061: Is Pinball Expensive?

Punk Rock Pinball explores pinball affordability vs other hobbies and announces Transformers launch events.

Stephanie and Mike from Punk Rock Pinball Podcast discuss whether pinball machines are expensive by comparing them to other entertainment and consumer goods. They argue that while new pinball machines cost $7,000+, they retain value far better than phones, laptops, or gaming PCs, and the hobby of playing pinball is quite affordable. They also cover upcoming Transformers launch tournaments at HQ, visit Super Jumbo Records and Arcade in Aurora, Illinois, and discuss Pokémon Home Edition at Costco.

Highlights

• A new Stern Pro pinball machine costs around $7,000
• Pinball machines retain value better than technology like phones or laptops; a used Pro can still be worth around $6,000 after a couple years of play
• A 20-year-old Pirates of the Caribbean Pro machine is still worth approximately $5,000
• HQ membership costs $30 per month for playing pinball multiple times weekly
• Pokémon Home Edition at Costco costs $5,000 and has largely the same layout as the Pro version
• Super Jumbo Records and Arcade in Aurora, Illinois has 20-something pinball machines and a free-play arcade
• They bought JAWS (Pro) for $7,000, played 4,000 games on it, then traded it straight-up for Black Knight: Sword of Rage Pro with 38 plays