Episode 20: "Is Pinball Dying? Foo Fighters Vault, Stern’s Next Cornerstone & Pinball Hype!"
In this action-packed episode of The FlipSide Podcast, we’re diving into some of the hottest topics in pinball! Stern has announced that Foo Fighters is heading to the vault, but why so soon? We’ll break down the possible reasons behind this unexpected move. Plus, there’s controversy brewing in the Stern Pinball Cup—are players really cheating to win? On top of that, we’re speculating on Stern’s next cornerstone release, and I may have scored an exclusive invite to Chicago to get an early look at what’s coming. And let’s address the question on everyone’s mind: Is pinball dying? Nudge Magazine says absolutely not, and with the 2024 Pinball Hype Trailer on the horizon, I couldn’t agree more. Tune in for all this and more, as we tackle the biggest stories and trends in pinball. Don’t miss out—hit play now and join the conversation! Looking to Buy a New or Used Pinball Machine? Instagram: Website: Learn more about the TWIPYs Here: LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL AND I MIGHT PLAY IT ON THE SHOW! Want to listen to the podcast instead? Here’s links to Spotify and Apple Podcasts! [RETRO RALPH MERCHANDISE AND CONTACT INFO] If you would like me to do a video review of your product or for other business inquiries, send me an email: retroralph1980@gmail.com
Kineticist’s take
Stern vault surprises, Cup competition integrity concerns, and tariff-driven price hike speculation.
Synopsis
Retro Ralph discusses upcoming Stern announcements at CES, the Stern Vault program removing seven games from production for two years (including surprise inclusion of Foo Fighters), concerns about cheating in the Stern Pinball Cup competition, machine maintenance tips, and speculation on potential 2025 price increases due to tariffs on imported components. He counters 'pinball is dying' narratives with observations of thriving local venue communities.
Highlights
- Next Stern Cornerstone game will be announced/revealed at CES in early January, likely Dungeons & Dragons rather than King Kong
- Seven titles removed from Stern Vault program will not be in production for at least two years: Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Star Wars, Star Wars Comic Art Edition, Avengers Infinity Quest, Elvira's House of Horrors, and Foo Fighters
- Foo Fighters sale trajectory dropped after strong initial launch despite being well-received game by Jack Danger
- Some Stern Pinball Cup participants are cheating by having family members play on their machines to accumulate points
- Tournament-grade machine pitch settings (7.0-7.5+) are significantly steeper than Stern's recommended standard 6.5 degrees
- Pinball machine prices may increase in 2025 due to tariffs on imported components from China
- Secondary market for recent pinball machines shows prices declining; most machines cannot be resold at purchase price unlike earlier hobby era
- Metallica Remastered Limited Edition had production run of only 500 units and is highly desirable on secondary market
Entities
- Flippin' Out Pinball· company
- Stern Pinball· company
- CES· event
- Stern Pinball Cup· event
- Avengers Infinity Quest· game
- Deadpool· game
- Foo Fighters· game
- Godzilla· game
- Iron Maiden· game
- John Wick· game
- Metallica Remastered· game
- Nudge Magazine· organization
- Ian· person
- Jack Danger· person
- Kale· person
- Kaneda· person
- Keith Elwin· person
- KongsRUs· person
- Retro Ralph· person
- Rudy· person
- Stern Insider Connected· product
- Stern Vault Program· product
- Electric Bat· venue