Arcade Digest - February 13, 2026
Published
Stern Pinball has officially confirmed the Pokemon pinball machine, available in Pro ($6,999), Premium, and LE variants. 'The Pinball Capital' in Stone Park, Illinois, will open on April 2nd — the 50th anniversary of Roger Sharpe's historic pinball skill demonstration — featuring all 30 Stern Insider Connected tables plus 90 additional machines. Meanwhile, retro gaming continues its massive resurgence with 30% more retro consoles sold in 2025 vs 2024, and the market is projected to double within eight years.
Stern Pinball Officially Announces Pokemon Pinball Machine
After weeks of rumors, Stern Pinball has officially confirmed a Pokemon-themed pinball machine. The machine will be available in three variants: Pro (starting at $6,999), Premium, and a limited edition model. Details on gameplay mechanics, playfield features, and artists have not been fully disclosed, but the machine is expected to feature Insider Connected online leaderboards — the same system that's been driving competitive play on Stern's recent releases like Venom and James Bond 007.
Pokemon is the highest-grossing media franchise in history ($150B+). Licensing it for pinball is Stern's most commercially significant move since Star Wars. The Pro at $6,999 keeps it accessible to serious collectors, while the LE will likely push $12K+ and sell out within hours of listing. For arcade operators, a Pokemon pin is a no-brainer — it appeals to both the 35-50 demographic (who grew up with Gen 1) and the younger crowd currently driving the franchise. Insider Connected integration means Stern can track plays and engagement data, which will inform future franchise licensing deals.
💡What this means for you
Three variants: Pro ($6,999), Premium (price TBA), LE (price TBA, limited run). Insider Connected leaderboards confirmed. Playfield details pending. Expected Pokemon represented: Gen 1 starters + Pikachu minimum.
Market Position: Stern's biggest franchise since Star Wars (2017). Expected to outsell Venom and James Bond. Targets both collectors and operators. Pokemon's cross-generational appeal maximizes location earning potential.
- Which Pokemon generations will be represented?
- Playfield artist and callout details
- LE production run size and pre-order timeline
- LCD vs mechanical scoring displays
⏸️ Wait if: You're hoping for a sub-$6K price point — it won't happen for Pokemon
✅ Buy if: You're a collector or operator looking for the next guaranteed earner
Pinball Capital to Open April 2 with All 30 Insider Connected Tables
A massive new pinball venue called 'The Pinball Capital' will open in Stone Park, Illinois on April 2nd — chosen to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Roger Sharpe's famous 1976 demonstration to the New York City Council that proved pinball is a game of skill, not gambling, which overturned the city's 34-year ban. The venue will feature all 30 of Stern's Insider Connected tables alongside 90+ classic and vintage machines, making it one of the largest permanent pinball collections in the Midwest.
The April 2nd opening date is a brilliant marketing touch — tying to Sharpe's legendary demonstration gives the venue built-in media coverage and historical significance. Having all 30 Insider Connected tables makes it a destination for competitive pinball players who want to climb global leaderboards on every current Stern title. For Stern, this is a premium showroom that doubles as a revenue-share location. The 90+ additional machines suggest a mix of classic Bally/Williams and modern JJP/Spooky titles, which would make this a true 'pinball museum + arcade' hybrid.
💡What this means for you
Location: Stone Park, Illinois. Opening: April 2, 2026. 30 Stern Insider Connected tables (full current lineup). 90+ additional machines. Business model: likely admission fee + free play or token/card system.
Market Position: Joins the growing 'barcade' and pinball museum trend. Competitors in the Midwest: Galloping Ghost (Brookfield, IL), Headquarters Beercade (Chicago). The Insider Connected angle differentiates it from casual arcades.
- Admission pricing model
- Whether it includes non-pinball arcade games
- Food and beverage licensing
- Rotating collection or fixed lineup
⏸️ Wait if: You're not in the Midwest — it's a destination trip
✅ Buy if: You're a pinball enthusiast looking for a world-class collection to play
Retro Console Sales Up 30% YoY as Nostalgia Market Booms
A Newcastle University study and market analysis confirms that retro console sales increased by over 30% in 2025 compared to 2024, with the market projected to double within eight years. The study attributes this growth to the psychological power of nostalgia — adults aged 30-50 are buying the consoles of their childhood as comfort purchases. Arcade Archives continues to release classic titles on modern platforms, and the Rayman 30th Anniversary definitive collection launched in February with multiple versions of the original game and a documentary.
This data validates what the virtual pinball and retro arcade communities have been experiencing intuitively: nostalgia is a massive, growing market. For makers and builders, this creates opportunities in custom arcade cabinets, retro-themed accessories, and restoration services. The fact that this is a university-backed study (not just industry hype) gives it credibility for business planning. The projection of market doubling in 8 years suggests sustained demand, not a fad cycle.
💡What this means for you
2025 retro console sales: +30% YoY. Market doubling projection: 8 years. Key demographics: ages 30-50. Arcade Archives: continuous classic title releases on Switch/PS5. Rayman 30th collection: Feb 2026 launch.
Market Position: Retro gaming has moved from niche hobby to mainstream entertainment. Major publishers (Ubisoft, Capcom, Nintendo) actively monetizing their back catalogs. Mini-console and plug-and-play markets expanding.
- Which console era seeing the most growth (NES/SNES/N64/PS1)?
- Impact of ROM emulation on physical sales
- Whether growth is driven by collecting or actual gameplay
⏸️ Wait if: You're looking for investment-grade collectibles — the market may be peaking for common items
✅ Buy if: You want to build a retro gaming setup or custom arcade cabinet
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I buy the Stern Pokemon pinball machine?▼
Stern has officially announced the machine but hasn't provided pre-order dates. Pro models ($6,999) will be the most available. Premium models sell through distributors, and LE models typically sell out within hours of listing on Stern's website.
Where is The Pinball Capital located?▼
Stone Park, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago. It's opening on April 2, 2026. The venue will feature 120+ machines total, including all 30 current Stern Insider Connected titles.
Are retro consoles a good investment?▼
Common consoles (NES, SNES, Genesis) are appreciating but won't make you rich. Rare variants, sealed games, and unopened consoles are the real collectibles. For most people, retro gaming is better as a hobby than an investment strategy.