Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a long-time collector, choosing the right pinball machine for sale can feel overwhelming—especially when deciding between Electro-Mechanical (EM) and Solid-State (SS) machines.
At House of Pinball, we’ve been selling and restoring machines for over 12 years. We believe the best purchase is an informed one. That’s why in this post, we’re breaking down the key differences, pros, and cons of EM and SS pinball machines—so you can confidently choose the one that fits your play style, collection, or game room.
🕹️ What’s the Difference Between EM and SS Pinball Machines?
Let’s start with the basics.
🔌 Electro-Mechanical (EM) Machines
- Built: Pre-1978
- Operate with: relays, motors, and mechanical score reels
- No digital displays or sound boards
- Hand-wired with miles of wire under the playfield
💻 Solid-State (SS) Machines
- Built: 1977 and beyond
- Operate with: circuit boards, microprocessors, and digital displays
- Feature advanced sound, lighting, and rules
- More reliable diagnostics and programmable features
⚙️ EM vs. SS: Key Comparison Table
| Feature | Electro-Mechanical | Solid-State |
|---|---|---|
| Release Years | 1930s–1970s | 1977–Today |
| Scoring System | Mechanical Reels | Digital Displays |
| Sound Effects | Bells, Chimes | Synthesized & Music |
| Gameplay Rules | Simple | Deep & Complex |
| Maintenance | Hands-on, Manual | Board-based Diagnostics |
| Availability | Rarer | Widely Available |
| Price Range | $$ | $$$–$$$$ |
🎯 Who Should Choose an EM Pinball Machine?
EM machines are timeless, analog masterpieces. Their simplicity and mechanical beauty appeal to vintage enthusiasts and collectors looking for a tactile, nostalgic experience.
✅ EM is perfect if:
- You love classic titles from Gottlieb, Bally, or Williams
- You appreciate the mechanical engineering and sound of chimes
- You want a straightforward, fast-paced game without deep rules
- You’re comfortable with basic mechanical repairs
🛠️ Fun Fact:
An EM pinball machine is often seen as a piece of working art, with hand-drawn backglass and playfields that bring the golden era of pinball to life.
🚀 Who Should Choose a Solid-State Pinball Machine?
SS machines offer a more modern, feature-rich experience—great for home arcades, game rooms, or serious competitive play.
✅ SS is perfect if:
- You want deep gameplay modes, missions, and objectives
- You enjoy audio, music, and light shows
- You want a machine with self-diagnostics and easier part availability
- You’re looking for popular licensed titles like The Addams Family, Twilight Zone, or newer Stern machines
💡 Bonus:
Many SS machines from the 90s and early 2000s are appreciating in value—making them great collector investments.
💬 Expert Insight: What We Tell Our Customers
When customers ask whether to buy EM or SS, we ask:
- Do you want to play often or occasionally display?
- Are you looking for a collector’s piece or a daily-use machine?
- Are you comfortable doing manual repairs or prefer plug-and-play reliability?
There’s no wrong answer—it’s all about what matters to you.
💰 Price & Maintenance Considerations
EM Machines
- Generally more affordable upfront
- Harder to find parts
- Repairs require a hands-on approach
- Lower electricity usage
SS Machines
- Wider price range, from $2,500 to $10,000+
- More advanced troubleshooting systems
- Easier access to replacement parts and mods
- Higher power draw but more features
🛒 Buying Tip: Always Buy from a Trusted Seller
Whether you’re eyeing a vintage EM machine or a modern SS title, condition matters. At House of Pinball, every machine is:
- ✅ Fully tested & restored by pinball experts
- ✅ Backed with a limited warranty
- ✅ Shipped safely nationwide
- ✅ Available with white-glove installation in select areas
Buying a used pinball machine from an unknown source may save you money upfront—but often leads to costly surprises later.
🔍 Final Verdict: Which Pinball Machine Is Right for You?
Choose Electro-Mechanical (EM) if:
- You love classic, tactile gameplay
- You’re into vintage and restoration
- You want a slice of pinball history
Choose Solid-State (SS) if:
- You want more modes, sounds, and lights
- You prefer modern reliability
- You’re buying for a home arcade or kids
🧠 Our Recommendation for First-Time Buyers
If you’re buying your first pinball machine, we often recommend starting with a Solid-State machine due to its ease of use, reliability, and broader game variety.
But if you’re a purist or collector looking to add a historical gem to your lineup, an EM machine will absolutely delight you.
🛒 Explore Our Curated Collection
Looking for a pinball machine for sale? We’ve got both restored Electro-Mechanical and Solid-State classics available right now:
👉 Browse Our Pinball Machines for Sale »
From early Gottlieb EMs to modern Stern titles, our inventory is hand-selected to offer quality, playability, and long-term value.
🙌 Why Buy from House of Pinball?
- 🎯 12+ Years of Pinball Expertise
- 🔧 Professionally Restored Machines
- 🚚 Nationwide Shipping & Setup
- 💬 Friendly, Honest Buying Advice
- ⭐ Verified Reviews from Real Customers