Buying a pinball machine for sale is an exciting investment—but before it arrives at your door, there’s one thing you should know:
👉 How much does a pinball machine weigh?
Pinball machines are heavier than they look. Whether you’re planning to move one into your home, upstairs, or down into a basement game room, understanding its weight is crucial to ensure you have the right help, equipment, and space.
At House of Pinball, we’ve helped hundreds of customers safely transport, install, and enjoy their machines. In this guide, we break down the weights of different types of pinball machines—and what that means for delivery, setup, and ownership.
🏋️♂️ Average Weight of a Pinball Machine
| Type | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Modern Pinball Machine | 250 – 325 lbs (113 – 147 kg) |
| Widebody Pinball Machine | 300 – 350+ lbs (136 – 159 kg) |
| Vintage Electromechanical (EM) Machine | 220 – 280 lbs (100 – 127 kg) |
| Compact/Home-Use Machines | 150 – 220 lbs (68 – 100 kg) |
🔎 Quick Fact: The average modern Stern or Bally/Williams machine weighs about 290–310 lbs fully assembled.
🧩 Why Do Pinball Machines Weigh So Much?
There’s a lot packed inside each cabinet:
- Solid wood cabinet and legs
- Heavy playfield mechanisms (flippers, ramps, bumpers)
- Glass top and metal trim
- Backbox with display, speakers, and boards
- Transformer and power supply
- Dozens of coils, wires, and circuit boards
This complexity makes the game fun—but also heavy.
🧰 Component-by-Component Breakdown
| Part | Estimated Weight |
|---|---|
| Cabinet + Playfield | 180 – 230 lbs |
| Backbox | 60 – 80 lbs |
| Legs (4 total) | 15 – 20 lbs |
| Playfield Glass | 10 – 15 lbs |
💡 Many machines can be broken down for easier transport by removing the legs and folding or detaching the backbox.
🛠️ Does Weight Matter When Buying?
Absolutely. Here’s why:
1. 🚚 Shipping & Delivery Costs
- Heavier machines = higher shipping costs.
- Crated or fully assembled delivery can impact pricing.
- At House of Pinball, we provide flat-rate, insured shipping with weight factored in upfront—no surprises.
2. 🏠 Moving It Into Your Home
- Upstairs? You’ll need 2+ strong movers and a heavy-duty dolly.
- Through narrow hallways? Consider disassembly.
- Basement access? Know the angle and clearance.
3. 🧱 Floor Support
- Most home floors can handle the weight, but if you’re placing it upstairs or on older flooring, double-check with a contractor.
🔄 Widebody vs Standard: What’s the Weight Difference?
Widebody machines (like Twilight Zone, Judge Dredd, or Indiana Jones) are heavier because:
- The cabinet is wider
- The playfield has more mechanical features
- There’s more wood, wiring, and sometimes multiple playfields
| Machine Type | Average Width | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Body | 28″ | ~290 lbs |
| Widebody | 29.5–30″ | ~330+ lbs |
🧠 Tip: If you’re limited by stairs or space, stick to standard bodies.
🎮 Real Examples of Machine Weights
| Machine | Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Deadpool Pro (Stern) | Standard | ~280 lbs |
| Twilight Zone (Bally) | Widebody | ~325 lbs |
| The Addams Family (Bally) | Standard | ~290 lbs |
| Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Stern) | Standard | ~305 lbs |
| Virtual Pinball Machine | Varies | 200–300+ lbs |
🚛 How We Help You Handle the Weight at House of Pinball
At House of Pinball, we make sure the weight of your machine never becomes a burden.
Here’s what we offer:
- ✅ Pre-move planning & measurement support
- ✅ Professional packaging (legs removed, backbox secured)
- ✅ Optional crating for long-distance protection
- ✅ White-glove delivery and setup in select areas
- ✅ Guides and instructions for safe self-move
Need help choosing a model that works for your space and lifestyle? Just ask—we’re here to guide you.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can one person move a pinball machine?
Not safely. At least two people are recommended, plus a heavy-duty dolly and proper planning.
❓ Can I move it upstairs or downstairs?
Yes—but use a stair climbing dolly or hire pros. Machines can become dangerous if mishandled on stairs due to their center of gravity.
❓ How do I reduce the weight for moving?
You can remove:
- The backbox (if detachable)
- The legs
- The playfield glass and balls
- Some boards or parts (optional for advanced users)
🛒 Ready to Buy a Pinball Machine? We’ve Got You Covered.
If you’re searching for a pinball machine for sale, make your next purchase a smart one. At House of Pinball, we:
- Explain exactly what you’re getting
- Help you plan for delivery & setup
- Offer expert advice, lifetime support, and guaranteed fun
🎯 Browse our inventory of fully inspected, ready-to-ship machines now: