Following a dynamic period of significant new game launches in March, the pinball industry experienced a more measured pace of activity in April 2026. This month’s installment of the Pinball Industry News PINcast, hosted by Martin and Jonathan, offers a comprehensive overview of the key events and developments that shaped the landscape of pinball. While the fanfare of new hardware may have subsided, April proved to be a period of thoughtful progress, highlighting ongoing innovation, dedicated community engagement, and strategic partnerships. The PINcast navigates these developments, providing listeners with an in-depth look at the industry’s evolving narrative.

Audio Maestros Return: Chris Granner and Adam Grubman Collaborate on "Yukon Yeti"

A notable highlight of April’s pinball news is the return of Chris Granner, a highly respected figure in the realm of pinball audio design, to the creation of sound packages for new games. Granner, whose distinctive sonic contributions have graced numerous iconic machines, has not been involved in developing audio for a new pinball title in thirteen years. This hiatus has now ended with his collaborative work alongside Adam Grubman on Turner Pinball’s upcoming release, "Yukon Yeti." This collaboration signifies a significant moment for fans of Granner’s work, promising a rich and immersive audio experience that is expected to complement the gameplay of "Yukon Yeti." The partnership suggests a renewed focus on the auditory dimension of pinball, a critical element that profoundly impacts player immersion and the overall game experience. The industry will be keenly watching how this veteran audio designer’s expertise, combined with Grubman’s contemporary insights, will shape the soundscape of this new machine.

Cardona Pinball Revitalizes a Classic with "Fish Tales" 2.0 Upgrade

In a move that celebrates and extends the lifespan of beloved pinball machines, Cardona Pinball has unveiled its comprehensive 2.0 upgrade kit for the enduringly popular classic, "Fish Tales." This extensive overhaul, aptly named "Ultimate Fishing Challenge," is designed to breathe new life into the original game, offering players a significantly enhanced and modernized experience. The upgrade kit introduces a suite of new features, including entirely new game rules that promise fresh strategic depths and challenges. Furthermore, it incorporates advanced display technology with new backbox and playfield LCD panels, providing richer visual feedback and dynamic gameplay elements. The sound design has also been updated with new audio assets, and the displays have been revamped to support the new rules and visuals. The visual aesthetic of the game is further elevated with new translite artwork, offering a contemporary look to the classic machine. This initiative by Cardona Pinball underscores a growing trend in the industry towards providing robust upgrade paths for existing machines, allowing operators and collectors to maximize their investments and cater to evolving player expectations without necessitating the purchase of entirely new hardware. The "Ultimate Fishing Challenge" upgrade represents a significant investment in the legacy of "Fish Tales," ensuring its relevance and appeal for years to come.

Stern Pinball Embarks on a Comedic Sponsorship in Key West

Stern Pinball has demonstrated its commitment to diverse marketing and community engagement through a unique sponsorship at Florida’s Key West for the Q-West2 comedy festival. This initiative positions Stern Pinball not merely as a manufacturer of games, but as a "lifestyle sponsor," aligning the brand with entertainment and leisure activities beyond the arcade. The festival saw a dedicated area populated with Stern’s latest pinball machines, offering attendees an interactive entertainment option. A key component of this activation was the hosting of high score tournaments utilizing Stern’s Insider Connected platform. This integration allowed for competitive play and engagement with Stern’s connected ecosystem. Participants in these tournaments were also eligible to earn a unique achievement badge, a digital reward designed to foster engagement and exclusivity within the Insider Connected community. This sponsorship signifies a strategic approach by Stern Pinball to reach new audiences and reinforce its brand presence in non-traditional entertainment venues. By associating with a comedy festival, Stern aims to connect with a demographic that may not be traditional pinball enthusiasts, potentially introducing them to the sport and its modern technological integrations. The success of such activations could pave the way for further cross-industry collaborations, broadening the appeal and accessibility of pinball.

Hexa Pinball’s "The Three Musketeers" Continues European and US Tour

Hexa Pinball’s highly anticipated new title, "The Three Musketeers," has been actively showcased at various European and US shows throughout April, despite not making an appearance at the Texas Pinball Festival. This ongoing tour allows a wider audience to experience the game firsthand, providing valuable feedback and generating significant interest within the pinball community. The game’s consistent presence at industry events underscores Hexa Pinball’s dedication to ensuring broad exposure for its latest creation. The company’s strategy of touring the machine prior to a wider release or alongside major festival appearances allows for direct interaction with potential buyers and enthusiasts. Pinball enthusiasts seeking to experience "The Three Musketeers" are encouraged to consult Hexa Pinball’s official channels for the most up-to-date tour schedule and locations, as the company continues to exhibit the game across various venues. This proactive approach to demonstration and promotion is crucial for building momentum and securing orders in a competitive market.

Jersey Jack Pinball and "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" Forge a Magical Alliance

Jersey Jack Pinball has announced a captivating partnership with the Broadway production of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," further extending the reach of both franchises. In a promotional video, actor Tom Felton, reprising his iconic role as Draco Malfoy, unveiled a specially designed "Harry Potter" themed pinball machine backstage at the theatre. This custom game serves as an exclusive amenity for the cast and crew, offering them a unique entertainment experience during their demanding performance schedules. The collaboration highlights the enduring appeal of the Harry Potter universe and its ability to transcend mediums. By integrating a custom pinball machine into the backstage environment of a major theatrical production, Jersey Jack Pinball is not only engaging with a significant cultural event but also showcasing the immersive and entertaining potential of its products in a high-profile setting. This cross-promotional effort is expected to generate considerable excitement among fans of both Harry Potter and pinball, potentially introducing the latter to a new and enthusiastic audience. The strategic alignment of these two entertainment giants underscores the power of synergistic marketing in capturing public imagination.

Pintastic New England: Jersey Jack Pinball Unveils Future Game Plans

Further details regarding Jersey Jack Pinball’s future game development pipeline were revealed during a panel seminar at the Pintastic New England show. Industry veterans Steve Ritchie and Mark Seiden shared insights into upcoming projects, generating considerable anticipation within the enthusiast community. While specific game titles and themes were not extensively detailed, the discussions provided valuable glimpses into the company’s strategic direction and commitment to innovation. The panel format at a major enthusiast show like Pintastic New England offers a direct channel for communication between manufacturers and their dedicated customer base, fostering transparency and building anticipation. The insights shared by Ritchie and Seiden are likely to inform player expectations and fuel ongoing speculation about the next wave of Jersey Jack Pinball releases. The company’s consistent presence at such events underscores its dedication to engaging with its core audience and soliciting valuable feedback.

Wonderland Amusement’s Continued Growth and Collector Opportunities

Wonderland Amusement is continuing its momentum with details emerging about its second pinball title. Furthermore, the company has released a significant software update for its inaugural game, indicating ongoing support and development for its existing product line. This commitment to post-launch software enhancements is crucial for maintaining player satisfaction and extending the operational lifespan of their machines. In addition to these product updates, Wonderland Amusement is offering collectors a unique opportunity to acquire custom "Monster League Hockey" player jerseys. This merchandise initiative allows fans to connect with the game on a personal level and express their enthusiasm for the brand. Such ancillary products can be a valuable revenue stream and a powerful tool for building brand loyalty and community engagement. The company’s dual focus on developing new titles and supporting existing ones, coupled with engaging merchandise, paints a picture of a growing and customer-centric operation within the pinball industry.

Conclusion: A Month of Substantive Progress in the Pinball World

The April 2026 edition of the Pinball Industry News PINcast, as presented by Martin and Jonathan, encapsulates a period of measured but significant progress within the pinball sector. From the return of audio legend Chris Granner to the strategic marketing efforts of Stern Pinball and the continued innovation from Jersey Jack Pinball and Wonderland Amusement, April was a month that showcased the industry’s resilience, adaptability, and ongoing commitment to delivering engaging experiences for enthusiasts. The PINcast serves as an indispensable resource for staying abreast of these developments, offering detailed analysis and interviews that provide a holistic view of the pinball world. As the year progresses, the PINcast promises to continue its role as a leading source of industry news and insights, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the pinball landscape. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the industry’s stakeholders, from manufacturers and operators to collectors and players, remain informed and connected.