February 2026, despite its brevity, proved to be an exceptionally eventful month for the global pinball industry, marked by the highly anticipated debut of Stern Pinball’s Pokémon machine, significant organizational restructuring at Dutch Pinball Exclusive (DPX) and American Pinball, and the vibrant commencement of the show season. These pivotal developments, alongside other industry news, were comprehensively dissected in the latest edition of the Pinball Industry News PINcast, hosted by Martin from Pinball News and Jonathan from Pinball Magazine. The podcast, now in its 99th installment, serves as a crucial barometer for the sector, offering in-depth analysis and exclusive interviews.

Stern Pinball Unleashes Pokémon: A Landmark Collaboration

The most prominent announcement of the month was the official launch of Stern Pinball’s Pokémon pinball machine. This release, following weeks of anticipation and rumored delays, represents a strategic alignment with one of the most globally recognized and enduring entertainment franchises. The Pokémon universe, a multi-billion dollar powerhouse that has captivated audiences for decades through video games, trading cards, animation, films, and merchandise, now finds its iconic characters and worlds translated into the immersive, tactile experience of a pinball table.

Stern Pinball, known for its high-production value and licensed titles, has opted for a "cornerstone" game approach, offering the Pokémon machine in its familiar three-tier model structure: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition. While the exact specifics of the gameplay and unique features were detailed extensively in the PINcast, early indications suggest that the design team has incorporated numerous innovative elements across the artwork, playfield mechanics, and software to authentically capture the spirit of the Pokémon franchise. This collaboration is poised to attract a new wave of players and enthusiasts, leveraging the immense existing fanbase of Pokémon to further expand the reach of the pinball hobby. The success of such high-profile licensed titles is critical for manufacturers like Stern, as they often drive significant sales volumes and contribute to the overall health and visibility of the industry.

Industry Shake-Up: Dutch Pinball Exclusive and American Pinball Realignment

February also witnessed a significant restructuring within the European pinball manufacturing landscape. Melvin Brouwer-Williams, a co-founder of Dutch Pinball Exclusive (DPX) and the intellectual property holder for its game designs, has concluded his partnership with the manufacturing entity, Dutch Pinball. This parting of ways signals a new direction for both parties.

For DPX, the immediate implication is that Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the company’s debut title, will continue production, but it is confirmed to be the sole offering under the DPX banner. This strategic decision suggests a focused approach to future endeavors. Further compounding the situation, there have been additional announcements regarding delays for the Alice topper accessory, a detail that likely impacts a segment of dedicated collectors and enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the full package. The complexity and lead times associated with producing specialized pinball accessories often present logistical challenges for manufacturers, and these delays can lead to customer frustration.

In a swift and notable development, Melvin Brouwer-Williams has been appointed as the new Creative Director at American Pinball. This move marks a significant infusion of talent and vision for the American manufacturer, which has been undergoing its own phase of revitalization. Brouwer-Williams’ extensive experience in game design, particularly his work on the critically acclaimed Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, positions him to spearhead the development of American Pinball’s upcoming slate of titles.

The PINcast featured an exclusive interview with Brouwer-Williams, providing crucial insights into the reasons behind the split with Dutch Pinball and detailing his ambitious plans for American Pinball. This conversation aimed to clarify the operational shifts and to offer a glimpse into the future creative direction of the company. The discussion also touched upon the implications of these changes for existing and anticipated titles such as Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland and Cuphead, both of which have generated considerable interest within the pinball community. The integration of a designer with Brouwer-Williams’ track record is a strategic move for American Pinball, potentially signaling a period of renewed innovation and market competitiveness.

Italian Manufacturing Insights and Show Season Momentum

The international scope of pinball news was further broadened with an interview featuring the head of Pedretti Gaming, an Italian manufacturer. In an interview with a local news outlet, the executive discussed the company’s ongoing collaboration with Pinball Brothers, a testament to the interconnectedness of global manufacturing partnerships. Key topics included the distribution channels for their co-produced games and the imperative for the industry to evolve its strategies to attract and engage younger generations of players. This forward-looking perspective highlights a critical challenge facing many entertainment sectors: the need to adapt to changing consumer demographics and preferences to ensure long-term sustainability.

The February PINcast also provided a comprehensive overview of the burgeoning show season. A detailed review of the recent Pinball at the Beach event offered attendees and those unable to attend a recap of the notable exhibits and the participating companies. Looking ahead, significant attention was given to the upcoming Texas Pinball Festival (TPF) in March.

TPF is anticipated to be the first public, non-trade show unveiling of Stern Pinball’s Pokémon machine, drawing considerable interest from enthusiasts eager to experience the game firsthand. Additionally, the festival will mark the launch of Hexa Pinball’s second title, The Three Musketeers, further adding to the excitement and showcasing emerging talent within the manufacturing sector.

A unique attraction at TPF will be the return of Martin and Jonathan’s popular "So You Think You Know Pinball?" quiz, a free-to-enter competition with prizes, scheduled for Saturday at 5 pm. This interactive event underscores the community-building aspect of pinball festivals.

To delve deeper into the preparations and highlights of this year’s TPF, Martin and Jonathan spoke with show organizer Paul McKinney. His insights provided a personal perspective on the event’s evolution and articulated the compelling reasons why attendees should make their way to Frisco, Texas, for what promises to be a landmark festival. The growth and success of major pinball festivals like TPF are indicative of the robust and passionate community that supports the hobby, serving as vital hubs for manufacturers, collectors, and casual players alike.

A Month of Diverse Developments

Beyond these major headlines, February 2026 was replete with additional noteworthy events. The PINcast also covered:

• Another New Game Launch: Details were provided on an additional, unannounced game launch, underscoring the continuous stream of new product development within the industry. While specific details were not elaborated upon in the original summary, the mention suggests a robust pipeline of innovation.
• Production Updates: Information was shared regarding production schedules and capacities for various manufacturers, providing context on the industry’s ability to meet demand. Factors such as supply chain stability and manufacturing efficiency are crucial for sustained growth.
• Promotional Activities: A review of ongoing pinball promotions offered insights into marketing strategies employed by manufacturers and distributors to engage consumers and drive sales.
• Software Updates: A comprehensive list of new software updates for existing pinball machines was presented. These updates are vital for enhancing gameplay, fixing bugs, and extending the lifespan and appeal of machines, reflecting the ongoing commitment of manufacturers to their product lines.

The February 2026 edition of the Pinball Industry News PINcast, available for streaming and download, serves as an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to stay abreast of the rapidly evolving pinball landscape. The podcast library, accessible via the Pinball News website and Spotify, now boasts 99 episodes, chronicling the industry’s journey. The consistent output and in-depth coverage solidify the PINcast‘s position as a leading voice in industry commentary, recognized as "the podcast the pinball industry listens to." The anticipation for further news and interviews, particularly those emerging from TPF and other major events throughout the year, ensures that the monthly PINcast will remain a vital touchstone for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.