Erika's Pinball Journey

Erika's Pinball Journey

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Hi I’m Erika! A filmmaker turned pinball enthusiast. February 2022 I took a deep dive into the world of pinball. Bought a Pinball machine and haven’t looked back since. Come follow me as we learn about the world of pinball together!

Hi I’m Erika! A filmmaker turned pinball enthusiast. February 2022 I took a deep dive into the world of pinball. Bought a Pinball machine and haven’t looked back since. Come follow me as we learn about the world of pinball together!

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Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo4d ago

The Dreamiest Pinball Lounge You've Never Heard Of

TL;DR

New pinball lounge in historic Boulder City showcases curated collection with live streaming and boutique focus.

A few weeks ago when I was in Vegas I got to visit a new pinball spot! Step inside Utopia Pinball Lounge in historic downtown Boulder City, Nevada! Sisters Hava Brown (the Fun Fairy) and Bari Jo (the Dream Alchemist) give us a full tour of their 50s Atomic-themed lounge, which opened in February of 2026. We check out the 1941 building (an original Sears Roebuck order home), Bari Jo's in-progress pinball build "Wrath of Cthulhu," a live-streaming video wall powered by SDI cameras, the custom Adi Luna fortune-telling machine, and a lineup where every game has some history behind it, from Comet and Bride of Pinbot and more! Utopia is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Games are on free play and you buy time: - 45 minutes: $15 - 2 hours: $25 (includes fortune machine tokens) Check the calendar before you go: Tournaments are returning this fall. All skill levels and families are welcome! Their socials! Instagram: Facebook: Big thanks to Jake Danzig for the recommendation! Connect with me on Social Media! 🙂 Instagram: Facebook: Twitch: My Camera: Insta360 x6 CHAPTERS

Pinball Minority ReportVideo1w ago

Two Pinball Nerds, One Denver Show, Zero Regrets | Ep. 10

Erika and Manu are back with pinball news, stories, and a recap of the Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown in Denver! This week: Stern's new Fallout pinball (Pro & Premium hands-on impressions), a Pokémon code update, Zen Pinball FX, Jason Zahler's historic three-peat as IFPA World Champion, and Erika's on-the-ground report from Denver. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 🎁 Erika's closing in on 2,000 YouTube subs — giveaway coming soon (shoutout tohttps:// the swag)! Chapters

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo2w ago

I Walked the Floor at Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown 2026

TL;DR

Erika walks the expanded Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown 2026, highlighting diverse game collections and community-focused programming.

Explore the floor of the Rocky Mountain Pinball Show 2026. See the latest machines and classic arcade cabinets in action. I walked the floor at this year's Rocky Mountain Pinball Show to capture the energy of the crowd and the variety of machines on display. So if you are a fan of vintage cabinets or the latest releases, this pinball convention brings together the best of the hobby under one roof. You will see a mix of modern pinball machines alongside classic arcade games, with plenty of merchandise booths and players testing their skills. From the setup of the vendors to the lively atmosphere, this footage provides a look at the current state of retro gaming for those who could not make it in person. Thanks to Dan and Holly for inviting me out to come see this amazing event! Also shout to Marco Specialties and Fast Pinball for letting me join them at their booth at the show. Connect with me on Social Media! 🙂 Instagram: Facebook: Twitch: My Camera: Insta360 x6

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo3w ago

Space Cadet Pinball, District 82 & Designing with Barry Oursler

TL;DR

Pinball podcast explores Space Cadet homebrew project and Stephen Bowen's design philosophy behind Barry O's Barbecue Challenge.

This week on Pinball Minority Report, Manu and Erika are joined by rules designer and industry veteran Steven Bowden (FunWithBonus) for a deep dive into CNC Dan's real-life Space Cadet Pinball build and whether the classic Windows game can actually be translated into a physical machine. Steven pulls back the curtain on his own unreleased Space Cadet-inspired project, shares the story behind designing Barry O's Barbecue Challenge as a tribute to the late Barry Oursler, and breaks down his math-brained, come-from-behind win on Twilight Zone at District 82. We also get into diversity in competitive pinball, women in the scene with Bells and Chimes, and the story behind Steven's t-shirt. CNC Dan: Indie Gamer Chick: Space Cadet Instagram video: Belles & Chimes: Foxcities: 👤 Guest: Steven Bowden (FunWithBonus) 🔗 | @funwithbonus on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok & Twitch Manu — Mystery Pinball Theater 3000 (Twitch/YouTube/Facebook/Instagram) Erika — Erika's Pinball Journey (Instagram/Facebook/YouTube)

Pinball Minority ReportVideo3w ago

Space Cadet Pinball, District 82 & Designing with Barry Oursler | Ep. 9

This week on Pinball Minority Report, Manu and Erika are joined by rules designer and industry veteran Steven Bowden (FunWithBonus) for a deep dive into CNC Dan's real-life Space Cadet Pinball build and whether the classic Windows game can actually be translated into a physical machine. Steven talks about Deeproot Pinball's unreleased Space Cadet-inspired project designed by Barry Oursler, shares the story behind designing Barry O's Barbecue Challenge as a tribute to the late Barry Oursler, and breaks down his math-brained, come-from-behind win on Twilight Zone at District 82. We also get into diversity in competitive pinball, women in the scene with Bells and Chimes, and the story behind Steven's t-shirt. CNC Dan: Indie Gamer Chick: Space Cadet Instagram video: Belles & Chimes: Foxcities: 👤 Guest: Steven Bowden (FunWithBonus) 🔗 | @funwithbonus on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok & Twitch Manu — Mystery Pinball Theater 3000 (Twitch/YouTube/Facebook/Instagram) Erika — Erika's Pinball Journey (Instagram/Facebook/YouTube)

Pinball Minority ReportVideo1mo ago

Is "Affordable" Pinball Actually Worth It? | Ep. 8

Manu and Erika dig into the economics of the pinball hobby: what it actually costs to keep up with new releases, why the market has shifted from arcades to home collectors, and whether pinball would even survive without licensed IPs like Godzilla, Harry Potter, and Jaws (spoiler: 78 of the current Pinside Top 100 are licensed). Then, an honest look at Wonderland Amusements' budget home machine, Alice Goes to Wonderland - what it gets right, who it's actually for, and why comparing it to a $10k Stern misses the point entirely. Loserkid Pinball Market Videos: Pinball Ranker: Detroit Love's Alice Goes to Wonderland review: Pawlowski Pinball: Wonderland Amusements: Austin Pinball Collective: Cayflip: Erika's Pinball Journey: / / MPT3K (Manu): / Podcast links: Shoutout to Rewind Arcade, Rewind Pinball, and Free Gold Watch in San Francisco. #Pinball #PinballMachine #Wonderland Amusements #PinballCommunity

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo1mo ago

California Extreme 2026 Walkthrough | Arcade & Pinball Convention

TL;DR

Erika tours California Extreme 2026 arcade/pinball expo, showcasing hundreds of games, vendors, and tournaments.

Come walk the floor of California Extreme with me! I went through the whole show solo, talking through the arcade cabinets and pinball machines on display, the history behind some of the standout pieces, and the tournaments and events running throughout the convention. This version has a fixed camera angle — I've selected the view for you so you can just sit back and watch without needing to look around. 🔄 Prefer to explore the show yourself? I also filmed this in true 360° — you can click and drag to look wherever you want, just like being there in person. Watch that version here: 📍 Filmed at California Extreme 🕹️ Solo walkthrough + commentary 🏆 Includes tournament and event info Connect with me on Social Media! 🙂 Instagram: Facebook: Twitch: arcade game,cax,california extreme,pinball,pinball machines,arcade,gaming,pinball community,best arcade games,pinball tournament,classic pinball,limited,feature,jersey jack pinball,stern pinball,retro gaming,game design,pinball machine,pinball enthusiasts,pac man,turner pinball,barrels of fun pinball,wizard,video games,arcade jackpot,gaming event,walkthrough

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo1mo ago

California Extreme 2026 Walkthrough in 360° | Arcade & Pinball Convention

TL;DR

California Extreme 2026 walkthrough showcasing arcade, pinball, tournaments, and indie games.

Step inside California Extreme in full 360°! I walked the entire show solo, giving you a real feel for what it's like to be there. Along the way I talk through what I'm seeing, the history behind some of the machines, and mention side events happening throughout the con. This is a true 360° video, so grab your mouse (or your finger on mobile) and look around — drag the video to explore every angle of the show floor as I walk. ⚠️ Watch on the YouTube app or YouTube.com for the full interactive 360° experience. Viewing this elsewhere (embedded players, some third-party apps) may show a distorted or "fisheye" angle since it won't recognize the 360° format. Want a more guided experience where I pick the best angle for you at all times? Check out the standard edited version here: 📍 Filmed at California Extreme 🕹️ Solo walkthrough + commentary 🏆 Includes tournament and event coverage Connect with me on Social Media! 🙂 Instagram: Facebook: Twitch: Also I'd love your input on these 360 walkthroughs! Solo vs. co-host — Do you prefer it just being me, or would you rather I bring a friend along so there's more conversation/banter? Narration vs. no talking — Should I keep talking through what I'm seeing, or would you rather I stay quiet and just let the sights (and maybe some background music) do the talking? Background music vs. live ambiance — If I do go quiet, would you rather hear the actual sounds of the convention (crowds, machines, chatter) or music laid over the top? Drop a comment and let me know what you'd enjoy most:)

Pinball Minority ReportVideo1mo ago

Multimorphic's Double Reveal + Bon Jovi Drops | Ep. 7

The conversation covers various aspects of the pinball industry, including pinball news, community engagement, and the impact of pinball shows on game launches. It delves into the excitement and anticipation surrounding new pinball releases and the influence of community events on the industry. It explores the emotional connection to music pins and the impact of music on pinball gameplay. Additionally, it highlights the engaging and fun experiences Erika had at Comic-Con, including interactions with fellow pinball enthusiasts and the excitement of playing new pinball games. Takeaways * Pinball News * Pinball Community * Pinball Shows Passion for Music Pins * Comic-Con Experience Manu's Twitch - Bon Jovi Video - Kongs R Us - Winick Anthony - - Blonde - Chapters

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo1mo ago

Multimorphic's Double Reveal + Bon Jovi Drops | Ep. 7

TL;DR

Multimorphic's dual P3 reveal and Bon Jovi divisive announcement spark conversation on licensing, community sentiment, and music pinball fatigue.

The conversation covers various aspects of the pinball industry, including pinball news, community engagement, and the impact of pinball shows on game launches. It delves into the excitement and anticipation surrounding new pinball releases and the influence of community events on the industry. It explores the emotional connection to music pins and the impact of music on pinball gameplay. Additionally, it highlights the engaging and fun experiences Erika had at Comic-Con, including interactions with fellow pinball enthusiasts and the excitement of playing new pinball games. Takeaways * Pinball News * Pinball Community * Pinball Shows Passion for Music Pins * Comic-Con Experience Manu's Twitch - Bon Jovi Video - Kongs R Us - Winick Anthony - - Blonde - Chapters

Pinball Minority ReportVideo1mo ago

Pinball Minority Report - Multimorphic's Double Reveal + Bon Jovi Drops

The conversation covers various aspects of the pinball industry, including pinball news, community engagement, and the impact of pinball shows on game launches. It delves into the excitement and anticipation surrounding new pinball releases and the influence of community events on the industry. It explores the emotional connection to music pins and the impact of music on pinball gameplay. Additionally, it highlights the engaging and fun experiences Erika had at Comic-Con, including interactions with fellow pinball enthusiasts and the excitement of playing new pinball games. Takeaways * Pinball News * Pinball Community * Pinball Shows Passion for Music Pins * Comic-Con Experience Manu's Twitch - Dirtypool Bon Jovi Video - Kongs R Us - Erin Winick Anthony - Cooltoy - Insatiable Blonde - Chapters

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo2mo ago

Arcade Monsters Tour | The most INSANE arcade I've ever seen

TL;DR

Tour of San Diego's Arcade Monsters venue showcasing extensive pinball LE inventory and arcade game collections.

I have two videos on this. This one is a steady vision of the arcade. Apologize as it seems my lens has a smudge, so some parts look a bit blurry. Along with some distorted angles due to the 360 camera stitching the images together. While I was in San Diego for Comic-Con I had to check out this arcade. Come with me to experience the energy of Arcade Monsters in San Diego's arcade games setup. Get an up-close look at their neon arcade aesthetic and retro gaming culture. This video is a full walkthrough that showcases the vibrant arcade filled with classic gaming machines and glowing neon lighting. If you enjoy the retro arcade vibe or are looking to see how these spaces create a social environment, this footage captures the lively atmosphere of people playing and connecting. Connect with me on Social Media! 🙂 Instagram: Facebook: Twitch:

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo2mo ago

Arcade Monsters 360° Tour | The most INSANE arcade I've ever seen

TL;DR

Erika tours San Diego's Arcade Monsters arcade, impressed by its pinball collection and sprawling multi-level layout.

While I was in San Diego for Comic-Con I had to check out this arcade. Come with me to experience the energy of Arcade Monsters in San Diego's arcade games setup. Get an up-close look at their neon arcade aesthetic and retro gaming culture. This video is a full walkthrough that showcases the vibrant arcade filled with classic gaming machines and glowing neon lighting. If you enjoy the retro arcade vibe or are looking to see how these spaces create a social environment, this footage captures the lively atmosphere of people playing and connecting. Connect with me on Social Media! 🙂 Instagram: Facebook: Twitch:

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo2mo ago

I'm already buying one | Dungeon Crawler Carl vs Ender's Game reaction

TL;DR

Erika celebrates new Multimorphic P3 releases and commits to buying Ender's Game.

I watched the trailers for the upcoming releases from Multimorphic: Dungeon Crawler Carl and Ender's Game. I go through both trailers, break down what stood out to me, and share my honest first impressions. Spoiler: I'm hyped, and I've already decided I'm picking up one of these modules. 👀 If you're a P3 fan (or thinking about becoming one), I really hope this video gets you as excited as I am. These releases look like they could be huge for the platform. Dealer I am buying from: Let me know in the comments which one YOU'RE more excited for, Dungeon Crawler Carl or Ender's Game? And if you've already got a preorder in, drop it below! 👍 Like if you're hyped 💬 Comment your predictions

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo2mo ago

Pinball Minority Report - Imoto on Arcades, 40,000 Pinball Parts, & Building an Inclusive Community

TL;DR

Emoto Arcade on arcades, 40k pinball parts, community inclusion, and building Marco's ecosystem.

The Pinball Minority Report podcast features a conversation with Imoto Arcade, co-owner of Captain Crazy's Paradise in Foley, Alabama, and the creator of the Imoto Pinball Challenge. The discussion covers Imoto's pinball origin story, her journey into the pinball industry, and the significance of pinball in her life. The conversation also delves into the challenges and excitement of pinball, as well as the importance of supporting local arcades and the pinball community. The conversation covers a range of topics including pinball machines, Oscar-nominated movies, pinball trivia, and the challenges of maintaining pinball machines. It also delves into the importance of inclusive spaces in pinball and the experiences of women in the pinball community. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to pinball, including pinball games, the pinball community, pinball shows, and the homebrew pinball experience. Imoto shares insights on the pinball community and the process of creating and showcasing homebrew pinball games at pinball shows. The conversation also delves into the challenges and excitement of being part of the pinball community. Takeaways * Pinball is a significant part of Imoto's life and has played a crucial role in her personal and professional journey. * The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local arcades and the pinball community, as well as the challenges and excitement of being part of the pinball industry. Pinball enthusiasts are passionate about collecting and maintaining specific pinball machines and parts. * Creating inclusive spaces in pinball is essential for welcoming diverse communities and ensuring a positive experience for all players. * Homebrew pinball games are a significant part of the pinball community, and showcasing them at pinball shows provides valuable feedback and support for creators.

Pinball Minority ReportVideo2mo ago

Imoto on Arcades, 40,000 Pinball Parts & Building an Inclusive Community | Ep. 6

The Pinball Minority Report podcast features a conversation with Imoto Arcade, co-owner of Captain Crazy's Paradise in Foley, Alabama, and the creator of the Imoto Pinball Challenge. The discussion covers Imoto's pinball origin story, her journey into the pinball industry, and the significance of pinball in her life. The conversation also delves into the challenges and excitement of pinball, as well as the importance of supporting local arcades and the pinball community. The conversation covers a range of topics including pinball machines, Oscar-nominated movies, pinball trivia, and the challenges of maintaining pinball machines. It also delves into the importance of inclusive spaces in pinball and the experiences of women in the pinball community. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to pinball, including pinball games, the pinball community, pinball shows, and the homebrew pinball experience. Imoto shares insights on the pinball community and the process of creating and showcasing homebrew pinball games at pinball shows. The conversation also delves into the challenges and excitement of being part of the pinball community. Takeaways * Pinball is a significant part of Imoto's life and has played a crucial role in her personal and professional journey. * The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local arcades and the pinball community, as well as the challenges and excitement of being part of the pinball industry. Pinball enthusiasts are passionate about collecting and maintaining specific pinball machines and parts. * Creating inclusive spaces in pinball is essential for welcoming diverse communities and ensuring a positive experience for all players. * Homebrew pinball games are a significant part of the pinball community, and showcasing them at pinball shows provides valuable feedback and support for creators.

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo2mo ago

This Pinball Machine Was Built for the First Time America Hosted the World Cup

TL;DR

World Cup Soccer (1994) captured America's emerging soccer culture through innovative design.

In 1994, the United States hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever. Bally partners with FIFA and built a pinball machine to capture the excitement. In this video, I break down World Cup Soccer '94, including the designers behind it, what makes the playfield and why this machine still matters to collectors and pinball fans today. [ Connect with me on Social Media! 🙂 Instagram: Facebook: TikTok: Twitch:

Pinball Minority ReportVideo2mo ago

New Games + Dungeon Crawler Carl (Who's Making It?) | Ep. 5

The conversation covers the latest pinball news, including the release of Sonic by Jersey Jack Pinball and the impact of different pinball companies' strategies on the market. It also delves into the influence of licensing, limited runs, and the outreach of pinball companies to YouTubers for promotion. The conversation covers pinball marketing strategies, the considerations for owning a pinball machine, and new pinball machine releases and modules. Pinball companies are leveraging content creators for promotion, and owning a pinball machine requires careful consideration of space, budget, and technical support. Additionally, new pinball machine releases and modules are discussed, highlighting the excitement around potential new games and experiences. Takeaways * Pinball news and releases * Different pinball companies and their strategies Pinball companies are reaching out to content creators to review and promote their pinball machines. * Owning a pinball machine requires consideration of space, budget, and access to technical support. - Norcal Pinball Dealer - TOTAN Footage - Short Circuit - LGR - Pedretti - Carni-ball Chapters

Erika's Pinball JourneyVideo2mo ago

Jersey Jack Sonic Pinball - Is It Amazing?

TL;DR

Erika reviews Jersey Jack's new Sonic pinball machine as beautiful, well-designed, and perfectly themed.

In this video, I dig into my history with Sonic the Hedgehog, react to the official trailer, and share my honest first impressions of Jersey Jack Pinball's new Sonic the Hedgehog.I talk about the playfield art, the theming, and the little details that make it feel unmistakably Sonic. This isn't a rules breakdown or a strategy guide — it's a reaction video for anyone who loves Sonic, loves pinball, or just wants to see something genuinely cool. If you're a collector or arcade fan wondering whether this machine lives up to the hype, this should help. *Note I realized after uploading that this link no long is available... I'm so sorry!!!:( Connect with me on Social Media! 🙂 Instagram: Facebook: Twitch: Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀

Pinball Minority ReportVideo3mo ago

Festivals, Operators & Transformers | Ep. 4

Erika and Manu discuss their experiences at the Golden State Pinball Festival and Fanime, highlighting the community involvement, pinball tournaments, and cosplay culture. They also share insights from the impact of pinball on the anime community. The conversation also covers the distinction between operators and home buyers, the challenges of pinball design and serviceability, and the discussion of Stern's newest Transformers pinball game. Takeaways • Community involvement in pinball events is essential for creating a fun and engaging experience. • Pinball has the potential to bridge gaps and introduce new audiences to the game through events • Distinction between operators and home buyers • Challenges of pinball design and serviceability • Discussion of Stern's Transformers pinball game Chapters • 00:00 Intro • 03:24 Community Engagement at Golden State Pinball Festival • 08:39 Challenges and Triumphs of Bringing a Pinball Machine to an Event • 19:43 Experiencing Fanime: A New Perspective • 26:56 Fanime Experience and Community Engagement • 32:09 Operator vs. Home Buyer Perspectives • 48:49 Transformers Pinball: Anticipation and Insights • 54:37 Outro