After a period of anticipation and awaiting licensor approval, Stern Pinball officially unveiled its inaugural "cornerstone" title for 2026: a highly anticipated Pokémon pinball game. The launch, which took place on February 13th, 2026, marks a significant moment for both the pinball industry and the enduring global phenomenon that is Pokémon. This release is particularly poignant as 2026 also signifies the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, a milestone celebrated across multiple media platforms.

The journey to this reveal was not without its complexities. Stern Pinball navigated a rigorous approval process with The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), a testament to the brand’s immense global appeal and the meticulous nature of its stewardship. This careful vetting extended to the artwork, with the cabinet, backbox, translite, and playfield designs all originating from TPCi’s in-house art team, with specific pinball-centric modifications made by Stern. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to authenticity and quality.

The official unveiling followed a private showing for distributors on Tuesday, culminating in a public media event held the following day at Stern Pinball’s factory in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. This event provided an in-depth look at the game’s development, design philosophy, and intricate rule set. Game designers Jack Danger and George Gomez shared insights into the creative process and how the iconic Pokémon world was translated into the dynamic three-dimensional environment of a pinball machine. Tanio Klyce, the software lead, detailed the current gameplay mechanics and outlined plans for future software updates, hinting at an evolving player experience.

The Pokémon franchise, a global entertainment juggernaut created by Game Freak in Japan, has transcended its origins as a video game to become a cultural touchstone. Encompassing a vast array of console and mobile games, comics, movies, animated series, and collectible trading cards, Pokémon has captured the imagination of billions worldwide. The franchise’s inception on February 27th, 1996, with the release of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Green Version for the Nintendo Game Boy in Japan, set the stage for a remarkable three-decade journey.

A Rollercoaster of Popularity and Pinball Parallels

Interestingly, the trajectory of Pokémon’s popularity mirrors some of the dynamics seen in the pinball industry itself. The brand experienced explosive global growth through the late 1990s, peaking around the year 2000. Following this initial surge, its popularity experienced a noticeable dip, a period where numerous games were still released but failed to recapture the same feverish excitement. It wasn’t until 2016, with the groundbreaking launch of the augmented reality mobile game Pokémon Go, that the franchise regained its previous peak of global engagement, demonstrating its enduring appeal and ability to adapt to new technologies.

Stern Pinball’s Pokémon game draws its inspiration primarily from the beloved animated television series, a format that has been instrumental in introducing generations to the world of Pokémon. The licensing agreement with TPCi, an entity formed from the merger of Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK, highlights the structured and comprehensive approach taken to ensure brand integrity across all licensed products.

The delay in the game’s launch from Stern’s typical early January window was strategically planned to coincide with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a major industry event. This positioning allowed for a wider audience and enhanced visibility for the new title. Reports from the media event indicated that TPCi representatives were seeing a physical representation of the game for the first time that very week, underscoring the thoroughness of the approval process. The machines displayed at the media event featured "Pending Licensor Approval" on their LCD screens, a visual reminder of the final stages of this significant collaboration.

Despite the 30th-anniversary celebrations planned for the Pokémon franchise in 2026, the Stern Pinball team was keen to clarify that this newly released game is the 30th-anniversary model, dispelling any notions of a future anniversary edition. This direct connection to the milestone underscores the importance of this particular release.

A Trio of Pokémon Pinball Experiences: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition

True to its status as a "cornerstone" title, the Pokémon pinball machine is available in three distinct models: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE). Each offers a unique set of features and aesthetic variations, catering to a range of enthusiasts and collectors. The Limited Edition, in particular, is a highly collectible item, capped at just 750 individually numbered units worldwide.

The Pro Model: An Accessible Entry Point

The Pro model serves as the foundational offering, providing the core Pokémon pinball experience. While it may lack some of the advanced features of its counterparts, it delivers the essential gameplay and thematic elements that fans expect.

• Cabinet and Artwork: The Pro model features vibrant artwork inspired by the animated series, showcasing iconic Pokémon characters and themes. The cabinet design is robust and visually appealing, inviting players into the Pokémon universe.
• Playfield: The Pro playfield is designed to be engaging and accessible, with clear objectives and familiar pinball mechanics. Key shots and targets are strategically placed to guide players through the game’s objectives. Notably, the Pro model omits the Squirtle spinaround above the left inlane and features a standard stand-up target for the Pokeball, rather than the lift ramp with a ball lock found on higher-tier models.
• Translite and Speaker Panel: The translite art continues the theme, and the speaker panel is designed to complement the overall aesthetic.

The Premium Model: Enhanced Immersion

Stepping up from the Pro, the Premium model offers an enriched pinball experience with additional features and visual enhancements designed to deepen player immersion.

• Cabinet and Artwork: The Premium model shares the same captivating artwork as the Pro but may include subtle differences in finish or material, reflecting its elevated status.
• Playfield Features: The Premium model boasts an enhanced playfield with additional interactive elements. Crucially, it incorporates the same core feature set as the Limited Edition, with the significant distinction being the absence of the Expression Lighting system. This includes the playable Pokeball with a ball lock mechanism, providing a more dynamic objective.
• Translite and Speaker Panel: The Premium model’s translite and speaker panel designs maintain the high visual standard, further immersing players in the Pokémon world.

The Limited Edition (LE): The Collector’s Dream

The Limited Edition represents the pinnacle of the Pokémon pinball experience, offering the most comprehensive feature set and exclusive collectible elements. This model is designed for dedicated enthusiasts and collectors who desire the ultimate expression of the game.

• Exclusive Cabinet and Artwork: The LE model features unique enhancements, including custom LE pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, and a full-color mirrored backglass. The cabinet decals are also in full color and high-definition.
• Advanced Playfield Features: The LE playfield is packed with interactive elements, including the highly sought-after Expression Lighting System and Speaker Expression Lighting System, which synchronize with game events to create a dazzling visual spectacle. The Pokeball functions as a lift ramp with a ball lock, adding strategic depth.
• Enhanced Audio and Visuals: The LE model includes an upgraded audio system and anti-reflection pinball playfield glass for a superior sensory experience.
• Collectible Accents: Each LE unit is sequentially numbered and comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity, solidifying its status as a valuable collector’s item. The Pokeball shooter knob further adds to the thematic immersion.

Gameplay Mechanics and Objectives

The core gameplay of Pokémon by Stern Pinball revolves around players embarking on a journey through four distinct "biomes": Desert, Forest, Lake, and Mountain. Each biome represents a chapter in the player’s quest to become a Pokémon Master. The overarching goal involves discovering, catching, and training Pokémon to battle rival trainers and ultimately qualify for the prestigious Pokémon Arena mode.

• Biome Progression: Players progress through the biomes by engaging in battles and completing specific objectives within each environment. The game features 36 biomes in total within the full Pokémon universe, with the pinball machine focusing on four key ones.
• Catching and Training: The lit shots on the playfield lead to opportunities to discover and catch Pokémon. Collecting Pokeballs at the Pokedex captive ball is essential for this process. Players begin in the Forest biome with Bulbasaur and can switch their starter Pokémon to Squirtle, Pikachu, or Charmander by shooting lit shots and then the lit scoop.
• Combos and Eevee Evolutions: Making lit combo shots earns Pokeballs. Additionally, there are eight secret combos that initiate an Eevee evolution, allowing players to add Eevee to their team.
• Character Modes: Each of the four main character shots—Squirtle, Charmander, Pikachu, and Bulbasaur—triggers a unique mode when hit three times.
• Team Rocket Encounters: The notorious villainous organization, Team Rocket, plays a significant role in the game. Spelling B-A-T-T-L-E triggers the appearance of the Meowth balloon, which, when shot sufficiently, initiates a Team Rocket multiball. Currently, one Team Rocket multiball is implemented, with plans for two more, alongside a mini-wizard mode.
• Pokémon Arena: Successfully winning battles in all four biomes qualifies players for the ultimate challenge: the Pokémon Arena mode.

Official Statement and Industry Impact

In an official statement, Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball, expressed his enthusiasm for the release: "Today we’re proud to finally deliver the long-awaited Pokémon by Stern Pinball machine. 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."

The release of Pokémon by Stern Pinball is poised to have a significant impact on the pinball market. By tapping into one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved entertainment brands, Stern is not only appealing to its established pinball enthusiast base but also opening the doors to a new demographic of players who may be introduced to pinball through their passion for Pokémon. This cross-demographic appeal is crucial for the continued growth and revitalization of the pinball industry. The integration of Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected platform further enhances the game’s appeal, allowing players to track their progress, earn achievements, and engage with a global community of pinball players and Pokémon fans alike. This connectivity promises to extend the longevity and engagement of the Pokémon pinball machine, fostering a vibrant ecosystem around the game.

The detailed feature matrix provided by Stern Pinball clearly outlines the distinctions between the Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. The pricing for these models ranges from an MSRP of $6,999 for the Pro, $9,699 for the Premium, and $12,999 for the Limited Edition, reflecting the varying levels of features and exclusivity. Each machine comes with Stern Pinball’s industry-leading one-year warranty, ensuring a high standard of commercial quality and reliability.

The Pokémon pinball machine represents a landmark collaboration, merging the enduring legacy of a global entertainment icon with the intricate craftsmanship and immersive gameplay that Stern Pinball is renowned for. As players step up to the playfield, they are invited not just to play a game, but to embark on a nostalgic journey, reliving cherished memories and forging new ones in the electrifying world of Pokémon pinball.