By hitting targets and pop bumpers, which represent “tall grass,” players fill a catch meter. Once a Pokémon appears, a well-placed shot to the Poké Ball toy secures the catch. For the first time in a physical game, your progress is permanent. Using a QR code and the Stern Insider Connected app, players can save their progress to a digital Pokédex on their phones. This means every Pokémon caught at an arcade or a friend’s house stays with you, allowing you to build your collection across different machines.

Battles are equally interactive. Players start with a squad of four—Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—and must hit specific lit shots to perform attacks. The machine features high-end toys, including an animatronic Pikachu and a Meowth Team Rocket balloon, alongside an HD screen that displays footage from the anime series.

The Pokémon machine is available in three models: Pro ($6,999), Premium ($9,699), and a Limited Edition ($12,999). Pre-orders are open now, with units expected to hit arcades and homes in the coming months.

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