Arcade & Pinball Digest - February 7, 2026
Published
Stern Pinball has officially announced a Pokémon-themed pinball machine with three editions: Home ($6,999), Premium ($9,699), and Limited ($12,999, only 750 units). A teaser trailer featuring the original anime theme has been released, with a full reveal expected during Pokémon Presents around Pokémon Day (February 27). Meanwhile, Pinball at the Beach runs February 6-8 in St. Pete Beach, Florida, and the INDISC Stern Pro Circuit tournament is scheduled for February 26-March 1.
BREAKING: Stern Pinball Officially Announces Pokémon Pinball Machine
After months of speculation, Stern Pinball has officially confirmed a Pokémon-themed pinball machine. A teaser trailer featuring the iconic original anime theme song and Pokémon logo has been released, with a full game reveal expected during the Pokémon Presents event around February 27—Pokémon Day, marking the franchise's 30th anniversary. Three editions will be available: Home Edition ($6,999), Premium Edition ($9,699), and Limited Edition ($12,999, only 750 units globally).
This is THE announcement pinball fans have been waiting for. Pokémon is arguably the most commercially valuable IP ever licensed for a pinball machine—the franchise generates $100+ billion in lifetime revenue. The pricing aligns with Stern's other licensed machines (Star Wars, X-Men, Jurassic Park), and the 750-unit Limited Edition will sell out almost instantly. The teaser's focus on original anime aesthetics and the Kanto region suggests this could be a nostalgia-driven design appealing to both pinball collectors and the massive Pokémon fanbase. Pre-order demand will be astronomical.
💡What this means for you
Stern Premium and Limited editions typically feature deeper rulesets, more toys and mechanisms, and custom artwork vs. the Home edition. The Home at $6,999 will likely focus on essential gameplay. Premium adds LCD screen(s), additional modes, and unique playfield features. Limited gets art blades, custom toppers, exclusive finishes, and numbered plaque.
Market Position: Pokémon joins Star Wars, The Mandalorian, Jurassic Park, and X-Men in Stern's licensed lineup. The franchise's global reach means this could outsell any previous Stern machine. The '30th anniversary' timing maximizes media attention and nostalgia.
- Which Pokémon generations are featured? (Teaser suggests Kanto focus)
- Game designer—Jack Danger and/or George Gomez?
- Full gameplay reveal date and pre-order window
- Whether limited edition allocation includes Japan/Asia-Pacific
⏸️ Wait if: You want to see the full playfield reveal before committing $7K+
✅ Buy if: You're a Pokémon collector—the LE will sell out in hours, You've been waiting for the 'right' theme to buy your first Stern
Pinball at the Beach 2026 Kicks Off in St. Pete Beach
Pinball at the Beach, one of the Southeast's premier pinball events, is running February 6-8, 2026, at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. The event combines competitive tournaments, free play on dozens of machines, and a beachside community atmosphere that sets it apart from typical indoor-only pinball shows.
If you're in the Southeast, this is one of the most unique pinball events of the year. The beachside setting at TradeWinds Resort makes it a vacation-worthy destination, not just a tournament. It's a great opportunity to try machines you're considering purchasing, network with the community, and compete if you're on the tournament circuit. The timing right after the Stern Pokémon announcement means it'll be THE topic of conversation among attendees.
💡What this means for you
Events like Pinball at the Beach typically feature 50-100+ machines spanning modern Stern titles, classic Bally/Williams, and independent/homebrew machines. Tournaments follow IFPA-sanctioned formats for world ranking points.
Market Position: Competes for attention with TPF (Texas Pinball Festival) as a premier regional event. The beachside location gives it a unique appeal and draws attendees who might not travel to purely competitive events.
- Machine lineup and featured titles
- Whether any Stern representatives showcase the Pokémon teaser
- IFPA ranking points available
INDISC Stern Pro Circuit Tournament Set for Late February
INDISC (It Never Drains in Southern California), a major Stern Pro Circuit tournament, is scheduled for February 26-March 1, 2026, in Murrieta Springs, California. The four-day event is one of the highest-level competitive pinball circuits and draws top players from around the world.
INDISC is consistently one of the best-organized tournaments in the Stern Pro Circuit. For competitive players, this is the last major West Coast event before spring, making it crucial for circuit standings. For spectators, INDISC typically streams finals on Twitch, so even if you can't attend in person, you can watch top-level competitive pinball. With the Pokémon announcement fresh, expect the community buzz at INDISC to be off the charts.
💡What this means for you
Stern Pro Circuit events use standardized scoring and qualification formats. INDISC typically features 40-60 machines, including latest Stern releases, in a competitive bank format. Top finishers earn circuit points toward the annual Stern Pro Circuit championship.
Market Position: INDISC is one of approximately 20 annual Stern Pro Circuit stops. The February timing makes it an early-season bellwether for competitive pinball trends and machine popularity.
- Full machine lineup for 2026
- Streaming schedule and platforms
- Registration status and capacity
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Stern Pokémon pinball machine cost?▼
Three editions are available: Home Edition at $6,999, Premium Edition at $9,699, and Limited Edition at $12,999 (only 750 units worldwide). Pricing aligns with other Stern licensed machines like Star Wars and Jurassic Park.
When will the full Pokémon pinball reveal happen?▼
A full reveal is expected during the Pokémon Presents event around February 27, 2026—Pokémon Day, which marks the franchise's 30th anniversary. A teaser trailer has already been released.
What is the Stern Pro Circuit?▼
The Stern Pro Circuit is competitive pinball's premier tournament series. Players earn points at sanctioned events throughout the year, with top performers qualifying for the annual championship. INDISC is one of the circuit's major stops.