Arcade & Pinball News Digest - February 1, 2026
Published
Pinball buzz this week centers on Stern's rumored Pokémon machine expected to be announced in early February. Jersey Jack's Harry Potter is shipping to early customers with positive reception. Stern confirmed the JAWS 50th Anniversary topper for March 2026, and AtGames expanded tournament circuits with new venue partnerships.
Stern Pokémon Pinball Rumored for Early February Announcement
Rumors continue to circulate about Stern Pinball's next major release being a Pokémon-themed machine. Multiple sources suggest an announcement in early February 2026, which would represent Stern's first Nintendo licensing partnership since the 1990s.
A Pokémon pinball would be MASSIVE for the hobby. The franchise's multigenerational appeal could bring new collectors into pinball who never considered it before. If confirmed, expect high demand and potentially longer wait times. Start conversations with your local distributor now if you're interested.
💡What this means for you
Stern typically releases 3-4 new titles per year. A Pokémon license would likely feature Insider Connected integration, LCD displays, and interactive toys based on popular Pokémon characters.
Market Position: Would compete for attention with Jersey Jack's Harry Potter. Both represent major pop culture licenses targeting collectors who may not be traditional pinball enthusiasts.
- Which Pokémon generation/characters will be featured?
- Will there be Pro/Premium/LE variants?
- Pricing tier (likely $7,000-$15,000 range)
⏸️ Wait if: You're not a Pokémon fan, You prefer gameplay over theme
✅ Buy if: Pokémon nostalgia matters to you, You want a family-friendly machine with broad appeal
Jersey Jack Harry Potter Pinball Now Shipping
Jersey Jack Pinball's highly anticipated Harry Potter machine has begun shipping to early customers. Initial reception highlights the game's depth, including multiple gameplay modes based on the seven books and immersive theme integration.
Early shipping reports indicate JJP delivered on their quality promises. The Harry Potter license gives this machine broad appeal beyond hardcore pinball collectors. If you're on the fence, expect more gameplay details and tournament impressions over the coming weeks.
Jersey Jack Sonic Rumored with Steve Ritchie Design
Community rumors suggest Jersey Jack Pinball's next project may be a Sonic the Hedgehog themed machine, potentially designed by legendary designer Steve Ritchie. Ritchie is known for classic titles including High Speed, Terminator 2, and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Steve Ritchie designing a Sonic machine would be an interesting pairing - his fast, flowing playfield designs could complement Sonic's speed-focused brand perfectly. However, this remains unconfirmed. Watch for official JJP announcements.
Stern JAWS 50th Anniversary Topper Ships March 2026
Stern Pinball confirmed that the JAWS 50th Anniversary edition topper will ship in March 2026, coinciding with the film's anniversary celebrations. The topper features enhanced lighting and audio integration with the base game.
If you own JAWS already, the anniversary topper is a nice upgrade for the display. If you're considering JAWS as a purchase, waiting for the anniversary bundle might make sense for collectors who value display presentation.
AtGames Expands Tournament Partnerships and Venue Integration
AtGames continues expanding its virtual pinball ecosystem with new tournament partnerships and venue integrations. The company's Legends Pinball platform is increasingly appearing in entertainment venues alongside traditional pinball machines.
AtGames is positioning virtual pinball as a complement to, not replacement for, traditional machines. For venue operators, the ability to swap tables digitally while maintaining tournament connectivity offers flexibility that physical machines can't match. See how this fits into the virtual pinball landscape in our <a href='/virtual-pinball-ultimate-buying-guide'>Virtual Pinball Buying Guide</a>.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stern making a Pokémon pinball machine?▼
Multiple community sources suggest Stern Pinball is working on a Pokémon-themed machine with an announcement expected in early February 2026. This remains unconfirmed by Stern officially.
What is the Jersey Jack Harry Potter pinball price?▼
Jersey Jack Harry Potter was available in multiple editions. Pricing varies by configuration, with Standard and Limited Edition variants. Contact authorized JJP distributors for current pricing and availability.
When does the JAWS anniversary topper release?▼
Stern confirmed the JAWS 50th Anniversary topper will ship in March 2026, coinciding with the film's 50th anniversary celebrations.