CHICAGO, IL – February 13, 2026 – After a period of anticipation heightened by licensor approvals, Stern Pinball today officially launched its inaugural "cornerstone" title for 2026: a Pokémon pinball game. This momentous release marks the culmination of a development process that saw close collaboration with The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), bringing one of the world’s most beloved entertainment franchises to the realm of pinball. The game’s debut coincides with a significant milestone for the Pokémon brand, as 2026 marks its 30th anniversary, a testament to its enduring global appeal.

The Pokémon universe, a global phenomenon originating from Game Freak in Japan, has captivated audiences for three decades. Its reach extends across video games, mobile applications, comics, films, animated series, and a vast array of merchandise. The franchise’s inception dates back to February 27, 1996, with the release of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Green Version for the Nintendo Game Boy in Japan. Over these thirty years, Pokémon’s journey, much like the ebb and flow of pinball popularity, has experienced periods of immense growth and subsequent shifts in cultural relevance. The brand experienced a surge in global popularity up until 2000, followed by a gradual decline. It wasn’t until the revolutionary launch of the augmented reality mobile game, Pokémon GO, in 2016 that the franchise recaptured its previous peak of worldwide recognition.

Stern Pinball’s new Pokémon machine draws its thematic inspiration from the iconic animated television series, a decision overseen by The Pokémon Company International, a consolidated entity formed from the merger of Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK, and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington.

The unveiling of the game was preceded by an exclusive preview for distributors on Tuesday, followed by a dedicated media event held the subsequent day at Stern Pinball’s factory in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, a suburb on the outskirts of Chicago. This event provided an in-depth look at the game’s design and mechanics. Lead game designers Jack Danger and George Gomez shared insights into the creative process, detailing the integration of the Pokémon theme into the pinball experience. Tanio Klyce, the software lead, offered a comprehensive overview of the game’s current ruleset and outlined planned future updates, signaling a commitment to ongoing player engagement.

A Meticulous Licensing Journey

The development process for the Pokémon pinball machine was characterized by a stringent and meticulous approval process from the licensor. In a notable first for Stern Pinball, the entirety of the cabinet, backbox, translite, and playfield artwork was crafted by TPCi’s in-house art team. While TPCi maintained tight creative control, Stern Pinball made specific, approved modifications to accommodate the unique demands of pinball game design. This collaborative yet closely monitored approach undoubtedly contributed to a slight delay in the game’s launch, pushing it beyond Stern’s typical early-January release window, strategically aligning it with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). According to George Gomez and Jack Danger, representatives from TPCi viewed a physical iteration of the game for the very first time only earlier in the week of the media event. The machines present at the media day prominently displayed "Pending licensor approval" on their LCD screens, underscoring the rigorous final checks.

While 2026 represents the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, with numerous global celebrations planned, the Stern Pinball team was keen to clarify that this specific machine is, in fact, the designated 30th-anniversary model, dispelling any notions of a separate future anniversary edition.

A Trio of Trainer-Ready Machines

As a "cornerstone" title, Stern Pinball has released the Pokémon game in three distinct models: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE). The Limited Edition, a collector’s item, is capped at a production run of 750 individually numbered units worldwide.

The Pro Model: The Foundational Trainer Experience

The Pro model serves as the entry point for aspiring Pokémon trainers, offering the core gameplay experience. Its exterior features vibrant artwork representative of the Pokémon world, designed to be instantly recognizable to fans. The translite and speaker panel showcase iconic Pokémon imagery, setting the stage for the adventure.

The Premium Model: Enhanced Immersion for Dedicated Trainers

Stepping up, the Premium model offers an enhanced visual and interactive experience. While sharing the core playfield mechanics with the Limited Edition, it distinguishes itself with certain aesthetic and functional upgrades, providing a more immersive journey for dedicated players.

The Limited Edition: The Ultimate Pokémon Master’s Pinball

The Limited Edition represents the pinnacle of the Pokémon pinball experience, boasting the most comprehensive feature set. This model includes exclusive enhancements, such as the sophisticated Expression Lighting System and Speaker Expression Lighting System, which synchronize with the gameplay to create a dynamic visual and auditory spectacle. The LE also features a full-color mirrored backglass, premium cabinet decals, custom armor, an autographed bottom arch, an upgraded audio system, anti-reflection playfield glass, a shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a signed Certificate of Authenticity. Its pièce de résistance for collectors is the custom Pokeball shooter knob.

A Deep Dive into the Playfield and Ruleset

The gameplay mechanics are designed to immerse players in the core Pokémon experience of discovery, training, and battling. The game features four distinct "biomes" within the pinball playfield: Desert, Forest, Lake, and Mountain. The overarching goal is to traverse these biomes, engaging in battles against rival trainers. This journey involves discovering Pokémon, capturing them using a lit Pokeball target, training them, and ultimately sending them into battle. Certain Pokémon are exclusive to specific biomes, encouraging exploration and strategic play.

Players begin their adventure in the Forest biome with Bulbasaur as their starter Pokémon. Through strategic shooting and hitting lit shots, players can change their starting Pokémon to popular choices like Squirtle, Pikachu, or Charmander. The game incorporates a combo system, where successfully making lit combo shots awards players with a Poké Ball, collected at the Pokedex captive ball. Eight secret combos are also integrated into the game, each initiating an Eevee evolution sequence, allowing players to add Eevee to their team.

Key character shots are strategically placed on the playfield, representing Squirtle, Charmander, Pikachu, and Bulbasaur. Hitting a character’s corresponding shot three times triggers their unique mode, adding a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay.

The nefarious organization Team Rocket plays a significant role in the game’s narrative and objectives. Their area, marked by an "R" symbol, is situated at the top-center of the playfield. Spelling out B-A-T-T-L-E triggers the appearance of the iconic Meowth balloon. Successfully shooting the balloon multiple times initiates a multiball mode. Currently, the game features one Team Rocket multiball, with plans for two additional multiball modes and a mini-wizard mode in future software updates. Achieving victory in battles across all four biomes qualifies players for the ultimate challenge: the Pokémon Arena mode.

The feature matrix provided by Stern Pinball clearly delineates the differences between the Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models, detailing which gameplay elements and enhancements are included in each tier. This allows potential buyers to make informed decisions based on their desired level of engagement and collectibility.

Official Statements and Industry Reactions

Stern Pinball’s President & CEO, Seth Davis, expressed his enthusiasm for the release: "Today we’re proud to finally deliver the long-awaited Pokémon by Stern Pinball machine. This game is a true celebration of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and the enduring adventure of Pokémon – brought to life in a whole new way through immersive pinball gameplay, thrilling battles and the timeless excitement of catching Pokémon."

The collaboration with The Pokémon Company International highlights the growing trend of major entertainment IPs being translated into the pinball format, a testament to the enduring appeal and broad demographic reach of both franchises. The meticulous attention to detail, from the inclusion of original animated series clips and custom voiceovers for iconic characters like Pikachu and Giovanni, to the integration of the beloved "Pokémon Theme" song, underscores Stern Pinball’s commitment to honoring the source material while delivering a high-quality pinball experience.

Furthermore, the integration of Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected platform promises to enhance player engagement significantly. This system allows players to track their in-game Pokémon captures, earn achievements, and connect with a global community of pinball enthusiasts, further extending the game’s longevity and replayability.

Pricing and Availability

The Pokémon by Stern Pinball machines are available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers worldwide. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and Recommended Retail Price (RRP) for the three models are as follows:

• Pro Edition: $US 6,999 (RRP: €6,699.00; £5,799.00)
• Premium Edition: $US 9,699 (RRP: €8,749.00; £7,599.00)
• Limited Edition: $US 12,999 (RRP: €11,999.00; £10,499.00)

All Stern Pinball games are backed by a one-year warranty, ensuring commercial-quality reliability.

The launch of the Pokémon pinball machine represents a significant moment for both Stern Pinball and the broader pinball industry, demonstrating the continued innovation and creative partnerships that drive the evolution of this classic entertainment medium. As players embark on their pinball journey to become the ultimate Pokémon Master, the silver ball promises to deliver an adventure as exciting and enduring as the franchise itself.