If you’re in Europe and browsing for a pinball machine for sale, one question almost always comes up:
Should I buy new or used?
The short answer: It depends on your goals—but the long answer could save you thousands of euros and help you get the most out of your investment.
At House of Pinball, we’ve worked with first-time buyers, collectors, arcade owners, and hobbyists across Europe. Here’s a complete breakdown of the real pros and cons of buying new vs. used pinball machines—so you can decide what’s right for your home or business.
⚖️ Quick Comparison: New vs. Used Pinball Machines
| Feature | New Machines | Used Machines |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | €6,000 – €12,000+ | €2,000 – €8,000 |
| Condition | Factory-fresh | Varies (HUO to restored) |
| Warranty | Yes (12–24 months) | Sometimes (depends on seller) |
| Theme Selection | Modern, trending themes | Classic, iconic titles |
| Resale Value | Drops slightly (short term) | Holds or appreciates |
| Maintenance Needed | Minimal | Depends on condition |
| Delivery Time | Often longer (backorders) | Faster availability |
🆕 Pros of Buying a New Pinball Machine
✅ 1. Factory Fresh Condition
You get:
- Brand-new playfield and parts
- No wear and tear
- Perfect cabinet art and display
Ideal for collectors and purists who want mint condition.
✅ 2. Full Warranty & Support
New machines usually come with:
- 1–2 year warranty
- Manufacturer and dealer support
- Technical assistance and spare parts
📦 House of Pinball offers full manufacturer-backed support with every new machine sold.
✅ 3. Latest Features & Code Updates
New machines include:
- WiFi connectivity
- Online leaderboards
- RGB lighting
- Modern sound systems
- Updated rulesets and game modes
These extras can make gameplay more immersive and replayable.
🚫 Cons of Buying New
❌ Higher Initial Cost
New machines in Europe typically cost:
- €6,000 for entry-level “Pro” models
- €8,000–€12,000+ for Premium/LE editions
🎯 Not ideal if you’re budget-conscious or new to pinball.
❌ Limited to Current Titles
Want The Addams Family or Twilight Zone? They’re no longer in production. If you’re into classics, you’ll need to buy used.
❌ Long Wait Times
Popular models can have backorders of 3–6 months, especially LE (Limited Edition) versions.
🧰 Pros of Buying a Used Pinball Machine
✅ 1. Big Savings
Used machines can cost 30–50% less than new, with no sacrifice in fun.
💸 Example:
- New Stern Pro: €7,200
- Used: €4,800–€5,500
This is a great entry point for first-time buyers or budget-minded hobbyists.
✅ 2. Access to Iconic, Out-of-Production Titles
Many all-time classics are only available secondhand:
- The Addams Family
- Medieval Madness
- Monster Bash
- Lord of the Rings
🎯 If nostalgia is driving your purchase, used is the only option.
✅ 3. Faster Availability
Skip the factory queue—many used machines are ready to ship within days from EU sellers like us.
🚫 Cons of Buying Used
❌ Quality Varies
You may find:
- Wear on playfield or cabinet
- Non-original parts
- Inconsistent maintenance history
⚠️ Avoid buying from private sellers without proper inspection or warranty.
❌ Shorter or No Warranty
Used machines may not include a warranty unless bought from a trusted dealer like House of Pinball.
❌ May Require More Maintenance
Older machines or heavily played ones might need:
- Rubber replacement
- Board repairs
- Display replacements
🛠️ We refurbish all our used machines in-house to minimize this risk.
🏆 How to Choose What’s Right for You
| Goal / Preference | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| First-time buyer (limited budget) | ✅ Used |
| Looking for long-term resale value | ✅ Used (Classic Titles) |
| Want latest tech & support | ✅ New |
| Buying for business/bar | ✅ New or Restored Used |
| Collecting iconic titles | ✅ Used |
| Buying as a gift | ✅ New (for warranty peace of mind) |
📍 Why Buy from House of Pinball (New or Used)
Whether you go for new or used, you need a trusted partner who understands the EU market.
At House of Pinball, we offer:
✅ EU-Wide Delivery
✅ 12-Month Warranty (on both new & certified used machines)
✅ Full Refurbishment on pre-owned games
✅ CE-Compliant Machines
✅ Transparent pricing with no surprise VAT or customs fees
You can browse our live inventory of both new and used pinball machines for sale right here:
👉 Explore Available Machines
🚀 Final Thoughts: Invest in the Right Machine for You
There’s no wrong choice—only the best choice for your budget, space, and goals.
Choose new if:
- You want peace of mind, a modern title, and a fresh machine
Choose used if:
- You want value, history, or a nostalgic gem that still plays like a dream
Either way, you’ll own a machine that brings years of fun, potential resale value, and a conversation-starting piece of arcade history.
🎯 Need help deciding?