What These Disasters Teach Us About Buying the Right Machine Today
Pinball has a rich, exciting history—but it’s not all high scores and jackpots. Behind every legendary machine are a few that nearly tanked entire companies.
From overly ambitious designs to massive licensing costs and production flops, these are the 10 pinball machines that almost bankrupted their manufacturers. More importantly, they offer timeless lessons on what not to do when building—or buying—a pinball machine.
At House of Pinball, we believe in transparency and informed buying. Understanding the industry’s biggest missteps will help you make smarter decisions when shopping for your next pinball machine for sale.
💥 1. Magic Girl (Zidware, 2016)
Company Impact: Crushed Zidware’s credibility
What Happened: Marketed as a high-end boutique machine, Magic Girl was years late and shipped incomplete. Backers paid over $16,000 and received games that couldn’t function properly.
Lesson: Overpromising and underdelivering—even with a brilliant designer like John Popadiuk—can destroy trust.
🚀 2. Orbitor 1 (Stern Electronics, 1982)
Company Impact: A costly gimmick in a competitive downturn
What Happened: Orbitor 1 used a 3D molded playfield—an innovative idea that turned out to be hard to play and harder to repair.
Lesson: Innovation must enhance gameplay, not confuse players.
🎩 3. The Pinball Circus (Bally, 1994 – Prototype Only)
Company Impact: Swallowed R&D costs with no return
What Happened: This vertical pinball machine was a bold experiment, but never went into full production. Only 2 prototypes exist.
Lesson: Great ideas need to be practical, scalable, and serviceable.
🛸 4. 24 (Stern, 2009)
Company Impact: Low sales during a licensing spree
What Happened: Released during a tough economic climate, 24 relied heavily on a TV show license but failed to excite players or collectors.
Lesson: Licensing doesn’t guarantee success. Gameplay must come first.
🧟 5. The Walking Dead Premium (Stern, 2014 – Initial Release)
Company Impact: Hurt Stern’s momentum temporarily
What Happened: Rushed code and polarizing artwork initially tanked reviews, affecting early sales. Updates later redeemed it.
Lesson: Software and artwork matter. First impressions last.
🔧 6. Big Bang Bar (Capcom, 1996)
Company Impact: Capcom shut down pinball division before mass production
What Happened: Although now highly collectible, Capcom’s pinball division folded before full release. Only ~14 were made originally.
Lesson: Even a great machine can’t save a company if the timing (and economics) are wrong.
👑 7. King Kong (Data East, 1990s – Prototype)
Company Impact: Lost licensing battle, wasted investment
What Happened: Developed but never released due to licensing issues. The cost sunk resources without ROI.
Lesson: Legal clarity is essential in licensed themes. Choose wisely.
🎮 8. NBA (Stern, 2009)
Company Impact: Poor sales, niche appeal
What Happened: Released during a sports licensing push, this machine had limited gameplay variety and failed to connect with players.
Lesson: Niche themes must still offer strong universal gameplay.
🧙♂️ 9. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter (Unreleased)
Company Impact: Multiple manufacturers lost licensing bids
What Happened: Despite years of hype, no manufacturer could land the rights at a feasible cost. The effort drained budgets and diverted attention.
Lesson: Don’t chase unviable licenses—even when demand is high.
🪙 10. Star Wars Episode I (Williams, 1999 – Pinball 2000 Series)
Company Impact: Led to Williams exiting the pinball industry
What Happened: Despite strong branding, the Pinball 2000 platform didn’t catch on. Star Wars Episode I sold poorly and helped end Williams’ legendary pinball era.
Lesson: Even big brands need compelling gameplay. Innovation without fun is just risk.
🧠 What Today’s Buyers Can Learn from Yesterday’s Mistakes
Buying a pinball machine isn’t just about theme or artwork—it’s about longevity, playability, and future-proofing. Here’s how to apply these lessons when browsing pinball machines for sale:
| Lesson from History | Smart Buying Tip |
|---|---|
| Don’t buy on hype alone | Play it first (or watch trusted gameplay reviews) |
| Beware of unsupported machines | Stick with brands like Stern, JJP, Spooky, CGC |
| Make sure the code is complete | Ask about firmware updates & software maturity |
| Limited editions ≠ guaranteed value | Choose LE models with strong community love |
| Don’t overpay for unlicensed novelty | Look for machines with timeless themes and depth |
🛒 Buy the Right Machine, Not the Flashiest One
At House of Pinball, we vet every pinball machine we list—new or used. When you shop with us, you’re not just getting a machine, you’re getting:
- ✅ Trusted guidance
- ✅ Condition-verified units
- ✅ Transparent pricing
- ✅ Access to high-value titles that won’t bankrupt you
- ✅ Support for mods and upgrades
👉 🎯 Browse All Pinball Machines for Sale
🧩 Machines We Recommend in 2025
Skip the hype. These titles are backed by gameplay, reliability, and resale value:
- Godzilla (Stern, 2021) – Best-in-class gameplay
- Deadpool (Stern, 2018) – Humor + depth
- Foo Fighters (Stern, 2023) – Fast, flowy, and fun
- Monster Bash Remake (CGC) – Vintage meets modern
- Pirates of the Caribbean (JJP) – Expensive, but worth it
👉 View Top-Rated Machines in Stock Now
🎯 Final Thought: Buy Smart, Play Forever
Pinball is a game of risk, timing, and strategy—and buying one is no different. Learn from the industry’s past mistakes and choose a machine that offers both fun today and value tomorrow.
At House of Pinball, we combine historical knowledge with real-world gameplay testing to help you buy the machine that’s right for you—not just the most talked-about title.