CHICAGO, IL – February 13th, 2026 – Stern Pinball, the world’s largest manufacturer of pinball games, officially unveiled its highly anticipated "cornerstone" title for 2026, the Pokémon pinball machine, today. The launch, initially slated for early January, experienced a delay due to the meticulous licensor approval process, a testament to the immense global recognition and brand integrity of the Pokémon franchise. This momentous release coincides with the 30th anniversary year of Pokémon, which first captivated audiences with the debut of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Green Version for the Nintendo Game Boy in Japan on February 27th, 1996.

The unveiling took place at Stern Pinball’s factory in Elk Grove Village, on the outskirts of Chicago, following a private showing for distributors on Tuesday. The event provided an in-depth look at the game’s development, design, and gameplay mechanics, drawing significant interest from industry professionals and media alike. Game designers Jack Danger and George Gomez shared insights into the intricate process of integrating the beloved Pokémon universe into the dynamic world of pinball, while software lead Tanio Klyce detailed the current game rules and outlined plans for future updates, signaling a commitment to ongoing player engagement.

A Legacy of Peaks and Valleys: The Pokémon Phenomenon and its Pinball Debut

The Pokémon franchise, an abbreviation of "Pocket Monsters," has experienced a remarkable journey since its inception, mirroring the ebb and flow of popularity seen in many enduring entertainment properties. After a meteoric rise to global dominance in the late 1990s, peaking around the year 2000, the brand saw a period of recalibration. However, its cultural relevance was spectacularly reignited in 2016 with the launch of the augmented reality mobile game, Pokémon GO, which brought the franchise back to the forefront of mainstream consciousness and demonstrated its adaptability across different technological platforms. This resurgence undoubtedly paved the way for its eventual transition into the tactile and engaging world of pinball.

The development of Stern Pinball’s Pokémon machine was under the close stewardship of The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), a joint venture formed from the merger of Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK. This collaboration underscored the importance of maintaining brand authenticity and visual fidelity. In a notable first for Stern Pinball, the entire cabinet, backbox, translite, and playfield artwork was meticulously crafted by TPCi’s in-house art team. While Stern Pinball made certain approved modifications for pinball-specific elements, this tight creative control by the licensor was a key factor in the extended approval timeline, ensuring that the final product accurately reflected the visual identity fans have come to cherish.

Official Unveiling and Distributor Briefing

The media event at Stern Pinball’s facility served as the culmination of a carefully orchestrated rollout. Distributors were given an exclusive preview on Tuesday, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the game and its sales potential before the broader public announcement. The subsequent media day on Wednesday provided journalists with firsthand experience and detailed information directly from the creators. The presence of key development personnel, including designers and software engineers, highlighted the company’s dedication to showcasing the game’s technical and thematic intricacies.

Despite the anticipation, the games displayed at the media event featured a "Pending Licensor Approval" watermark on their LCD screens, a subtle reminder of the rigorous vetting process undertaken. This suggests that while the physical machines were ready, final sign-offs on all visual assets were only recently secured, aligning with the February 13th launch date.

A Milestone Anniversary, A Definitive Pinball Machine

While 2026 marks the significant 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, with numerous global events planned to commemorate this milestone, Stern Pinball developers were keen to clarify that this Pokémon pinball machine is the definitive 30th-anniversary edition. This assertion aims to underscore the game’s importance as a singular, high-profile release rather than suggesting a future, commemorative version. The game’s design philosophy centers on capturing the essence of the animated TV series, a cornerstone of the Pokémon brand’s global appeal.

The official press release from Stern Pinball, dated February 12th, 2026, emphasized the game’s role in bringing the thrill of Pokémon to the silverball arena. "Today we’re proud to finally deliver the long-awaited Pokémon by Stern Pinball machine," stated Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball. "This game is a true celebration of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and the enduring adventure of Pokémon – brought to life in a whole new way through immersive pinball gameplay, thrilling battles and the timeless excitement of catching Pokémon."

Available Models and Key Features

Stern Pinball has launched the Pokémon game across its three signature models: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE). The LE model is particularly noteworthy, with a production run capped at 750 individually numbered units worldwide, positioning it as a highly collectible item for dedicated fans and pinball enthusiasts.

• Pro Edition: This foundational model offers the core Pokémon pinball experience, designed to be accessible yet engaging. It features the vibrant artwork and core gameplay mechanics that define the Pokémon universe.
• Premium Edition: Building upon the Pro, the Premium model introduces enhanced features and visual elements, providing a more immersive and feature-rich gameplay experience. This typically includes additional playfield toys, more advanced lighting, and potentially enhanced audio-visual components.
• Limited Edition (LE): Representing the pinnacle of the Pokémon pinball offering, the LE model includes all the enhancements of the Premium edition, along with exclusive upgrades. These often feature the company’s "Expression Lighting System," a full-color mirrored backglass, custom cabinet decals, an upgraded audio system, and other premium finishes. The LE model also boasts a unique "Poké Ball shooter knob," adding a distinctive thematic touch.

Detailed Examination of Playfields and Features

A thorough review of the playfields reveals distinct differences and similarities across the three models, catering to a range of player preferences and budgets.

Limited Edition Playfield and Features

The Limited Edition playfield is designed to be the most feature-packed, offering a comprehensive Pokémon adventure. Key elements include:

• Expression Lighting System: This advanced lighting system synchronizes with gameplay, creating dynamic visual effects that enhance the immersive experience.
• Interactive Toys: The LE features intricate playfield toys designed to bring the Pokémon world to life. This includes a Squirtle "spinaround" above the left inlane and a mechanically animated Poké Ball that serves as a lift ramp with a ball lock, distinguishing it from the Pro model.
• Bottom Apron Details: Unique graphical elements are present on the bottom apron, adding to the thematic richness of the machine.
• Detailed Artwork: The playfield artwork is a direct collaboration with TPCi’s in-house team, ensuring iconic Pokémon characters and environments are accurately represented.

Premium Edition Playfield and Features

The Premium edition shares the core playfield feature set with the Limited Edition, ensuring a robust gameplay experience. The primary distinction lies in the absence of the Expression Lighting system, though it retains other premium elements.

• Shared Playfield Mechanics: Players can expect similar interactive elements and ramps as found in the LE, offering a deep and engaging game.
• Enhanced Visuals: While not featuring the full Expression Lighting, the Premium model still benefits from the high-quality artwork and detailed design of the licensor.

Pro Edition Playfield and Features

The Pro model provides the essential Pokémon pinball experience, with some notable differences in playfield features compared to the Premium and LE models:

• Simplified Mechanics: The Pro model omits the Squirtle spinaround above the left inlane. Additionally, the Poké Ball functions as a simple stand-up target, rather than the lift ramp with a ball lock found on higher-tier models.
• Core Gameplay Intact: Despite these differences, the Pro version retains the core mechanics and thematic elements that make the Pokémon pinball experience compelling.

Game Rules and Objectives

The gameplay is designed around the core Pokémon narrative, encouraging players to become the ultimate Pokémon Trainer. The game features four distinct "biomes": Desert, Forest, Lake, and Mountain, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. The ultimate goal is to progress through these biomes, battling rivals and ultimately qualifying for the Pokémon Arena mode.

• Biome Progression: Players embark on a journey through the biomes, encountering and battling various Pokémon.
• Catching and Training: A central mechanic involves discovering, catching, and training Pokémon. The illuminated, mechanically animated Poké Ball is crucial for capturing these creatures.
• Pokémon Collection: Players build their ultimate team and complete their Pokémon Collection by strategically shooting the Poké Ball.
• Combo System: Lit combo shots earn Pokéballs, which are collected at the Pokedex captive ball. Eight secret combos are also present, each initiating an Eevee evolution to add to the player’s team.
• Character Modes: Hitting the respective shots for Squirtle, Charmander, Pikachu, and Bulbasaur three times initiates their unique character modes.
• Team Rocket Encounters: The villainous Team Rocket organization plays a prominent role, with their area represented by an "R" target at the top center of the playfield. Spelling B-A-T-T-L-E triggers the Meowth balloon, which, when shot enough times, initiates a multiball mode. Currently, one Team Rocket multiball is implemented, with plans for two additional multiballs and a mini-wizard mode.
• Pokémon Arena: Successfully winning battles in all four biomes qualifies players for the challenging Pokémon Arena mode.

Official Press Release Highlights

Stern Pinball’s official announcement, distributed on February 12th, 2026, detailed the game’s integration of modern pinball technology with nostalgic elements:

• SPIKE 3 Technology: The game is powered by Stern Pinball’s advanced SPIKE 3 technology, ensuring a robust and dynamic gameplay experience.
• Interactive Elements: The press release highlighted an animatronic Pikachu that reacts to gameplay, cheering players on, and an interactive Meowth Balloon toy that challenges players. Premium and LE models feature an electromagnet for added chaos in the battle arena.
• Nostalgic Integration: The machine incorporates video clips from the original Pokémon animated series and custom voiceovers for Pikachu and Giovanni, aiming to evoke strong nostalgic connections for fans. The iconic "Pokémon Theme" song is also featured.
• Insider Connected: The game supports Stern Pinball’s Insider Connected platform, allowing players to track their caught Pokémon, earn achievements, and engage with a global community. This feature enables a persistent digital collection that can be viewed via the Insider Connected app.

Pricing and Availability

The Pokémon pinball machines are available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers worldwide. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and Recommended Retail Price (RRP) for the models are as follows:

• Pro Edition: $US 6,999 (RRP: €6,699.00; £5,799.00)
• Premium Edition: $US 9,699 (RRP: €8,749.00; £7,599.00)
• Limited Edition: $US 12,999 (RRP: €11,999.00; £10,499.00)

All Stern Pinball machines come with the company’s industry-leading one-year warranty, ensuring commercial-quality reliability.

The launch of the Pokémon pinball machine represents a significant moment for both Stern Pinball and the iconic franchise. By meticulously blending beloved characters and narrative elements with cutting-edge pinball technology, Stern Pinball aims to capture the imagination of a new generation of players while reigniting the passion of long-time fans, solidifying Pokémon’s enduring appeal across diverse entertainment mediums.