The month of February 2026, despite its condensed 28-day calendar, proved to be a remarkably eventful period for the global pinball industry, offering a wealth of significant news and developments. This latest edition of the Pinball Industry News PINcast, hosted by Martin of Pinball News and Jonathan of Pinball Magazine, thoroughly dissects these happenings, providing an in-depth analysis of major game launches, significant company shifts, and crucial upcoming industry gatherings. Listeners can expect a detailed exploration of the forces shaping the pinball landscape as the year progresses.

Stern Pinball Unveils Highly Anticipated Pokémon Title Amidst Production Delays

One of the most prominent announcements of the month was the official launch of Stern Pinball’s Pokémon pinball machine. Following weeks of anticipation and minor production delays, the game, based on the immensely popular and globally recognized Pokémon franchise, has finally entered the market. The Pokémon franchise, a multi-billion dollar entity encompassing video games, mobile applications, a vast array of merchandise, animated series, films, and a ubiquitous trading card game, represents a significant cultural phenomenon. Its entry into the pinball realm through a "cornerstone" title from Stern Pinball was met with considerable industry interest.

The Pokémon pinball machine is offered in Stern’s familiar three-model configuration: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition. However, early reports and the PINcast discussion highlight several unique features integrated into the game’s design, artwork, and software. These elements are specifically crafted to resonate with the extensive Pokémon fanbase while simultaneously offering innovative gameplay mechanics that appeal to seasoned pinball enthusiasts. The game’s artwork, a critical component in attracting players, draws heavily from the franchise’s rich visual history, aiming to evoke nostalgia for long-time fans and introduce the beloved characters and worlds to a new generation of players. The playfield layout and software are designed to replicate the core mechanics and strategic depth often associated with the Pokémon video games, translating the experience of catching, training, and battling Pokémon into a tactile and engaging pinball format. The successful integration of such a globally recognized intellectual property into a pinball machine is a testament to the evolving market for licensed games and Stern Pinball’s established expertise in this domain.

Dutch Pinball Exclusive Faces Structural Changes as Co-Founder Departs

February also marked a significant organizational shift at Dutch Pinball Exclusive (DPX). Melvin Brouwer-Williams, a co-founder of the brand and the creative force behind its game designs, has concluded his partnership with the manufacturing entity, Dutch Pinball. This separation signifies a pivotal moment for DPX, a company that had gained recognition for its ambitious and unique pinball offerings.

The immediate implication of this split is the continuation of manufacturing for the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland pinball machine. This title, known for its intricate playfield and immersive theme, will still be produced to fulfill existing orders. However, it has been confirmed that Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will remain the sole title released under the DPX banner. This strategic decision suggests a recalibration of DPX’s product roadmap and a focus on consolidating its existing achievements rather than expanding its portfolio under the original structure. Furthermore, the PINcast report indicates ongoing delays concerning the game’s topper accessory, a detail that may impact a segment of the customer base awaiting this premium add-on. The departure of Brouwer-Williams, a key figure in DPX’s creative vision, raises questions about the long-term direction and future design philosophy of the brand, even as manufacturing of its flagship game continues.

Melvin Brouwer-Williams Appointed Creative Director at American Pinball

In a swift and significant career move, Melvin Brouwer-Williams has been appointed as the new Creative Director at American Pinball. This appointment signals a new chapter for American Pinball, a company that has undergone restructuring and is now poised to re-establish its presence in the market with fresh creative leadership. Brouwer-Williams, with his established track record in pinball design, is now tasked with spearheading the development of the company’s upcoming titles.

His role at American Pinball is expected to inject new energy and innovative design principles into the company’s product pipeline. The PINcast features an exclusive interview with Brouwer-Williams, where he provides firsthand accounts of the circumstances surrounding his departure from Dutch Pinball and outlines his ambitious plans for American Pinball. This interview offers crucial insights into the internal dynamics of these companies and the strategic visions guiding their futures. Discussions with Brouwer-Williams are anticipated to shed light on the immediate priorities for American Pinball, including the development of new games and potential re-evaluation of existing projects. Furthermore, the conversation is expected to address the implications of his new role for the previously announced titles Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland and Cuphead, both of which have generated significant interest within the pinball community. This strategic appointment by American Pinball suggests a strong commitment to revitalizing its brand and delivering compelling new pinball experiences to the market.

Pedretti Gaming’s Vision for the Future and Global Collaboration

In Italy, the head of Pedretti Gaming recently granted an interview to a local news outlet, offering valuable perspectives on the company’s strategic direction and its collaborative efforts within the industry. The discussion centered on Pedretti Gaming’s ongoing partnership with Pinball Brothers, a collaboration that has resulted in co-produced pinball machines. The interview provided details on the distribution channels for these jointly developed games and, more critically, highlighted the company’s recognition of the need to adapt and innovate to attract a younger demographic.

The statement from Pedretti Gaming underscores a broader industry trend: the imperative for pinball manufacturers to evolve their marketing and design strategies to engage future generations of players. This involves not only creating aesthetically appealing and technologically advanced machines but also understanding the evolving entertainment preferences of younger audiences. The emphasis on appealing to the "next generation" suggests a proactive approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the pinball hobby. This forward-thinking perspective is crucial as the industry navigates changing entertainment landscapes and seeks to cultivate a new base of enthusiasts.

The Buzz of the Show Season: Pinball at the Beach and Anticipation for Texas Pinball Festival

The pinball show season is in full swing, and February saw the successful execution of Pinball at the Beach. This event provided a platform for manufacturers and enthusiasts to showcase new and existing machines, fostering community engagement and offering hands-on experiences. The PINcast offers a review of Pinball at the Beach, detailing the participating companies, the games on display, and notable highlights from the event. Such shows serve as vital touchpoints for the industry, facilitating direct interaction between creators and consumers.

Looking ahead, significant anticipation is building for the upcoming Texas Pinball Festival (TPF), scheduled for March. This major event is poised to be a focal point for several key industry announcements and releases. Notably, TPF is expected to host the first public, non-trade showing of Stern Pinball’s new Pokémon machine, offering attendees a prime opportunity to experience the game firsthand. Beyond Stern’s highly anticipated title, TPF will also mark the official launch of Hexa Pinball’s second offering, The Three Musketeers. This marks a significant milestone for Hexa Pinball as it aims to build upon the success of its debut title and further solidify its position in the market.

Furthermore, TPF will host the popular "So You Think You Know Pinball?" free prize quiz, presented by Martin and Jonathan of Pinball News and Pinball Magazine. This interactive event, scheduled for Saturday at 5 pm, has become a staple of the festival, engaging attendees with trivia and offering opportunities to win prizes. The inclusion of such engaging activities underscores the festival’s commitment to creating a comprehensive and entertaining experience for all attendees.

Texas Pinball Festival Organizer Shares Insights and Excitement

To provide a deeper understanding of the Texas Pinball Festival, Martin and Jonathan engage in a conversation with show organizer Paul McKinney. McKinney offers his personal highlights for this year’s TPF and elaborates on why the event in Frisco is a must-attend for pinball aficionados. His insights are invaluable for understanding the logistical and thematic elements that contribute to the festival’s success. Discussions with organizers like McKinney provide crucial context for the broader industry events and highlight the dedication required to bring such large-scale gatherings to fruition. His perspective likely touches upon the growth of the festival, the challenges of organizing such an event, and the overall spirit of the pinball community that it fosters. The detailed information provided by McKinney is expected to entice potential attendees and underscore the significance of TPF as a central hub for the pinball industry in the United States.

A Wealth of Additional News and Updates

Beyond these major developments, the February 2026 PINcast covers a wide array of other significant news, including:

• Another New Game Launch: Details emerge about a previously unannounced new pinball machine entering the market, adding to the growing number of titles available.
• Production News: Updates on manufacturing schedules, capacity, and any potential challenges or successes faced by various manufacturers are discussed, providing a vital snapshot of the industry’s operational landscape.
• Pinball Promotions: Information on new marketing initiatives, special offers, and promotional events designed to drive interest and sales within the pinball community.
• Software Updates: A comprehensive rundown of recent software releases and updates for existing pinball machines. These updates often introduce new features, bug fixes, and gameplay enhancements, demonstrating the ongoing support and development for pinball titles.

The sheer volume of information covered in the February edition of the Pinball Industry News PINcast underscores the dynamic nature of the pinball world. The podcast serves as an indispensable resource for staying abreast of these evolving trends, product releases, and industry-specific news.

Accessing the PINcast and Staying Informed

The latest edition of the Pinball Industry News PINcast is available for direct playback via the provided audio player. For those wishing to revisit past discussions or explore the extensive archive, the PINcast library on the Pinball News website offers a comprehensive repository of all previous episodes. Furthermore, listeners can access the Pinball Industry News PINcast on Spotify, where they can stream or download all 98 previous episodes and subscribe for automatic notifications of future releases. This accessibility ensures that industry professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts can easily remain informed.

As the industry moves through the remainder of the year, the Texas Pinball Festival and subsequent events are expected to generate further significant news and interviews. Martin and Jonathan’s commitment to delivering monthly updates through the PINcast ensures that the pinball community will continue to receive timely and in-depth coverage of all crucial developments. As the podcast itself proclaims, it is the essential listening for anyone involved in or passionate about the pinball industry.