Episode 27: Barrels of Speculation - So Many New Pinball Machines in 2025!
Then, we shift gears to talk about the ever-evolving world of home pinball—does Wonderland’s new machine make sense at $799? Can it actually deliver a real pinball experience at that price point, or will it follow the same path as Arcade1Up? Speaking of innovation, we also touch on Multimorphic’s P3 platform—a console-like approach to pinball that lets you swap out playfields for a completely new game. On the hardware side, we break down the latest in pinball glass—PinnGlass, JJP Invisiglass, Stern HD Glass, and Voodoo Glass. Plus, we’ve got some inside scoop on Stern’s Venom topper—it’s coming VERY soon and might introduce something completely new for a Stern topper. Will it release before TFP? We think so—probably next week! And of course, we couldn’t wrap up without talking about Dungeons & Dragons Pinball! So far, it’s been an absolute blast with an awesome battle mechanic, but… let’s talk about those reboots and crashes. The good news? George Gomez himself confirmed a fix is coming in next week’s code update. Looking to Buy a New or Used Pinball Machine? LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL and I might play it on the show! Looking for more Pinball Content? Check out my pinball podcast “The Flipside Podcast” Video Version of the Podcast can be found here: 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
Retro Ralph speculates on 2025 pinball announcements, criticizes affordable pinball startups, and hints at confirmed Venom accessory.
Synopsis
Retro Ralph discusses speculation around upcoming pinball releases in 2025, focusing on Barrels of Fun's rumored next titles (Dune, G.I. Joe, or Goonies), Multimorphic's Portal platform game, and alleged confirmation of a Venom topper accessory. He also critiques Wonderland Amusements' three-quarter scale pinball Kickstarter for low backer numbers and poor mechanics compared to established alternatives.
Highlights
- Wonderland Amusements' Kickstarter had only 549 backers despite claims of being 'wildly successful'
- Barrels of Fun's next game is most likely Goonies (with Dune and G.I. Joe as alternates)
- Multimorphic's Portal is 'basically all but confirmed' and will be shown at Texas Pinball Festival
- A Venom topper accessory announcement/teaser is expected the week of January 17th
- There are approximately 7-8 US-based pinball manufacturers
- Pawlowski Pinball offered to help Wonderland Amusements but was declined
- Arcade1UP sold up to 4 million units total (to retail, not necessarily through to consumer)
- Godzilla's multiball drop lock moment is a memorable, repeatable feature that 'never gets old'
Entities
- Arcade1UP· company
- Barrels of Fun· company
- Deep Root Pinball· company
- Flip N Out Pinball· company
- Flip N Out Pinball· company
- HomePin· company
- Multimorphic· company
- VP Cabs· company
- Wonderland Amusements· company
- Texas Pinball Festival· event
- Twippies· event
- Dungeons and Dragons· game
- Godzilla· game
- Labyrinth· game
- Portal· game
- Rocketman· game
- Jerry· person
- Kim· person
- Pawlowski Pinball· person
- Retro Ralph· person