The pinball industry is experiencing a pronounced sense of déjà vu this May 2026, as the latest edition of the Pinball Industry News PINcast, hosted by Martin and Jonathan, reveals the highly anticipated return of three beloved pinball titles in entirely new iterations. This wave of nostalgic reboots, coupled with significant industry developments, paints a vibrant picture of the current state and future trajectory of the pinball world.

Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Roars Back onto the Scene

Fifteen years after Stern Pinball first unleashed the epic saga of the Autobots and Decepticons onto the pinball playfield, the iconic franchise is making a triumphant return. The new Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye game promises to reignite the passion of fans with a fresh take on the beloved characters and storyline. Martin, who had the exclusive opportunity to play the machine at a recent trade event in London, shared his initial impressions. Beyond the gameplay experience, the PINcast featured insightful conversations with industry titans Gary Stern and John Buscaglia of Stern Pinball. These discussions delved into the company’s strategic initiatives aimed at making pinball more accessible and affordable, particularly in the European market. Stern Pinball is reportedly exploring significant adjustments to its European distribution network, a move that could potentially lead to reduced prices and a subsequent boost in sales across the continent. This strategic pivot underscores Stern’s commitment to expanding its global reach and catering to a broader customer base in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape. The implications of these distribution changes could be far-reaching, potentially setting new benchmarks for international pricing and accessibility in the pinball manufacturing sector.

Wonderland Amusement Revives Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for a New Generation

From the battlefields of Cybertron to the sewers of New York City, Wonderland Amusement is bringing another cherished franchise back to the forefront of pinball with their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: World of TMNT: Battle in the Sewer. Preorders for this exciting new title have officially opened, offering enthusiasts a chance to secure their piece of this nostalgic revival. The game will be available in two distinct versions, catering to different player preferences and collector desires. Wonderland Amusement is also extending attractive discounts to early adopters who were part of the company’s inaugural release, fostering a sense of community and rewarding loyal patrons. The PINcast provided an in-depth look at the game’s features, offering tantalizing glimpses into the gameplay mechanics, artwork, and unique modes that will define this latest TMNT pinball experience. Furthermore, estimated shipping dates were announced, providing eager players with a timeline for when they can expect to experience the "Battle in the Sewer" firsthand. The resurgence of the TMNT theme in pinball is a testament to its enduring popularity across multiple generations, and this new offering from Wonderland Amusement is poised to capture the imagination of both long-time fans and newcomers to the turtle’s lair.

Pedretti Gaming Confirms Tales of the Arabian Nights Remake, Hints at Past Challenges

Adding to the wave of familiar faces making a comeback, Pedretti Gaming has officially confirmed that their next remake project will be the critically acclaimed Tales of the Arabian Nights. This announcement is met with considerable excitement within the pinball community, as the original game is widely regarded as a masterpiece of its era, celebrated for its rich theme, innovative gameplay, and engaging storytelling. Pedretti Gaming’s commitment to meticulously recreating beloved classics has garnered them a strong reputation, and this latest venture is expected to uphold those high standards. The PINcast also alluded to another remake title that Pedretti Gaming had been developing prior to this confirmation. While details remain scarce, it was revealed that this particular project encountered significant hurdles, leading to its eventual shelving. The revelation, while perhaps disappointing for fans of that unannounced title, highlights the complex and often challenging nature of modern pinball manufacturing and licensing. The success of the Tales of the Arabian Nights remake will undoubtedly be closely watched, serving as a crucial indicator of the market’s appetite for meticulously produced retro-themed machines.

Austrian Pinball Festival: A Hub for Innovation and Community Engagement

The month of May also saw Martin’s attendance at the inaugural Austrian Pinball Festival, an event that quickly established itself as a significant gathering for pinball enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Beyond hosting a keenly contested prize quiz, Martin had the privilege of recording insightful talks delivered by some of the most influential figures in modern pinball design and development. Among the featured speakers were Eric Meunier, the visionary designer behind the highly successful Harry Potter pinball machine; Alice Lemoine from Hexa Pinball, offering perspectives on emerging trends and technologies; and the esteemed homebrew evangelists Aaron Davis of FAST Pinball and Brian Savage of Mission Pinball Framework fame. Their presentations provided valuable insights into the creative processes, technical challenges, and future directions of pinball game development. For those who missed the live event, the PINcast offers an opportunity to catch these captivating discussions and learn where these innovators and their creations might be showcased next. The success of this first Austrian Pinball Festival bodes well for its future, suggesting a growing demand for regional events that foster community and celebrate the artistry of pinball.

Culinary Delights and Industry Insights: What’s Cooking with Eric Meunier?

Adding a unique personal touch to the industry news, Eric Meunier, renowned for his design prowess, also took time out from the Austrian Pinball Festival to share a special recipe. This culinary interlude, featured in the latest installment of the recurring segment "What’s Cooking? with…", offers a glimpse into the lives and interests of the people behind the machines, demonstrating that the passion for pinball extends beyond the arcade floor. This segment, a popular feature of the PINcast, continues to humanize the industry, connecting the audience with the creative minds in a more intimate way.

Licensing Expo: A Glimpse into Future Themes and Brand Collaborations

The month of May was further punctuated by the annual Licensing Expo held in Las Vegas, a crucial event for many industries seeking to leverage popular intellectual properties. Representatives from several prominent pinball companies were in attendance, actively exploring potential new game themes and licensing opportunities. This strategic presence at the Expo signals a continued emphasis on branded pinball machines, a trend that has proven highly successful in capturing the attention of diverse audiences. The discussions and potential collaborations emerging from this event could shape the thematic landscape of pinball for years to come, indicating a proactive approach by manufacturers to tap into existing fan bases and introduce pinball to new demographics through familiar brands.

Jersey Jack Pinball and Production Updates: Anticipating the Next Big Release

Looking ahead, the PINcast provided an eagerly awaited preview of the upcoming game from industry veteran Steve Ritchie at Jersey Jack Pinball. Details regarding the launch and potential locations where enthusiasts can experience this new machine were shared, building anticipation for what is expected to be another significant release from the acclaimed manufacturer. Furthermore, the episode offered valuable production updates from a range of companies, including American Pinball and Dutch Pinball, shedding light on manufacturing timelines, release schedules, and any potential challenges or advancements in their production pipelines. These updates are vital for distributors, operators, and collectors who rely on accurate information to plan their investments and operations.

The PINcast: Your Essential Source for Pinball Industry News

The May 2026 edition of the Pinball Magazine and Pinball News PINcast delivers a comprehensive overview of the most significant happenings in the pinball world. From the exciting revivals of iconic franchises to strategic industry shifts and the insights of leading designers, the podcast serves as an indispensable resource for anyone passionate about the game. Martin and Jonathan’s monthly broadcasts ensure that listeners remain fully informed about current events and future developments, solidifying the PINcast’s reputation as "the podcast the pinball industry listens to."

Listeners can access this month’s PINcast directly by clicking the provided link or by visiting the extensive PINcast library on the Pinball News website, which houses all previous editions. For those who prefer streaming or downloading episodes, the Pinball Industry News PINcast page on Spotify offers access to the current edition and all 98 previous episodes. Subscribers to the Spotify channel will receive automatic notifications for future installments, ensuring they never miss a beat in the dynamic world of pinball. The continuous flow of news, analysis, and community engagement underscores the vital role the PINcast plays in keeping the global pinball community connected and informed. The sheer volume of content and the depth of coverage in this single month’s episode highlight the robust health and vibrant future of the pinball industry.