Episode 51: Pinball at the Beach FOMO 🌊 Pokémon Is Almost Here?! + Major Pinball Buzz
In this episode, I’m joined by my buddy Jamie from The JBS Show as we break down the much-talked-about Pokémon pinball trailer, why it told us nothing, who the game might actually be for, and what it could mean for the future of pinball. We also dive into our serious FOMO from Pinball at the Beach, watching everyone else have an absolute blast, and we spend some time dreaming about what it would be like to work in the pinball industry. Throw in plenty of laughs, honest takes, and classic pinball banter, and you’ve got another fun episode you won’t want to miss. 🕹️ 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
Podcast discusses Pokémon Pinball hype, Beetlejuice praise from Pinball at the Beach, and upcoming Stern Media Day and TPF.
Synopsis
In this casual podcast episode, hosts Retro Ralph and guest Jamie Burchell discuss FOMO around Pinball at the Beach event, report live from the venue via phone call with Rob (Electric Playground), analyze the Pokémon Pinball teaser trailer and upcoming Stern Media Day, and preview TPF (Tampa Pinball Expo) as the next major event. Key takeaways: Beetlejuice is receiving strong positive reception at the beach event; the Pokémon teaser revealed all three licensing parties but minimal gameplay details; Pokémon is highly anticipated but allocation is tight; both hosts plan to attend TPF in March.
Highlights
- Beetlejuice has the best shooter in Stern's history according to Rob at Pinball at the Beach
- Pokémon Pinball teaser trailer was confirmed to have all three licensing parties secured (Nintendo, Game Freak, and one other)
- Pokémon Pinball allocation is tight: distributors report they are not getting as many units as wanted and all spoken for
- Beetlejuice at Pinball at the Beach has 10-15 units available on the floor
- There are rumors of a limited card feature in Pokémon Pinball
- Jack Danger and George Gomez collaborated on Pokémon Pinball design, but exact contribution percentages are unclear
- Barrels of Fun sent a shaker to a listener (Travis) without wiring or motor connections
- Pinball at the Beach is scheduled during Super Bowl weekend, creating scheduling conflicts for some attendees
Entities
- Barrels of Fun· company
- Stern Pinball· company
- Pinball at the Beach· event
- Stern Pinball Inc.· event
- Tampa Pinball Expo (TPF)· event
- Beetlejuice· game
- Dungeons & Dragons· game
- Evil Dead· game
- Labyrinth· game
- Pokémon Pinball· game
- Winchester Mystery House· game
- Pinside· organization
- Andrew (MNRetroGamer)· person
- Don· person
- Erica· person
- George Gomez· person
- Jack Danger· person
- Jamie Burchell· person
- Melissa Loomis· person
- Retro Ralph· person
- Rob· person
- Terry Hardy· person
- Travis· person
- Vic VP· person