The month of March has historically been a fertile ground for pinball industry announcements, and the year 2026 proved to be no exception. The latest installment of the Pinball Industry News PINcast, hosted by Martin and Jonathan, meticulously dissects a significant influx of new game reveals, an updated classic, and the highly anticipated reimagining of a beloved title. This comprehensive audio digest provides enthusiasts and professionals alike with a detailed overview of the rapidly evolving pinball landscape, with a particular focus on developments emerging from the recent Texas Pinball Festival (TPF).

Turner Pinball Unveils "Yukon Yeti," a Spiritual Successor to "Whitewater"

One of the most striking surprises of the pre-Texas Pinball Festival period was the clandestine unveiling of Turner Pinball’s third offering: Yukon Yeti. This new machine, designed by the acclaimed Dennis Nordman, is already drawing comparisons to his iconic 1994 creation, Whitewater. While Yukon Yeti shares a thematic kinship with its predecessor, it promises a significant evolution in gameplay and mechanics. Early reports indicate a more intricate shot layout, demanding greater precision and strategic depth from players. A key innovation highlighted is a novel ball climber lock mechanism, suggesting a unique way for players to build multipliers and achieve high scores. Turner Pinball reportedly brought two working prototypes to the Texas Pinball Festival, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the advancements Nordman has brought to this thematic lineage. The success of Whitewater, which sold over 1,300 units and remains a sought-after collector’s item, sets a high bar for Yukon Yeti, but the initial reception suggests it is well-positioned to capture the imagination of the pinball community.

Hexa Pinball Launches "The 3 Musketeers" with European Flair

Simultaneously, Hexa Pinball made a significant announcement of their own, launching their second title, The 3 Musketeers. While their machines were unfortunately delayed in US customs and could not be showcased at the Texas event, the reveal took place in a sophisticated art gallery setting in France, underscoring the company’s international aspirations and a potentially broader artistic vision for their pinball machines. Although official gameplay videos have yet to be released, anticipation is building. Hexa Pinball has committed to making the game available for play at select upcoming shows in the United States, providing a crucial opportunity for the American market to experience this new offering. The previous Hexa Pinball title, The Little Prince, garnered attention for its unique theme and immersive playfield. The strategic decision to debut The 3 Musketeers in France before a wider US rollout could indicate a calculated approach to building international momentum and brand recognition.

American Pinball Revitalizes Classics and Embarks on Ambitious Reimagining Project

The newly revitalized American Pinball is demonstrating a dual focus on honoring pinball history while forging new paths. The company is currently producing a limited run of 100 Houdini machines, each featuring re-artwork. This special edition serves as a poignant commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the master illusionist’s death. Beyond this tribute, American Pinball has officially announced its ambitious project to reimagine classic Williams and Bally titles. The first game slated for this series is none other than the fan-favorite Cirqus Voltaire. This initiative taps into the nostalgia and enduring appeal of these beloved games, while the promise of modern updates and enhancements is likely to excite a new generation of players and collectors alike. The PINcast also touched upon a particularly noteworthy detail regarding a free prize draw for one of the Houdini machines, which, through an unusual turn of events, resulted in two machines being given away. This anecdote, while perhaps minor in the grand scheme of product development, highlights the company’s commitment to engagement and perhaps a touch of unexpected generosity. The implications of this reimagining series are significant, potentially breathing new life into classic IPs and expanding American Pinball’s market share by appealing to both established collectors and newcomers drawn by the familiarity of the original games.

Stern Pinball’s "Pokémon" Makes a Splash at TPF

Stern Pinball’s latest release, Pokémon, made its highly anticipated public debut at the Texas Pinball Festival. Attendees had the opportunity to experience both the Pro and Premium versions of the game, allowing for direct comparison and feedback. Adding to the excitement, the game’s design team delivered a presentation detailing the creative process behind Pokémon. This insight into the development journey, from concept to final product, is invaluable for understanding the design choices and technological innovations integrated into the machine. The Pokémon franchise, with its immense global popularity and multi-generational appeal, represents a strategic powerhouse for Stern Pinball. The success of previous licensed titles, such as Stranger Things and Iron Maiden, demonstrates Stern’s proficiency in translating popular culture into engaging pinball experiences. The presentation at TPF likely provided a platform for the design team to address fan questions and further solidify the game’s appeal within the dedicated Pokémon and pinball communities.

Factory Visits and Culinary Insights: Barrels of Fun, Multimorphic, and "What’s Cooking?"

During their time in Texas, Martin and Jonathan seized the opportunity to conduct insightful factory tours at both Barrels of Fun and Multimorphic. These visits provided an exclusive look into the manufacturing processes and future development strategies of these key industry players. Conversations with David van Es of Barrels of Fun and Gerry Stellenberg of Multimorphic offered valuable perspectives on the current state and future trajectory of the pinball market. Gerry Stellenberg, in particular, was featured as the guest in the latest episode of "What’s Cooking? With…", a segment that combines pinball industry discourse with a more personal touch. Stellenberg shared his favorite dish, offering a glimpse into his life outside the pinball industry, while also delving into the broader business landscape and the latest advancements at Multimorphic. Multimorphic’s innovative approach with its modular "Platform" system, which allows for multiple games to be run on a single cabinet, continues to be a significant talking point. Their commitment to pushing technological boundaries and offering diverse gaming experiences positions them as a forward-thinking entity within the industry.

Texas Pinball Festival: A Hub of Activity and Diverse Announcements

The Texas Pinball Festival served as a veritable epicenter for pinball news throughout March, with numerous other games and developments making headlines. Updates were provided on a range of titles, including Monster League Hockey, Jersey Jack Pinball’s highly anticipated Harry Potter, Winchester Mystery House, and the critically acclaimed Dune. Wonderland Amusements also showcased its second title, adding another contender to the competitive market. The news of the conclusion of Predator sales signifies the end of an era for that particular machine, while ongoing updates on the Deeproot court case continue to be a point of interest and concern for industry observers. The comprehensive coverage of TPF within the PINcast underscores the festival’s importance as a crucial platform for industry reveals, player engagement, and community building. The sheer volume of information presented from this single event highlights the dynamism and rapid pace of innovation currently characterizing the pinball world.

The PINcast: Your Essential Monthly Update

The March 2026 edition of the Pinball News and Pinball Magazine PINcast offers an unparalleled deep dive into these developments and more. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the content by providing direct links to play the March PINcast, access the complete PINcast library, and stream or download episodes via Spotify. This multi-platform accessibility ensures that the PINcast remains a convenient and essential resource for staying informed. The podcast’s consistent delivery of breaking news, in-depth interviews, and industry analysis has solidified its reputation as "the podcast the pinball industry listens to." As the year progresses, with further shows and events on the horizon, Martin and Jonathan’s monthly broadcasts will continue to be the go-to source for anyone seeking to remain fully abreast of the latest happenings in the vibrant and ever-evolving world of pinball. The commitment to regular, comprehensive coverage ensures that enthusiasts can consistently rely on the PINcast to deliver the insights and information they need.