Buying a used pinball machine for sale in Europe can be an exciting way to bring arcade nostalgia into your home — without breaking the bank.
But if you’re not careful, it can also be overwhelming:
❌ Fake listings.
❌ Machines with hidden damage.
❌ No warranty or support.
That’s why we created this 2025 guide to buying used pinball machines in Europe — to help you:
- Find authentic deals
- Avoid common scams
- Know which machines hold their value
- Understand pricing, shipping, and support
- And most importantly, buy with confidence
Let’s break it down.
🎯 Why Buy a Used Pinball Machine?
Buying used makes sense if you want to:
- Own a machine at 30–50% less than new retail price
- Access classic games no longer in production
- Start collecting or build a home game room on a budget
- Customize or restore games over time
Many European collectors regularly upgrade their lineup, so there’s a healthy second-hand market — especially in countries like Germany, France, the UK, and the Netherlands.
🏆 Best Used Pinball Machines to Buy in 2025
Not all used machines are equal. Some titles hold their value better and are easier to service. These are top picks if you’re shopping in Europe:
| Title | Manufacturer | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Deadpool Pro | Stern | Fast, fun, and beginner-friendly |
| Medieval Madness (Remake) | CGC | Collector classic with upgraded parts |
| The Walking Dead | Stern | Immersive gameplay, fan-favorite |
| Attack From Mars | Bally / CGC | Top 5 all-time game, easy resale |
| Jurassic Park Premium | Stern | Popular theme, deep ruleset |
| The Addams Family | Bally | Legendary status, highly sought-after |
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid titles with known board or playfield issues unless they’ve been fully serviced with a shop log.
🔍 Where to Find Used Pinball Machines for Sale in Europe
Here are your main options — ranked from highest trust to highest risk:
✅ 1. Authorized Sellers with Used Inventory (e.g. House of Pinball)
- Inspected, cleaned, and tested before sale
- Come with shop logs and optional warranty
- Delivery across the EU, including VAT handling
- Often refurbished to like-new condition
👉 Browse used pinball machines at House of Pinball →
⚖️ 2. Pinball Forums & Marketplaces
Popular European platforms include:
- Pinside.com – International, community-rated listings
- Flippermarkt.de – Strong German presence
- Leboncoin.fr – French marketplace (be cautious)
- Facebook Marketplace – Growing but limited buyer protection
Pros: Direct from owners, lower prices
Cons: No warranty, no inspection, no delivery support
Risk: Medium to high
❌ 3. Auction Sites / Unverified Classifieds
- eBay
- Gumtree
- Local classifieds
Use caution. Many listings are unverified, and scams or poorly represented machines are common.
🛠️ How to Inspect a Used Pinball Machine (Before You Buy)
If you’re buying locally or from a private seller, inspect the machine or ask for these verified details:
✅ Ask for a “Shop Log”
This includes:
- Maintenance history
- Replaced parts (boards, coils, switches)
- Playfield condition (wear, repairs, mylar)
- Software version and updates
- Cabinet restoration or touch-ups
🔎 Inspect or Request Photos of:
- Playfield (check for wear or cracking)
- Cabinet (look for swelling or fade)
- Boards (burn marks, hacks, corrosion)
- Display (no dead pixels or lines)
- Flippers & mechanics (should be snappy)
💡 If it looks too good to be true and has no documentation — it probably is.
💰 What Do Used Pinball Machines Cost in Europe?
Prices can vary depending on condition, title rarity, and location. Here’s a rough 2025 pricing guide:
| Type | Price Range (€ EUR) |
|---|---|
| Modern Stern Pro (used) | €4,500 – €6,000 |
| Classic Bally/Williams | €6,000 – €9,000 |
| Remake Editions (CGC) | €7,000 – €9,500 |
| Jersey Jack Used Titles | €7,000 – €10,500 |
| Project / Repair Needed | €2,000 – €4,000 |
🚚 Shipping & Delivery in Europe
If you’re buying used from another country or online:
What to Expect:
- Crated shipping protects the machine during transit
- Costs typically range from €250–€500 depending on distance
- Delivery time: 1–3 weeks within Europe
- Insurance strongly recommended
👉 House of Pinball offers fully insured, EU-wide shipping with setup support on request.
🛡️ Warranty, Support & Parts — What You Get (and Don’t)
One of the biggest differences between buying used from a private seller vs buying from a trusted shop like House of Pinball is post-sale support.
| Feature | Private Seller | House of Pinball |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | ❌ No | ✅ Optional warranty plans |
| Shop Log | ❌ Rarely | ✅ Included |
| Support | ❌ None | ✅ Remote tech help |
| Parts Help | ❌ You’re on your own | ✅ Available via our store |
| Returns | ❌ Never | ✅ Case-by-case support |
🧠 Final Tips to Score the Best Deal
- Know the title you want – Research gameplay, reliability, and parts availability
- Check seller reputation – Forums, reviews, and references matter
- Ask for shop logs and photos – No inspection = no deal
- Factor in shipping and VAT – Get full price clarity
- Don’t rush – Deals come up every week. Patience pays off.
🎯 Want a Vetted Used Pinball Machine? Start Here
At House of Pinball, we make buying used safe and simple.
- ✅ All used machines fully inspected & serviced
- ✅ Detailed shop logs provided
- ✅ EU shipping with VAT handling
- ✅ Remote support and optional warranties
- ✅ Trusted by collectors across Europe