We played Stern’s Pokémon pinball — and it’s amazing

The rumors were true! To celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, and 27 years after Pokémon pinball first launched on the Game Boy Color, Stern Pinball has officially revealed a full-sized Pokémon pinball machine. We recently had the opportunity to visit Stern’s headquarters in Chicago to play the machine in person, and as both a longtime Pokémon fan and a massive pinball enthusiasts, this collaboration feels like a dream come true!

 

 

As with most modern Stern releases, Pokémon pinball will be available in three versions. The Pro Edition will retail for $6,999, the Premium Edition for $9,699, and the Limited Edition, which is capped at just 750 units worldwide, will retail for $12,999. While there are visual and mechanical upgrades in the higher tier models, the core experience remains largely the same across all three. The cabinet size, playfield layout, and primary ruleset are consistent, meaning no matter which version you step up to, you are playing the same fundamental game. The Premium and Limited Editions introduce additional features such as an animatronic Pikachu that reacts during gameplay and a magnetic playfield mechanic, while the Limited Edition also includes Stern’s Expression Lighting System, which adds dramatic full playfield illumination effects and a Master Ball shooter rod.

 

 

A Celebration of Pokémon’s 30 Year History

 

At first glance, the machine appears to be a love letter to Generation 1 and the Kanto region. The art direction and character selection lean heavily into early Pokémon nostalgia. Heck, it even includes the original anime’s theme song. However, as gameplay unfolds, it becomes clear that Stern has gone beyond Gen 1. Pokémon from multiple regions are woven throughout the various modes and encounters, creating a broader celebration of Pokémon’s history.

 

 

And there’s even a structured story mode included! Players assume the role of an up and coming Pokémon Trainer working to catch Pokémon and battle their way into the Pokémon League. Wild Pokémon appear throughout gameplay, requiring players to hit specific shots in order to scan them with the Pokédex before ultimately attempting to catch them. Team Rocket factors heavily into the action as well, with Giovanni making appearances that trigger battle sequences.

Playfield Highlights and Battle Modes

 

The physical toys on the playfield are among the machine’s strongest features. On the Premium and Limited Editions, an animatronic Pikachu sits in the upper right corner of the cabinet and actually reacts to the action happening in the game. But the true centerpiece has to be Meowth’s hot air balloon, positioned prominently in the center of the playfield. Inspired directly by the anime, the balloon moves up, down, and side to side and serves as an interactive target that players will engage with frequently. Striking Meowth can activate special modes, including a Team Rocket multiball that accelerates the pace and fills the playfield with controlled chaos.

 

 

During our time with the machine, we also experienced several battle-focused modes, including Pikachu versus Raichu and Pikachu versus Charizard. These encounters typically initiate multiball sequences and are accompanied by anime footage on the large LCD display above the playfield. These modes were a blast, and the sound and footage combined with the gameplay were way more immersive than I thought they would be!

 

Catching Pokémon Beyond the Table

 

Perhaps the most ambitious feature is the catching system itself. In addition to capturing Pokémon during gameplay, players can scan a QR code located at the base of the cabinet to connect their session to the Stern Pinball app. Pokémon caught during play can then be saved to a persistent collection tied to the player’s account. This means that if you catch several Pokémon during one visit to an arcade or local venue, you can return later and continue building your collection.

 

 

At launch, 180 Pokémon will be available to catch, and Stern has confirmed that additional Pokémon will be added through future updates. Considering the sheer size of the Pokémon roster, the long term potential of this system is massive.

Pokémon Pinball is expected to begin releasing later this month and into March. We will have a full in depth review soon, so be sure to stay tuned to Nintendo Wire for continued coverage as launch approaches later this month.

 

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