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After much hype and speculation, it's finally Harry Potter pinball release day. We're gathering all the details and providing all the meta context behind this landmark release for Jersey Jack Pinball. As always, we'll update as we learn more but this should serve as a comprehensive overview of the release.
Colin is the chief pixel pusher at Kineticist. He's a lifetime gamer who became enamored with pinball after taking in a family copy of the 1979 classic Joker Poker (the EM version). Since then he's bought, sold and repaired many machines, competed in all kinds of tournaments, and contributes to This Week in Pinball, the New England Pinball League, and Pin-Masters of New England. Previously, Colin spent over a decade working in marketing for agencies and tech startups. He also started and ran a music blog, happy hour website, and wrote a regular craft beer review column for Central Track in Dallas. Once aspired to be an artsy film director.
Harry Potter has consistently been in the top 10 in our Hype Index since we started tracking in 2022. The lowest position I have it at is #7 and the highest it's been is #3, which is where it was when it was finally confirmed earlier this year. Kineticist users rated the theme an 87/100 for Hype Level, with over 300 ratings received.
The Harry Potter IP is one that's been consistently noted as a dream theme of pinball enthusiasts. Until a few years ago, it was mostly discussed as a theme that would never see the light of day due to creator J.K. Rowling's rumored distaste for pinball machines, but money finds a way.
The rumor train for this particular release picked up steam in early 2023 when Jersey Jack founder Jack Guarnieri posted a photo on Facebook of himself standing outside a wall of Warner Bros IP, including assets from prior JJP releases, Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka, and prominently, Harry Potter.
In this post, he'd also tell an enthusiast to, "hold onto [your] money for a few more days", which he'd go on to echo at Texas Pinball Festival this year.
Months later, industry veteran and licenscing rival Joe Kaminkow confirmed (also on Facebook) that JJP had in fact acquired the rights to the franchise for the production of a new pinball machine.
Since then, it’s been on-again-off-again speculation and rumors about the title, the production team, and when we’d see the game.
The fires of discourse went into overdrive at Texas Pinball Festival this year, when Jack Guarnieri confirmed in a panel discussion for Avatar that Harry Potter would be their next title, due sometime in the spring of 2025.
Distributors would start taking pre-orders shortly after with a TBD release date.
For many pinball enthusiasts, the notable storylines start and end with the Hype & Rumors section, but with this release, there's a lot more to unpack.
For starters, Harry Potter is enormous IP for pinball that has the potential to bring a lot of new and younger players into the hobby in a way that few other themes could. It's Star Wars for people who grew up alongside the books and movies and is a rare example of a modern, multi-generational franchise. With Jersey Jack revisiting an entry level trim (Arcade Edition) geared towards operators, there's potential for that effect to be compounded in a way that we haven't really seen before with Jersey Jack machines.
However, that effect could be diminished due to the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling among members of the trans and LGBTQ community, as well as their allies. The outspoken franchise creator is known to frequently use her vast platform and wealth to advocate for and directly fund positions and groups that many see as exclusionary, transphobic, hateful, and at odds with the stated values of their pinball communities.
As a friend in the community put it recently, "This is the first game I can remember being released with a truly controversial IP", and I'd have to agree. The hobby has seen a number of controversies over the years (pinball designer John Trudeau's child pornography conviction is frequently cited here), but they aren't often baked into the licensed IP.
In our own conversations, (and as documented in our recent TWIP poll) I've been surprised to see the volume and consistency of comments from players, collectors, location operators, and more, who refuse to support the game in any capacity.
Given that the JKR controversies have been common knowledge for some time, it's also head scratching that JJP would move forward with a release during Pride month without acknowledgement of the discourse.
I'm not sure you can call it a drop per se, but the rollout of the teaser trailer last week certainly seemed sloppy. The way a lot of us were first exposed to the trailer was through photos, then a video, of the teaser trailer playing on the screen of an older JJP release. I tend to think this wasn't an intentional move, as more official communications wouldn't release till about an hour later, but seeing what's come out since, maybe it was intentional? Pinball marketing can be weird, but it's an uncharacteristic approach for recent JJP releases, regardless.
Still, the drip approach, as frustrating as it is to cover, has caused a lot of people to post a lot of internet comments, and if that's the measure of success of a marketing campaign than it's probably working.
We'll see if it shows up in sales. It's very possible this IP is big enough to market itself within the pinball ecosystem.
I dusted off some market metrics for Jersey Jack games for our paid newsletter subscribers (Wizard of Oz through Avatar), and it doesn't paint a picture of success for the company. Units in Market have been down since the highs recorded for their 2020 release of Guns n' Roses, with each subsequent release underperforming the one prior.
Given the noted expense of the pursuit of this license ("millions", according to Jack Guarnieri), how this game has been teased and communicated to the market so far, and with additional context provided by our data, it would be easy to see the importance of this release for Jersey Jack.
I would imagine it would have to be a disappointment for JJP to not match or exceed its Units in Market count for Guns n' Roses with this game.
Official Jersey Jack distributors have been collecting interest lists for all trims of Harry Potter since early April. Some have also been taking deposits. Harry Potter pinball will come in three trims:
The Collector's Edition ("Built-to-Order" not limited to 1,000 units as previously stated here) includes all of Jersey Jack's typical extra features, like an interactive topper, powder coating, rear and under cabinet interactive lighting, invisiglass, shaker motor, art blades and RadCals. The CE also has a distinctive art package that's styled after the art of the Harry Potter universe (some have likened it to the book art) rather than content from the film adaptations.
The Wizard Edition (no unit cap) is similar to prior Jersey Jack Limited and Platinum Edition games with powder coating, invisiglass, shaker motor, art blades, RadCals and an included acrylic topper. This trim features artwork that more closely aligns with the universe of the Harry Potter films, with those characters promintily displayed throughout.
The Arcade Edition (no unit cap) features the same artwork, playfield, and gameplaye experience as both the Collectors and Wizard Editions, without the extra features like topper, invisiglass, shaker motor, etc. This is meant to be targeted more towards operators than home collectors.
Harry Potter features a wide selection of "term" missions, 4 multiball modes, and side modes represented by the Diagon Alley shops.
Harry Potter Pinball | Official Gameplay Video
Harry Potter Pinball Deep Dive | Exclusive Look at Jersey Jack's Spellbinding Creation
CHICAGO, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Jack Pinball in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), is proud to unveil its most eagerly awaited release to date: Harry Potter™ Pinball — a rare and mystical collector's item that brings the beloved world of Harry Potter to life like never before.
Crafted with extraordinary detail and care, this isn't just a pinball machine — it's an enchanted artifact designed for collectors, fans, and pinball wizards alike. This limited-edition release celebrates the magic and adventure of the beloved film series, inviting players to journey through Hogwarts™, battle dark forces, and relive the entire saga — from the arrival of the first letter to the final duel.
Developed by renowned designer Eric Meunier, featuring sound design by industry legend David Thiel and voice work by award-winning actor Marc Silk, Harry Potter™ Pinball spans all eight Harry Potter films in one breathtaking and immersive gameplay experience.
"Every once in a great while, a game comes along that feels truly special," said Jack Guarnieri, founder of Jersey Jack Pinball. "The Harry Potter franchise has lived in the hearts of fans for over two decades. Bringing it to life through pinball has been a dream long in the making — and a landmark moment for the industry."
Eric Meunier added, "This has been the most personal and passionate project of my career. As a lifelong fan, I wanted to build something worthy of the wizarding world. From gameplay to audio, every detail is designed to transport players into the story. It's the most ambitious game I've ever made."
Players will celebrate the world with spellbinding light, sound, and motion — from the moving staircases and Diagon Alley™ to the Sorting Hat and Explore Hogwarts Multiball. Every element is infused with the soul of the world of Harry Potter — packed with hidden secrets, handcrafted mechanisms, and mystical surprises.
Harry Potter™ Pinball is available in three editions, each delivering the same spellbinding gameplay and engineered to the highest standards:
Collector's Edition – $15,000|
An ultra-limited, made-to-order version featuring an exclusive art package by MinaLima, the graphic design team behind the Harry Potter films. This edition includes:
Wizard's Edition – $12,000
Featuring The Battle of Hogwarts™ RadCal™ Art Package and Auror's Spectrum Color-Shifting Armor, this edition includes:
Arcade Edition – $9,999
Designed for operators and enthusiasts, featuring:
All editions include identical gameplay across a rich landscape of mechanical and visual innovation. Key features include:
Harry Potter™ Pinball is proudly built in the USA. Collector's and Wizard's Editions include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for future updates, scoring features, and online integration. The game also includes officially licensed film clips and music, including John Williams' iconic "Hedwig's Theme."
About The Harry Potter Franchise
From the moment eleven-year-old Harry Potter met Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his adventures have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Today, over 25 years later, the Harry Potter phenomenon thrives as one of the most successful and best-loved entertainment properties in history. J.K. Rowling's best-selling Harry Potter novels have been brought to life in an ever-evolving, interconnected universe which is loved by millions of fans worldwide. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films and three epic Fantastic Beasts films bring the spellbinding action to life on screen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child mesmerizes on stage, and state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games allow players to experience the wizarding world like never before. Fans can proudly showcase their passion through innovative consumer products, and thrill at spectacular location-based experiences - including five theme park lands at Universal Studios locations around the world. This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts offerings includes ground-breaking touring experiences and events, each developed to celebrate special moments and locations that fans cherish, as well as the Platform 9 3⁄4 retail shops and iconic flagship store - Harry Potter New York. Wizards, Witches and Muggles alike can also discover something new as they explore behind-the-scenes secrets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter. With a new HBO Original TV series based on the Harry Potter books on the way, this extended world continues to provide the community with fresh and exciting ways to interact. For its global fans, and for generations to come, it invites everyone in to find the magic for themselves. For the latest Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts news and features, visit www.harrypotter.com.
About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of Warner Bros. Discovery's Revenue & Strategy division, extends the company's powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBDGCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on award-winning toy, fashion, home décor and publishing programs inspired by the biggest franchises from Warner Bros.' film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Eurosport, Adult Swim, and more. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, and promotional partnerships, WBDGCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
About Jersey Jack Pinball
Since its founding in 2011, Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) has redefined what a modern pinball machine can be. JJP has established itself as the premier innovator in the industry, offering the desirable games in the modern pinball era. Headquartered in the heart of the industry in Chicago, Illinois, and proudly designed and manufactured in the USA, JJP combines old-school craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology to create machines that are as visually stunning as they are thrilling to play.
Led by an award-winning team of veteran designers, engineers, and artists, Jersey Jack Pinball is known for producing highly collectible, feature-rich machines that captivate players of all skill levels. Easy to play, difficult to master, JJP games blend immersive storytelling, dynamic gameplay, and striking visual presentation—honoring the heritage of classic pinball while pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a playfield.
Innovation That Sets the Standard
JJP has pioneered numerous industry-first features that have become benchmarks for the next generation of pinball. The company was the first to introduce LCD screens as a standard in the backbox, RGB LED lighting for an ultra-vivid experience, integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, gameplay-enhancing camera integration, and intricate interactive playfield toys that bring themes to life in ways never seen before.
Every JJP release is a celebration of its theme, crafted with attention to detail that resonates with fans and collectors alike. Its critically acclaimed lineup includes The Wizard of Oz, The Hobbit, Dialed In!, Pirates of the Caribbean, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Guns N' Roses: Not In This Lifetime, Toy Story 4, The Godfather 50th Anniversary, Elton John, Avatar: The Battle for Pandora, and now, Harry Potter.
A Legacy in the Making
With a growing global community of collectors, operators, and pinball enthusiasts, Jersey Jack Pinball continues to expand its impact across both commercial and home entertainment spaces. Whether lighting up a bustling arcade, enhancing a luxury game room, or anchoring a pop culture collection, JJP machines deliver a uniquely premium experience that turns players into fans, and fans into lifelong collectors.
The game is now available at jerseyjackpinball.com and through authorized distributors.
This is more than a pinball machine — it's an invitation to step into a world of wonder, and to never stop believing in magic.
Contact:
Sales and Marketing at Jersey Jack Pinball
sales@jerseyjackpinball.com
630-830-5225
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