Whether you’re a total beginner or thinking about buying your first pinball machine for sale, you’ve probably run into words like drop targets, tilt warnings, or Flipper Fidelity and wondered: What does that even mean?
At House of Pinball, we believe informed buyers are confident buyers. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate glossary of pinball terms—so you can navigate the world of pinball with confidence, clarity, and a bit of fun.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only speak the language of pinball, but you’ll also know exactly what to look for when shopping for your first or next machine.
🕹️ Why This Glossary Matters (Especially If You’re Buying a Pinball Machine)
Understanding pinball terms helps you:
- ✅ Choose the right machine for your needs
- ✅ Spot real value vs. hype in online listings
- ✅ Communicate clearly with sellers or repair techs
- ✅ Avoid costly mistakes as a first-time buyer
- ✅ Appreciate the design and engineering behind your game
So, let’s get into the essential terms every buyer should know 👇
📖 The A-to-Z Pinball Glossary (With Buyer Context)
A – Auto-Plunger
An automatic device that launches the ball into play, replacing the traditional plunger. Common in modern machines.
🛒 Good to know: Great for beginners who want consistent ball launches.
B – Backglass
The artwork panel on the back of the machine. Can be illuminated and highly collectible.
🛒 Collector tip: Machines with original backglass in good condition hold better resale value.
C – Coin Door
The front-access door where coins are inserted. Most home-use machines can be set to free play.
🛒 Buyer tip: Ensure it’s in good shape; replacement parts can be pricey.
D – Drop Target
A target that drops into the playfield when hit, often part of a scoring objective.
🛒 Gameplay bonus: Adds skill-based depth—great for competitive or advanced play.
E – Extra Ball
Earned through skillful play. Gives you another chance before the game ends.
🎯 Look for this in rule sets if you’re a beginner—it adds longer playtime.
F – Flippers
The most iconic part of pinball. Used to keep the ball in play and aim for targets.
🛒 Pro tip: Weak flippers = worn-out parts. Ask if they’ve been rebuilt.
F – Flipper Fidelity
A popular aftermarket audio upgrade for pinball machines, offering premium sound quality.
🛒 Upgrade option: If sound matters to you, ask if a machine includes this.
G – GI (General Illumination)
Lights that illuminate the playfield, not tied to gameplay events.
💡 Poor GI? Machine might look dim—ask about LED conversions for better brightness.
H – High Score
The top score stored on the machine. Often resets after power loss unless battery-backed.
📈 Tip: NVRAM upgrades help save scores even when powered off.
I – Inlane/Outlane
The lanes near the flippers—inlane feeds the ball to flippers; outlane drains it.
🎯 Wide outlanes = tougher gameplay. Ask if they’re adjustable.
J – Jackpots
Big bonus points usually awarded during multiball or special modes.
🛒 Fun factor: Look for games with satisfying jackpot animations or sounds.
K – Kickback
A feature that “kicks” the ball back into play from the outlane.
🛡️ Great for beginners—saves balls that would normally drain.
L – Lock (Ball Lock)
When a ball is held in place to start multiball.
🎮 If you love multiball chaos, make sure the machine includes ball-lock features.
M – Multiball
When 2+ balls are on the playfield at once. Often a game’s most exciting moment.
🔥 All modern machines include this—it’s a must-have feature for many buyers.
N – Nudge
Physically bumping the machine to influence the ball’s path—within limits.
⚠️ Be careful—too much = TILT.
O – Orbit
A curved shot that sends the ball looping around the top of the playfield.
🎯 Fast orbits = high-speed gameplay. Perfect for adrenaline junkies.
P – Playfield
The main surface of the game, where the ball rolls and the action happens.
🛒 Condition matters: Worn or faded playfields reduce value.
Q – Quick Multiball
A faster version of multiball, often triggered with fewer shots.
⚡ Ideal for casual players looking for quick excitement.
R – Ramps
Elevated tracks the ball rolls up or down—often crucial to game strategy.
🛒 Check for broken or cracked ramps, especially on older machines.
S – Skill Shot
A bonus awarded for a precise action at the start of a ball.
🧠 Great feature for competitive play and scoring depth.
T – Tilt
A sensor that ends your ball if the machine is shaken too hard.
🧭 If you’re a nudger, make sure the tilt is properly adjusted—not too sensitive.
U – Upper Flipper
An additional flipper higher up the playfield. Adds complexity and shot variety.
🛒 More flippers = more fun, especially in multi-level games.
V – Vertical Up-Kicker (VUK)
A device that shoots the ball vertically to another playfield level.
🏗️ Great for space-saving playfield designs with depth.
W – Wizard Mode
A hidden or final mode accessed by completing major game objectives.
🏆 Advanced feature—adds long-term challenge and replayability.
X – Extra Features
Catch-all for things like shaker motors, RGB lighting, and more.
🛒 Ask your seller what “extras” are included or optional.
Y – Yagov Kick
Named after a move in Black Knight 2000, where the ball rebounds unpredictably.
🎯 Just a fun term to know if you’re diving into deeper gameplay strategies.
Z – Zones
Areas of the playfield with different scoring logic or objectives.
📈 A well-designed zone system makes games feel layered and interesting.
🛒 How This Glossary Helps You Buy Smarter
Now that you understand the basics, you’ll be better equipped to:
- ✅ Read online listings with clarity
- ✅ Ask smart questions before buying
- ✅ Choose machines with features you’ll actually enjoy
- ✅ Spot high-value machines vs. overpriced ones
At House of Pinball, we don’t just sell machines—we educate and support our customers so they buy with total confidence.