Episode 39: Is there a lack on Innovation in modern pinball?
In Episode 39 of The FlipSide Pinball Podcast, we dive deep into the hot topic of pinball innovation. Is modern pinball starting to feel stagnant? Could today’s machines take better advantage of new technology to make the experience even more exciting? We’ll break down what innovation could mean not just for location owners looking to attract players, but also for the home buyer who might feel a little intimidated getting into the hobby. Plus, we ask the tough question: why does there seem to be resistance to innovation in pinball, are we, the community, part of the problem? Let’s talk about the future of pinball technology, innovation, and the evolution of the hobby and see where the conversation takes us. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ 🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside” 👉 • Spotify: • Apple Podcasts: 👉
Kineticist’s take
Ralph questions whether pinball manufacturers are avoiding innovation due to market risk and community conservatism.
Synopsis
Retro Ralph examines whether modern pinball manufacturers are innovating sufficiently, arguing that companies like Stern and Jersey Jack may be risk-averse due to market pressures and community conservatism. He discusses specific innovations (Insider Connected, lighting systems, animatronics, modular platforms like P3) and contrasts them with traditionally-styled games, questioning whether fear of community backlash: exemplified by Turner's redesigned Ninja Eclipse cabinet: is stifling mechanical and software advancement. Ralph calls for bolder experimentation with augmented reality, modular serviceability, and deeper integration of LCD/lighting/sound mechanics.
Highlights
- Turner originally designed Ninja Eclipse with a lighter, condensed cabinet and innovative features like integrated lighting in the cover, but community feedback was so strong he redesigned it into a standard-size cabinet with a coin door, removing some innovations.
- Jurassic Park home run at Costco performed very well commercially, and Stern designed it with the ability to add balls without removing the glass.
- Insider Connected has been available since 2021 and has evolved to include achievements, trinkets (e.g., in Dungeons & Dragons), and character progression (e.g., in Venom).
- P3 Multimorphic machines with their dynamic LCD system appear to have limited mainstream adoption and are rarely seen on location.
- Jersey Jack Pinball light rail systems are more sophisticated than Stern's, though Stern has recently begun to follow suit but not on every game.
- Flipper return springs break frequently and pinball hasn't innovated a replacement mechanism in decades, creating unnecessary maintenance burden.
- Turner implemented 'finesse flippers' in Merlin's Arcade to allow more precise control of game elements, but this feature 'got totally shot down' by the community.
- Barrels of Fun's sandworm mechanism in Dune has had some technical issues but represents genuine mechanical innovation.
Entities
- American Pinball· company
- Barrels of Fun· company
- Buffalo Pinball· company
- Flip N Out Pinball· company
- Jersey Jack Pinball· company
- Merlin's Arcade· company
- Multimorphic· company
- Spooky Pinball· company
- Stern Pinball· company
- Pinball Expo· event
- The Flipside Pinball Podcast· event
- Brian Eddy· person
- Jamie Burchell· person
- Jerry· person
- Retro Ralph· person
- Todd Tuckney· person
- Turner· person
- Zach Sharpe· person
- Insider Connected· product
- P3 (Multimorphic)· product