Pedretti Gaming has officially unveiled its highly anticipated remake of the classic Williams/Bally title, "Tales of the Arabian Nights." This announcement marks a significant moment for pinball enthusiasts, bringing a beloved 1996 machine back into production with modern enhancements and two distinct collector-focused editions. The remake leverages the robust FAST Pinball electronics system, promising enhanced performance and compatibility with contemporary pinball technology.

A Return to Magic: Two Editions for Discerning Collectors

The "Tales of the Arabian Nights Remake" will be offered in two meticulously crafted models, catering to different collector preferences and budgets. The Legacy Edition, priced at $10,995 USD, aims to preserve the authentic aesthetic of the original game, featuring its iconic artwork. Complementing this is the 30th Anniversary Edition, available for $11,995 USD, which boasts a completely new visual experience. This premium edition showcases a fresh cabinet, playfield, and backbox artwork package curated by the renowned artist Brian Allen of Flyland Designs.

Both editions are distinguished by stylish metal trim. The Legacy Edition features a sophisticated "Night Sky" black speckled finish, while the 30th Anniversary Edition offers a striking "Purple Glitter" effect, adding a touch of opulence. These visual distinctions underscore the differing philosophies behind each model: one celebrating fidelity to the past, the other embracing a modern artistic interpretation.

Technological Advancements and Enhanced Gameplay

Beyond the aesthetic variations, both remake models incorporate significant technological upgrades over the original Williams machine. A central feature is the upgrade to a full-color display, replacing the monochromatic DMD of the 1996 original. This allows for richer visual storytelling and more dynamic animations. The inclusion of illuminated speakers and interior cabinet artwork further enhances the immersive experience. A notable addition is the illuminated back panel, along with targeted lighting for the genie and magic lamp, bringing the game’s thematic elements to life with vibrant illumination.

Connectivity is another key advancement. Both models are equipped with both cable and Wi-Fi capabilities, facilitating seamless software updates. This ensures that players can benefit from ongoing improvements, bug fixes, and potential new features developed by Pedretti Gaming and their software partners.

The remake also introduces a new V1.5 ruleset, developed in collaboration with Athyrio Games, led by Sam Zehr. While the core gameplay mechanics of the original "Tales of the Arabian Nights" remain intact to preserve its beloved charm, the V1.5 code introduces several enhancements. These include new colorized DMD animations that synchronize with the updated lighting effects, creating a more cohesive and visually engaging experience. The original V1.0 code will also be available, allowing purists to enjoy the game exactly as it was originally released.

Furthermore, the remake integrates the Scorbit scoring and achievements system as a standard feature. This allows players to track their scores online, compete with others globally, and unlock achievements, adding a modern layer of engagement and replayability.

A Deep Dive into the Editions

The Legacy Edition:
This edition is designed for those who cherish the original "Tales of the Arabian Nights" experience. It faithfully reproduces the artwork of the 1996 game, ensuring that the nostalgic visual appeal remains paramount. The "Night Sky" finish on the metal trim provides a classic yet refined look. Images released showcase the familiar and beloved playfield, promising an authentic reproduction for dedicated fans. The initial production run for the Legacy Edition is planned for 500 units, though it is not strictly limited and could be re-run based on demand.

The 30th Anniversary Edition:
Representing a bold reimagining, the 30th Anniversary Edition stands out with its completely new artwork package. Brian Allen’s distinctive artistic style, brought to life by his company Flyland Designs, graces the cabinet, playfield, and translite. This edition also features a unique "Purple Glitter" finish on its metal trim, offering a more vibrant and contemporary aesthetic. The visual overhaul extends to the backbox, which features new artwork designed to capture attention. This edition is strictly limited to 399 units worldwide, making it a highly collectible item.

Technical Specifications and Production Details

Both remake models are built upon the FAST Pinball electronics system, a choice that signifies a commitment to reliability and future-proofing. This system provides advanced control over lighting, sound, and mechanical components, enabling the sophisticated features implemented in the remake. The integration of full RGB lighting throughout the machines allows for dynamic and immersive visual effects that respond to gameplay.

The software development for this remake was undertaken by Athyrio Games, a company known for its expertise in pinball software. Their work on the V1.5 code has focused on enhancing the visual presentation and player experience without altering the fundamental gameplay that made the original so popular. The inclusion of online connectivity via cable or Wi-Fi is a significant advantage, enabling straightforward software updates and the integration of online scoring platforms like Scorbit.

Production of the "Tales of the Arabian Nights Remake" will take place in Italy at the Euro Pinball Corporation manufacturing facility, a venture in partnership with Pinball Brothers. This collaboration leverages established manufacturing capabilities within the European pinball industry.

Pricing and Availability

The pricing reflects the premium nature of these collector’s items. The Legacy Edition is listed at $10,995 USD, with European distributors offering it at approximately £9,495 (inc. VAT) and €11,600 (inc. VAT). The 30th Anniversary Edition is priced at $11,995 USD, with European pricing around £10,295 (inc. VAT) and €11,999 (inc. VAT).

Distributors are currently accepting deposits, indicating strong initial interest. However, the exact start date for production has not yet been confirmed, suggesting that anticipation is building among potential buyers. The limited production numbers for both editions, particularly the strict cap of 399 units for the Anniversary Edition, underscore their exclusivity.

Background and Industry Context

Pedretti Gaming has established itself as a key player in the pinball industry through its work on various remake projects and proprietary parts manufacturing. Their collaboration with Planetary Pinball Supply Inc. (PPS), the exclusive license holder for Williams/Bally games, parts, and merchandise, is crucial. PPS’s role in facilitating these remakes ensures that they are produced with the necessary intellectual property rights and a deep understanding of the original games.

The "Tales of the Arabian Nights" original, released by Williams in 1996, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and engaging pinball machines of its era. Designed by Joe Balcer, with artwork by Kevin O’Connor, it was celebrated for its unique gameplay elements, including the spinning genie lamp and the story-driven objectives. Its enduring popularity has created a strong market demand for high-quality reproductions.

The trend of remaking classic pinball machines has gained momentum in recent years, driven by a passionate collector base eager to own iconic games that are often scarce and expensive on the secondary market. Companies like Pedretti Gaming, supported by licensing partners like PPS, are instrumental in meeting this demand, breathing new life into beloved titles while incorporating modern technology and gameplay enhancements.

Official Announcement and Future Outlook

Pedretti Gaming’s official announcement, dated June 15, 2026, highlights the collaborative effort involved. The press release emphasizes the partnership with Planetary Pinball Supply Inc. (PPS) and the dedication of Athyrio Games to enhancing the game’s atmosphere and visual presentation. The announcement details the new DMD animations, immersive RGB lighting, and the integration of the Scorbit system, painting a comprehensive picture of the remake’s features.

The statement also provides context on Pedretti Gaming’s history, dating back to 1976 with arcade games and jukeboxes, and their subsequent decade-long collaboration in the pinball industry. Planetary Pinball Supply Inc.’s role as the exclusive license holder further solidifies the legitimacy and authenticity of these remakes.

As production timelines and further details emerge, the "Tales of the Arabian Nights Remake" is poised to be a highly sought-after addition to collections worldwide. The availability of two distinct editions ensures that a wider range of collectors can participate in reliving the magic of this iconic pinball machine, enhanced for a new generation of players. Pinball News will continue to provide updates on this exciting release, including insights from their monthly PINcast.