The pinball industry is experiencing a significant wave of déjà vu this May 2026, as the latest edition of the Pinball Industry News (PIN) PINcast, hosted by Martin and Jonathan, reveals a month marked by the highly anticipated return of three iconic pinball titles in entirely new iterations. Beyond these nostalgic revivals, the episode also delves into strategic shifts in distribution, burgeoning new ventures, and insightful discussions from industry luminaries, painting a vibrant picture of the current and future landscape of the pinball world.

Stern Pinball Reimagines a Classic with Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye

A prominent highlight of the May PINcast is the unveiling of Stern Pinball’s latest offering: Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye. This marks a significant return for the beloved Autobots and Decepticons to the Stern Pinball lineup, fifteen years after the company’s inaugural Transformers-themed pinball machine. Martin had the distinct opportunity to experience this new iteration firsthand at a recent trade event held in London. His impressions, coupled with exclusive insights from Stern Pinball’s leadership, Gary Stern and John Buscaglia, are a central focus of the discussion.

The strategic decision behind reintroducing Transformers is multifaceted. Industry analysts suggest that leveraging established, popular intellectual property (IP) is a proven method for generating immediate consumer interest and driving sales, particularly in a competitive market. The enduring appeal of the Transformers franchise, spanning decades and multiple generations of fans, provides a robust foundation for a new pinball machine. Furthermore, Gary Stern and John Buscaglia’s discussions with Martin reportedly touched upon Stern Pinball’s forward-looking strategy to potentially reduce pricing and stimulate sales through significant adjustments to their European distribution network. This move indicates a proactive approach to expanding market reach and accessibility for their products across the Atlantic, a region known for its passionate pinball community and evolving retail dynamics. The potential implications of these distribution changes could lead to more competitive pricing in Europe, making premium pinball experiences more attainable for a wider audience and fostering increased engagement with the Stern Pinball brand.

Wonderland Amusement Revives Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with "World of TMNT: Battle in the Sewer"

Shifting gears from intergalactic robots to heroic reptiles, Wonderland Amusement is making waves with the reintroduction of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the pinball arena. Preorders have officially opened for their ambitious new title, World of TMNT: Battle in the Sewer. This revival taps into another deeply cherished and long-standing franchise, promising to captivate fans old and new.

The PINcast details reveal that Wonderland Amusement is offering two distinct versions of the World of TMNT: Battle in the Sewer machine, catering to different collector preferences and budget levels. A particularly attractive incentive for early adopters is the availability of discounts for buyers who are also patrons of the company’s inaugural pinball release. This strategy aims to reward loyal customers and build momentum for Wonderland Amusement as a growing force in the pinball manufacturing sector. Beyond the pricing structure, the episode provides crucial information regarding the game’s innovative features and estimated shipping timelines. The anticipation surrounding this release is palpable, with many in the industry eager to see how Wonderland Amusement will translate the vibrant world and dynamic action of the TMNT into a compelling pinball experience. The success of this venture could pave the way for further IP-driven projects from emerging manufacturers.

Pedretti Gaming Confirms "Tales of the Arabian Nights" Remake, Hints at Previous Project Challenges

The trend of beloved classics receiving a modern pinball makeover continues with Pedretti Gaming, who have officially confirmed their next remake project: the legendary Tales of the Arabian Nights. This announcement is met with considerable excitement, as Tales of the Arabian Nights is widely regarded as a landmark title in pinball history, celebrated for its immersive theme, innovative gameplay, and captivating artwork.

The PINcast discussion also alluded to another remake title that Pedretti Gaming had been developing prior to the Tales of the Arabian Nights confirmation. However, it was revealed that this particular project encountered significant obstacles, leading to its eventual shelving. While the specifics of these challenges were not fully detailed, such setbacks are not uncommon in the complex world of pinball manufacturing. They can range from licensing issues and design complexities to unforeseen production hurdles. The mention of this past difficulty underscores the rigorous development process involved in bringing a remake to market and highlights Pedretti Gaming’s perseverance in delivering high-quality reproductions of classic machines. The confirmation of Tales of the Arabian Nights signals Pedretti Gaming’s commitment to honoring pinball heritage while employing modern manufacturing techniques to ensure the longevity and playability of these cherished games. The market for high-quality remakes remains strong, indicating a continued demand for these nostalgic yet accessible pinball experiences.

A Glimpse into the Austrian Pinball Festival and Industry Insights

Adding another layer of depth to the May PINcast, Martin’s attendance at the inaugural Austrian Pinball Festival provides a fascinating look into a growing regional hub for pinball enthusiasts and professionals. During his visit, Martin not only hosted a prize quiz, engaging the festival-goers, but also recorded several key talks delivered by prominent figures in the pinball design and development community.

Among the featured speakers were Eric Meunier, the acclaimed designer behind the immensely popular Harry Potter pinball machine, and Alice Lemoine from Hexa Pinball. Their presentations likely offered valuable insights into the creative processes, design philosophies, and future directions of their respective companies. Furthermore, the festival provided a platform for homebrew evangelists Aaron Davis of FAST Pinball and Brian Savage of Mission Pinball Framework (MPF). Their participation underscores the vital role of open-source software and community-driven development in the modern pinball ecosystem. FAST Pinball and MPF are instrumental in empowering independent designers and manufacturers to create unique and innovative pinball experiences, fostering a more diverse and dynamic industry. The recordings from these sessions are made available through the PINcast, allowing listeners worldwide to benefit from the expertise and perspectives shared at this significant event. The success of the Austrian Pinball Festival suggests a growing global interest in pinball and the potential for such events to become key networking and knowledge-sharing platforms.

Culinary Delights and Licensing Opportunities

Adding a touch of personal flair to the industry news, Eric Meunier, the Harry Potter pinball designer, also shared his personal favorite recipe. This segment, part of the recurring "What’s Cooking? with…" feature on the PINcast, offers a glimpse into the personalities behind the machines, humanizing the industry and fostering a sense of community.

The May 2026 PINcast also covered the Licensing Expo held in Las Vegas, a crucial event for the entertainment and media industries. Representatives from numerous pinball companies were in attendance, actively exploring potential new game themes and intellectual property acquisitions. The Licensing Expo serves as a vital marketplace for securing the rights to popular characters, movies, TV shows, and other franchises that can be translated into compelling pinball experiences. This strategic pursuit of new IPs is essential for manufacturers looking to stay relevant and attract a broad audience. The discussions at the Expo could very well shape the pinball themes we see on the market in the coming years, indicating a continued reliance on established entertainment properties to drive innovation and sales.

Anticipating Future Releases and Production Updates

Looking ahead, the PINcast provides a tantalizing preview of upcoming releases. Notably, there is a look towards the impending launch of a new game from industry veteran Steve Ritchie at Jersey Jack Pinball. Details regarding where enthusiasts might have the opportunity to play this new machine are also discussed, fueling anticipation within the community. Jersey Jack Pinball is known for its high-quality, feature-rich machines, and any new release from their camp is met with significant industry and consumer interest.

Furthermore, the episode offers crucial production updates from a range of manufacturers, including American and Dutch Pinball. These updates are vital for distributors, operators, and collectors who rely on timely and accurate information regarding the availability and production status of various pinball machines. Such transparency is key to managing expectations and ensuring the smooth flow of products through the supply chain. The ongoing production and development efforts from these companies underscore the resilience and continued growth of the pinball manufacturing sector.

The Pinball Industry’s Essential Audio Update

In conclusion, the May 2026 edition of the Pinball Magazine and Pinball News PINcast offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of the pinball industry. From the exciting returns of beloved franchises like Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to the strategic business decisions being made by major manufacturers, and the insights shared from industry professionals at events like the Austrian Pinball Festival, the episode provides invaluable information for anyone interested in the world of pinball. The inclusion of a look ahead to future releases and production updates further solidifies the PINcast’s position as an indispensable resource for staying informed. Martin and Jonathan’s monthly discussions serve as the definitive audio update for the pinball industry, ensuring that listeners are not only up-to-date on current happenings but also well-prepared for the exciting developments on the horizon. The podcast consistently delivers on its promise to be "the podcast the pinball industry listens to," offering a unique blend of news, analysis, and insider perspectives.

Listeners can access this month’s PINcast directly via the provided audio player or explore the extensive PINcast library for past editions. For those seeking broader accessibility, the Pinball Industry News PINcast is also available on Spotify, where users can stream, download, and subscribe to receive automatic notifications for future episodes.