Cirqus Voltaire Returns With American Pinball's Classic and Ringmaster Editions

The new American Pinball is moving fast.

Not even a month since they announced the Victory Edition for Galactic Tank Force, American Pinball has officially announced their reimagined Cirqus Voltaire with both the Classic Edition and reimagined Ringmaster Edition. There was a considerable amount to unpack from the press release we received, not just in the sheer amount of content they packed in, but also regarding what to expect from American going forward.

The Classic Edition runs $9,989 with a $1,000 deposit, built to demand with no cap, while the Ringmaster Edition runs $12,589 with a $2,000 deposit, capped at 772 units, apparently a nod to the founding of "Troupe Le Voltaire." The Ringmaster Edition comes standard with the new art package, interior art blades, powder coat, all six sculpts, Magic Glass, a shaker motor, a mini-playfield LED strip, and an interactive topper and scrolls, on top of everything Classic has. Both run the same code, the same ruleset options, and include the same QuickFlip board underneath.

Shipping begins October.

This is the first of seven releases from American Pinball’s licensing agreement signed with Planetary Pinball Supply back in January, all for remakes of classic Williams and Bally titles. American Pinball first announced this release at Texas Pinball Festival in March.

Notably, as a fun historical detail, the game includes 2.0 code originally developed anonymously by Cameron Silver, the game's co-designer and programmer, which was released in a rec.games.pinball thread back in 2002. That code, which includes advanced skill shots, new mini-modes, and animation aborts among them, is officially credited in the release.

Cirqus Voltaire was originally released in 1997, designed by John Popadiuk for Bally, and, on a personal level, I'm wildly biased towards it as one of the more imaginative and egregiously fun games of the DMD era.

Melvin Williams did the creative direction and all six sculpts, also bringing over his Wonder Rails of Light system, a feature he personally holds the trademark for and used on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland during his time at Dutch Pinball. The new art package on The Ringmaster Edition is by Brian Allen, his second remastered art package of the year, following Pedretti's remaster of Tales of the Arabian Nights.

American is also introducing what they call 'QuickFlip tech' to Voltaire, an update to their current flipper boards. I asked Marketing Director Rob Rath about this addition.

"The CV machine will be on the latest AP board set, which was first introduced with Galactic Tank Force... for the first time, we'll feature a new dedicated flipper board in CV, which we call QuickFlip. It has 2 capacitors and a mini-transformer. The new system creates more responsive flippers by reducing latency and increased performance over long play periods."

Worth noting too, Cirqus Voltaire is the first American Pinball title to ship with Wi-Fi updates. The flyer also lists an optional two-year extended warranty in addition to the standard coverage. Haven't seen that offered before, and it says something about how confident they are in the build.

Classic Edition owners can add the topper and scrolls separately for $1,099 and $649 to match Ringmaster. The topper and scrolls together were designed by Rob Rath, with Nick Neitzel handling the engineering, Brian Allen the art, and Stumblor the light show and code.

The game will be available to play at Chicago Expo in Schaumburg this October 15-17th. For more details, read the full press release below or visit American Pinball’s website.

Flyers

Press Release

American Pinball Unveils Reimagined Cirqus Voltaire™ Pinball Machine

PALATINE, IL — American Pinball is proud to announce its latest title: Cirqus Voltaire™, available in both Classic and reimagined Ringmaster Editions, honoring the legendary 1997 original from Bally.

This updated release retains the beloved original gameplay while introducing new game modes, fully overhauled 3D visuals inspired by classic scenes, modern RGB lighting, a larger HD display, and American Pinball’s new QuickFlip™ flipper technology across both trims.

The Ringmaster Edition ($12,589 | $2,000 Deposit) Paying homage to the founding of "Troupe Le Voltaire" in 1772, the Ringmaster Edition is limited to just 772 individually numbered units worldwide. Packed with over $4,000 in upgrade value, this premium trim features:

• A brand-new, original art package spanning the cabinet and playfield
• Custom playfield sculpts and an interactive game topper
• Top-to-bottom custom powder coating
• Over 20 exclusive mechanical and visual enhancements

The Classic Edition ($9,989 | $1,000 Deposit) Built to demand with no production cap, the Classic Edition delivers the full modernized gameplay engine and hardware upgrades in a traditional cabinet package.

Availability & Ordering Shipping begins October 2026. Players and collectors can secure their game by contacting an authorized American Pinball dealer or filling out our online dealer match form. Confirmed deposits will receive an exclusive SECURE ALLOCATION sticker by mail, designed to be affixed to the back of the cabinet upon delivery.

Play It First at Pinball Expo 2026 Both editions will be playable at Pinball Expo 2026 in Schaumburg, IL (October 15–17). Additional gameplay video and feature reveals will be released in the weeks leading up to the event.

For full specifications and a feature comparison, view the flyer above or visit the product page at americanpinball.com.

About American Pinball Since 2015, American Pinball has been designing and manufacturing premium pinball machines in the Chicago area, combining craftsmanship, innovation, and unforgettable gameplay for collectors, arcades, and enthusiasts around the world.

Additional Product Details

ART & DESIGN

Limited Edition Apron Badge

To celebrate the formation of "Troupe Le Voltaire" in 1772, the fully reimagined Ringmaster Edition is strictly limited to 772 units worldwide. Each machine features a holographic edition number mounted front-and-center on a customized magnetic apron overlay.

About the Classic Edition: Unnumbered and built to demand.

Top-to-Bottom Powder Coat

So much makes the Ringmaster Edition unique, but in person, the first design choice that will catch your eye is the sparkling illusion purple powder coat. We’ve pulled out all the stops with this paint job: all metal wireforms, full armor and hinges, apron, and even the coin door. There will be nothing left to paint aftermarket—it’s the whole kit.

About the Classic Edition: The Classic Edition trim matches the 1997 original polished nickel finish.

Reimagined Cabinet Art, Playfield Art, Plastics & Decals + Coin Door Magnet

In January of this year, we started the journey of redesigning the artwork for Cirqus Voltaire alongside Brian Allen of Flyland Designs. What started as a plan for a simple cabinet redesign turned into a full-on art package that touches every single aspect of the Ringmaster Edition. No area was left untouched, and the result is a unifying art package that includes commonly untouched areas by a single artist, including the coin door (magnetic, removable), apron art, every single decal and sticker, all the way up to the topper. Alongside the creative direction of Melvin Williams, we could not be happier with how the full package came together.

About the Classic Edition: All cabinet and playfield art matches the 1997 original.

Crystaluxe Hi-Gloss Cabinet Decals

With the introduction of the Ringmaster Edition, we’re proud to unveil our next-generation premium decal technology. Crystaluxe delivers an ultra-clear, glass-like finish with exceptional color depth, razor-sharp details, and a luxurious look, printed on a durable semi-rigid plastic substrate. Engineered to make every piece of artwork come alive, it produces vivid, rich colors and remarkable clarity, creating the illusion of artwork printed beneath crystal-clear glass.

At American Pinball, we believe every game you purchase should be the centerpiece of your game room, home, or arcade. Crystaluxe is OUR commitment to that vision, delivering a finish that transforms every machine into a true showpiece! Built to impress, built to last, and destined to be the star of any collection.

The Ringmaster Edition includes 6 panels of Crystaluxe Cab Decals, including cab front, lower cab left and right sides, upper cab left and right sides, and coin door (magnetic, removable).

About the Classic Edition: The cab decals are medium-gloss vinyl.

Reimagined Ringmaster Acrylic Backbox Artwork

Included in the new art is, of course, the backbox artwork. This was a unique effort because of the size of the art (with no embedded screen) and also the requirement to work around the existing cannon feature. Naming the game the “Ringmaster Edition” came only after concepting the alternate backbox artwork featuring the Ringmaster as the central character. The backbox artwork is also complemented by a new decal and plastic art inside the backbox, the new cannon bell that dings on impact, and new interactive lighting that illuminates the Ringmaster.

About the Classic Edition: The backbox art of the Classic matches the 1997 original.

Interior Art Blades

The Ringmaster Edition features vinyl interior art blade decals displaying various characters from the game, with artwork by Brian Allen. All Ringmaster Edition games also come with American Pinball-branded interior art blade protectors to help keep your art blades looking fresh from day one.

About the Classic Edition: No art blades included.

LIGHTING

Clear Playfield Inserts with Modern Interactive RGB Lighting & Upgraded Light Shows

The Ringmaster and Classic Edition games both feature modern RGB lighting for both the inserts and the general illumination (GI). This enables all-new and dynamic light shows that bring the brand-new-in-box clear plastic elements to life, as well as the numerous new sculpts and updated artwork of the Ringmaster Edition. Both playfields include the same faceted inserts of the original edition, but now all inserts are clear (rather than multicolor), giving the new RGB lighting even more opportunity to shine.

Wonder Rails of Light™ Interactive Armor Lighting

First introduced by Melvin Williams, the Wonder Rails of Light is back with The Ringmaster Edition, featuring the well-loved phrase “Step Right Up… The Show is About to Begin.” These laser-cut, powder-coated blades feature interactive lighting that will change with each mode and match the topper’s interactive scrolls.

About the Classic Edition: Includes standard polished nickel-finish side armor.

Neon Light Bar and Mini-Playfield Lighting

The iconic neon light tube running down the right side of the game - which originally came in one of 3 colors but was locked to that single hue - now features a color-changing LED light strip that is significantly brighter. It’s further accented by a complementary LED light strip on the mini-playfield which is exclusive to the Ringmaster Edition.

About the Classic Edition: The Classic Edition features the same color-changing LED neon light strip, but does not include the mini-playfield LED strip.

Backbox Interactive Ringmaster Lighting, and Speaker Lights & Cannon Chime Bell

The backbox of the Ringmaster Edition includes a number of nice upgrades, including an illusion purple powder-coated bell that chimes each time the ball strikes it, interactive LED lighting that illuminates the Ringmaster in various gameplay scenarios, and interactive speaker lights illuminating the left and right speakers. We’ve also enhanced the backbox cannon mini-game to add additional skill (and subsequent rewards) for finishing the mode.

About the Classic Edition: The cannon chime bell is also included in the Classic Edition in a polished silver finish.

NEW FEATURES

Interactive Topper & Scrolls

The Ringmaster Edition includes an interactive topper & scrolls designed by The Electric Playground, featuring illuminated rising acrobats with each high-wire ball lock, a spinning hat swirl with each cannon fire, and mode-activated animated RGB lighting within the two scrolls, with art by Brian Allen.

The inspiration for the topper was to better highlight the interaction between the mischievous cat and the acrobats. As you load balls 1 and 2, each acrobat will rise above the cat. Timed with the electrical shock up each acrobat pole (delivered by the cat, of course), players will see the shock and demise of the acrobats before starting the High-Wire Multiball.

The new scrolls, inspired by the original 1997 purple scrolls, upgrade the experience with illuminated lighting that changes with various modes in the game and is set to match the Wonder Rails of Light interactive light show.

About the Classic Edition: Classic Edition owners can add the Topper ($1,099) and/or Scrolls ($649) to match the Ringmaster Edition.

Sculpted Slings & Outlanes, Sculpted Shooter Rod and ARTlock™

The Ringmaster Edition includes 6 unique sculpted and hand-painted elements: the left and right slings, the left and right outlanes, the shooter rod, and, for the first time ever, an ARTlock (patent pending) coin door sculpt.

The ArtLock still acts as a normal key for the game, but adds a finishing touch to the interior for those who prefer to maintain easy access to the service buttons.

The sculpted slings uniquely reflect the general illumination light coming from below by routing it through built-in light paths, giving each sculpt a unique and changing look throughout gameplay.

The shooter rod features a simple but elegant ball design for that classic plunger feel.

All sculpts are designed by Melvin Williams and produced by The Art of Pinball.

About the Classic Edition: No sculpts included; standard ball shooter rod.

Updated Menagerie Ball Shot Geometry

A few key enhancements have been made to the Menagerie Ball shot on both the Ringmaster and Classic Editions. In the original game, this was a difficult shot to hit and the rewards were limited. We’ve started by increasing the reward for this shot, adding a new 2x multiplier feature as well as a special “Menagerie Mania” mode. Furthermore, we’ve included a new smaller but heavier ceramic ball that features better durability and more spin action. We have removed the right post leading into the shot area to make the shot more accessible.

The original ball and original post will still be included in the accessory kit for those who prefer the classic setup.

Quickflip Flipper Technology

The Ringmaster and Classic Edition both feature American Pinball’s new QuickFlip Technology integrated into AP's own dedicated board-set (first introduced with Galactic Tank Force). The new system is more responsive by reducing latency and increased performance over long play periods.

Magic Glass Anti-Glare Playfield Glass, Shaker, Physical Knocker

The Ringmaster Edition includes a few standard upgrades that round out the full package, including anti-glare Magic Glass, a shaker motor, and a physical knocker.

About the Classic Edition: Knocker included.

DISPLAY, AUDIO & CODE

Larger Full-Color HD Screen & New 3D AnimationsBoth the Classic and Ringmaster Editions feature a 15% larger full-color HD screen, capable of deep full-color graphics and a faster refresh rate. This has given us the opportunity to rethink the visual graphics of the game. We’ve painstakingly recreated all of the original scenes from the game in full 3D, using characters from the playfield and cabinet art package.

Combined with the original rule set, a few new modes and remastered audio, the new display experience will remind you of the original while bringing this new presentation to life like never before.

About the Classic Edition: The Classic Edition features the same upgraded HD screen and upgraded 3D visuals.

Upgraded Speakers and Remastered Audio

Both the Classic and Ringmaster Edition games feature modern speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier for vastly improved sound over the original. This is combined with a fully enhanced audio package including fully remastered audio and new music and callouts.

New Gameplay Code & Rules

In both the Classic and Ringmaster Editions, you can play the original rules or the new enhanced rules, featuring fully reimagined colored 3D animations with all of the classic scenes, remastered stereo sound, and brilliant RGB lighting!

Our approach to the code updates is to retain the Cirqus Voltaire experience as it was designed, with some fresh twists and new features to delight both Cirqus newcomers and longtime fans. Here is a list of updates to keep an eye out for (many will be available at launch, with a few coming post-launch):

• Cameron Silver 2002 Code Features: Advanced skill shots, new mini-modes, gameplay tweaks, animation aborts, and more.
• C-I-R-Q-U-S Letter Awards for Playfield Multiplier: Earn playfield multiplier value for each “3-in-a-row” C-I-R-Q-U-S playfield letter collected. Start the multiplier at the far-left menagerie target. Build higher playfield multiplier opportunities by collecting more C-I-R-Q-U-S letters.
• High Wire Multiball Reimagined: Increased value in later-stage roving jackpots, plus re-locking balls during multiball (up to 3) for timer-based Super Jackpots and Mega Jackpots!
• Ringmaster Razz Multiball Reimagined: Additional hurry-ups throughout the multiball for increased scoring.
• Menagerie Mania (New Mode): A new timed mode activated by collecting menagerie animals. Once started, it features a new music track and callouts. Jackpots are awarded for continually hitting the menagerie target, with bonuses for rapid successive hits.
• Cannon Fire Reimagined: Enhancements to the current “Cannonball Run” mode that give you a power meter to determine the strength of the solenoid fire, providing more control over a successful lucky switch hit.
• New High Score Entries: Various new high score entries for existing and new modes.
• Cirqus Luck Outlane Ball Saver: A new ball saver that can be earned and activated when the ball exits into either outlane. It triggers a controlled cannon fire in the backbox, with a successful strike on the luck rollover returning your ball.

WiFi Software Updates

The Ringmaster and Classic Editions will both feature Wi-Fi update capabilities - a first for American Pinball.

PinAccess Integration

Both editions feature PinAccess Integration (by Turner Logic) for tracking achievements, app-based game configuration, high score tracking, and more.

PRODUCT FEATURE LIST

Classic Edition$9,989 ($1,000 Deposit)

• Original Artwork (Cabinet, Playfield, etc.)
• Original Polished Nickel Finish
• Full RGB Insert & General Illumination Lighting
• Interactive RGB Neon Bar Lighting
• New Cannon Bell (Polished Silver Finish)
• Premium Speakers, Remastered Audio & Callouts
• Upgraded Menagerie Ball Experience
• Upgraded Full-Color HD Display
• Physical Knocker
• QuickFlip Flipper Technology
• Standard Glass
• Software Updates via Wi-Fi
• Play the Classic Rules or New Rules (Both Featuring Modern 3D Animated Visuals)
• PinAccess Integration
• Topper ($1,099) and Scrolls ($649) Upgrade Available

Ringmaster Edition $12,589 ($2,000 Deposit)

• New Artwork (Cabinet, Playfield, Plastics, Decals, etc.)
• New Backbox Artwork, Decals, and Plastics
• Crystaluxe Hi-Gloss Cabinet Decals
• Holographic Edition Number (Limited to 772 Units) on Custom Magnetic Apron
• Sparkle Illusion Purple Powder Coat (Trim, Armor, Hinges, Apron, Coin Door, All Wireforms)
• Full RGB Insert & General Illumination Lighting
• Interactive RGB Neon Bar Lighting + Matching Interactive RGB Mini-Playfield Lighting
• Wonder Rails of Light Interactive Armor Lighting
• New Cannon Bell (Illusion Purple Powder Coat)
• Interactive Topper and Scrolls
• Interior Art Blades + Art Blade Protectors
• Interactive Speaker Lights
• 6 Hand-Painted Sculpts: 2x Slings, 2x Outlanes, Shooter Rod, ArtLock
• Upgraded Menagerie Ball Experience
• Premium Speakers, Remastered Audio & Callouts
• Upgraded Full-Color HD Display
• Physical Knocker
• Magic Glass Anti-Glare Playfield Glass
• Shaker Motor
• QuickFlip Flipper Technology
• Software Updates via Wi-Fi
• Play the Classic Rules or New Rules (Both Featuring Modern 3D Animated Visuals)
• PinAccess Integration