Stern Pinball today, February 13th, 2026, officially launched its inaugural "cornerstone" title for the year: a brand-new Pokémon pinball machine. The reveal, which had been eagerly awaited by enthusiasts and collectors alike, follows a period of necessary delay while awaiting final licensor approval. This highly anticipated release marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the globally beloved Pokémon franchise.

The new pinball machine draws inspiration from the monumental Pokémon universe, a creation of Game Freak in Japan that has transcended its video game origins to become a cultural phenomenon. Its influence spans across console and mobile gaming, a vast array of comic books and movies, a long-running animated television series, and a ubiquitous presence in merchandise. The Pokémon world, an abbreviation of "Pocket Monsters," first burst onto the scene on February 27th, 1996, with the release of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Green Version for the Nintendo Game Boy in Japan. This 30-year journey has seen the franchise, much like the intricate world of pinball, experience periods of immense growth and shifts in popularity. Following a meteoric rise that peaked around the turn of the millennium, Pokémon’s appeal saw a gradual decline until the revolutionary launch of the augmented reality mobile game Pokémon Go in 2016, which reignited global fervor and brought the brand back to its previous heights.

Stern Pinball’s Pokémon machine is specifically based on the iconic animated television series and has been developed under license from The Pokémon Company International (TPCi). TPCi, a strategic merger of Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK, operates from its base in Bellevue, Washington. The game’s development and approval process underscored the meticulous attention to detail required when working with such a globally recognized intellectual property.

A Glimpse Behind the Launch

The unveiling of the Pokémon pinball machine commenced with an exclusive presentation to distributors on Tuesday, followed by a dedicated media event held the next day at Stern Pinball’s factory in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. This event provided an in-depth look at the game’s intricate design and gameplay mechanics. Key figures involved in the project shared their insights: Jack Danger and George Gomez, esteemed game designers at Stern, discussed the creative process and the seamless integration of the Pokémon theme into the pinball experience. Tanio Klyce, the software lead, offered a comprehensive overview of the game’s current ruleset and detailed the planned updates that will further enhance gameplay over time.

The licensing process for utilizing Pokémon assets proved to be a particularly intricate and time-consuming endeavor. Every element, from the cabinet artwork to the playfield graphics, underwent stringent scrutiny by TPCi. In a notable first for Stern Pinball, the entirety of the cabinet, backbox, translite, and playfield artwork was conceived by TPCi’s in-house art team. Stern Pinball then made specific, approved modifications to tailor these assets for the unique demands of pinball machine design. This close collaboration, while ensuring brand integrity, contributed to a delayed launch from Stern’s typical early January window, strategically positioning the release to coincide with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). George Gomez and Jack Danger revealed that licensors at TPCi saw a physical iteration of the game for the very first time only earlier this week, with the machines at the media event displaying a "Pending licensor approval" watermark on their LCD screens.

While 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, with numerous global celebrations planned, Stern Pinball was keen to clarify that this new machine is the 30th-anniversary edition, dispelling any notions of a future anniversary-themed release.

Exploring the Three Models: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition

As a "cornerstone" title, the Pokémon pinball machine is available in three distinct configurations: Pro, Premium, and a highly collectible Limited Edition (LE) model, which is capped at 750 numbered units worldwide. Each model offers a unique experience, catering to different levels of enthusiast and collector.

The Pro Model

The Pro edition serves as the entry point into the Pokémon pinball universe. Its exterior design showcases the vibrant Pokémon aesthetic, featuring artwork on the cabinet, backbox, and translite. The playfield, while offering a robust gameplay experience, includes foundational elements of the game’s core mechanics. Notable features include the Pro model’s distinct translite art and speaker panel, highlighting the franchise’s iconic characters and imagery.

The Premium Model

Stepping up, the Premium model offers an enhanced visual and interactive experience. It shares the core playfield feature set with the Limited Edition, providing a more immersive gameplay environment. Key differences lie in the absence of the advanced Expression Lighting system found on the LE model. The Premium model’s playfield details showcase a more complex arrangement of targets and ramps compared to the Pro, with specific attention paid to the bottom apron design.

The Limited Edition (LE) Model

The Limited Edition model represents the pinnacle of the Pokémon pinball experience. It boasts the most comprehensive feature set, including the coveted Expression Lighting system and Speaker Expression Lighting system, which dynamically syncs with in-game events to create a truly immersive atmosphere. Additional premium features include a full-color mirrored backglass, high-definition cabinet decals, custom LE pinball armor, a designer-autographed bottom arch, an upgraded audio system, anti-reflection playfield glass, a shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a signed Certificate of Authenticity. The playfield itself is a marvel of engineering, featuring intricate details such as the Pokeball shooter knob and specialized mechanical elements that enhance the gameplay narrative. The LE model’s playfield details, apron configurations, and overall aesthetic underscore its status as a collector’s item.

A Side-by-Side Comparison of the Models

Visual comparisons of the Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models highlight the distinct levels of craftsmanship and features each offers. The visual disparity between the Pro and LE playfields, in particular, underscores the tiered approach to design and functionality, with the LE model showcasing a more elaborate and interactive layout.

Delving into the Gameplay: Rules and Objectives

The Pokémon pinball machine immerses players in a quest to become a top Pokémon Trainer. The game’s core objective revolves around traveling through four distinct "biomes": Desert, Forest, Lake, and Mountain. While the full Pokémon game features 36 biomes, the pinball adaptation focuses on these four to provide a concentrated and engaging experience.

Within each biome, players are challenged to build up their team by discovering, catching, training, and battling Pokémon. The journey begins in the Forest biome with Bulbasaur as the player’s starter Pokémon. Players can strategically switch their active Pokémon to Squirtle, Pikachu, or Charmander by shooting illuminated shots followed by a lit scoop, adding a layer of tactical choice to the gameplay.

A key mechanic involves collecting "Poké Balls" by executing lit combo shots. These collected Poké Balls are then stored at the "Pokédex" captive ball. The game also features eight secret combos, each designed to initiate an "Eevee evolution" sequence, allowing players to add Eevee to their team.

Each of the four main starter Pokémon – Squirtle, Charmander, Pikachu, and Bulbasaur – has a dedicated character shot. Hitting these shots three times triggers their respective in-game modes, offering unique challenges and rewards.

The infamous criminal organization, Team Rocket, also plays a significant role in the game. Their area, marked by an "R" symbol at the top center of the playfield, is crucial for initiating multiball. Spelling out B-A-T-T-L-E triggers the appearance of the Meowth balloon, which, when shot sufficiently, initiates a Team Rocket multiball mode. Currently, the game includes one Team Rocket multiball, with plans for two additional multiball modes and a mini-wizard mode to be introduced in future updates.

Successfully winning battles across all four biomes qualifies players for the ultimate challenge: the "Pokémon Arena" mode, representing the pinnacle of in-game achievement.

Official Statement from Stern Pinball

Stern Pinball, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of pinball games, officially announced the release of the Pokémon pinball machine with a press release dated February 12th, 2026. The statement highlighted the collaborative effort with The Pokémon Company International and underscored the machine’s technological foundation, powered by Stern’s SPIKE 3 technology.

"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."

The press release further elaborated on the game’s features, emphasizing the integration of video clips from the original animated series, custom voiceovers for Pikachu and Giovanni, and the inclusion of the iconic "Pokémon Theme" song. It also highlighted the integration of Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected platform, allowing players to track their Pokémon captures and compete within a global community.

Pricing and Availability

The Pokémon pinball machine is available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers worldwide. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Pro Edition is $US 6,999, the Premium Edition is $US 9,699, and the Limited Edition is priced at $US 12,999. These prices are subject to regional taxes and duties. Stern Pinball guarantees its commercial-quality machines with a best-in-class one-year warranty.

Broader Implications and Industry Impact

The launch of the Pokémon pinball machine represents a significant moment for both Stern Pinball and the broader pinball industry. The enduring popularity and vast global reach of the Pokémon brand provide an unprecedented opportunity to attract new players to the hobby and re-engage lapsed enthusiasts. By tapping into such a powerful intellectual property, Stern Pinball is not only diversifying its product portfolio but also demonstrating its strategic foresight in leveraging cultural touchstones to drive innovation and accessibility within the pinball market. The meticulous licensing process and the collaborative artwork development also signal a trend towards deeper integration with licensors, potentially setting new standards for franchise-based game development. Furthermore, the continued emphasis on features like Insider Connected highlights Stern’s commitment to evolving the pinball experience beyond the physical machine, fostering a connected community of players and owners. This release is poised to be a major revenue driver for Stern Pinball and a significant talking point in the entertainment and gaming industries throughout 2026.