3 Reasons Why Pokémon is HUGE for Pinball!

Pokémon's massive IP value positions it as a gateway that could unlock Nintendo licenses and drive industry growth.

Cary Hardy argues that Pokémon by Stern Pinball is transformative for the industry due to the franchise's $280B+ IP value. He identifies three major benefits: (1) attracting new demographics to pinball as a gateway product, (2) opening doors for difficult-to-obtain Nintendo licenses like Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong Country, and (3) driving operator revenue and engaging younger generations through analog/mechanical gameplay. Hardy positions Pokémon as overwhelmingly positive for the industry despite minor design criticisms.