Stern Announces Official Pokémon Pinball Machine
The Pokémon Company and Stern Pinball have officially confirmed an exciting new collaboration — a Pokémon‑themed pinball machine is currently in development and will be released soon. This marks the first time the iconic Pokémon franchise will appear on a full‑size, physical pinball cabinet created by one of the biggest names in the pinball industry.
The announcement was accompanied by a teaser trailer featuring the Pokémon logo and the classic anime theme music, though details about the game’s layout, featured Pokémon, playfield mechanics, and exact release date have not yet been shared. Fans can sign up for updates directly through Stern’s official website to receive news as it becomes available.
Three Versions Planned with Premium Pricing
While specific visual details are still under wraps, early information from Stern and industry outlets suggests the machine will be offered in three versions, similar to other licensed Stern machines:
- Pro Model — Starting at around $6,999 USD
- Premium Model — Approximately $9,699 USD
- Limited Edition Model — Roughly $12,999 USD, limited to around 750 units worldwide
Those pricing tiers are consistent with Stern’s other licensed pinball products, such as their Star Wars and Jurassic Park tables, which also offer multiple models with increasingly elaborate playfield features and collectibles.
Part of Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Plans
The Pokémon pinball machine announcement comes as part of a wave of celebrations commemorating 30 years of Pokémon. With major franchise events happening throughout 2026 — including anniversary commercials, merch drops, and themed experiences — this pinball collaboration adds a unique physical gaming experience to the mix.
Stern’s entry into the Pokémon world isn’t just exciting for pinball collectors; it also has the potential to draw new fans into pinball arcades and entertainment venues with a theme that resonates across generations. As Stern itself has noted on social media, the upcoming machine is a major project they’re calling “Step into the arena. Coming soon.”
What’s Next for Fans
Although many details are still under wraps, Stern has provided a place for fans to sign up for updates through their official site, where more specifics on features, imagery, and exact release windows will be shared as they’re finalized.
As with most Stern pinball launches, expect more formal unveilings in the weeks leading up to release, possibly timed around major Pokémon anniversary celebrations or gaming expos. Given rising fan excitement and speculation around potential design features, this project has quickly become one of the most anticipated cross‑brand collaborations in recent Pokémon history.
