Arcade Digest - February 14, 2026
Published
Stern Pinball has officially released the Pokemon pinball machine in Pro ($6,999), Premium ($9,699), and Limited Edition ($12,999, 750 units) variants, timed for Pokemon's 30th anniversary on February 27. Arcade1Up is set to reveal its 2026 product lineup at New York Toy Fair starting today (Feb 14-17). In community news, Duckie's Revenge arcade opens in Joshua, Texas on Valentine's Day as an official Stern Army location with a full lineup of pinball and retro arcade games.
Stern Pokemon Pinball Officially Released — Full Details Emerge
Stern Pinball has officially released its Pokemon-themed pinball machine, with full details now available across all three variants. The machine challenges players to catch and battle Pokemon across four distinct habitats, with progress savable via Stern's Insider Connected system. The Pro ($6,999) offers the core experience, the Premium ($9,699) adds enhanced toys and LCD displays, and the Limited Edition ($12,999, 750 units globally) features exclusive artwork, a numbered plaque, and premium cabinet finishes. The release is timed for Pokemon Day on February 27.
This is Stern's biggest IP launch since Star Wars: Fall of the Empire, and the Pokemon brand guarantees mainstream attention beyond the pinball community. The Insider Connected integration is the real story for collectors — saved game progress on a pinball machine brings mobile gaming mechanics to physical hardware. At $6,999 for the Pro, this is priced identically to the Star Wars Pro, establishing a new pricing floor for major IP licenses. The 750-unit LE at $12,999 will sell out instantly and immediately trade above retail, making it as much an investment as a game.
💡What this means for you
Pro ($6,999): Standard playfield, dot-matrix display, Insider Connected. Premium ($9,699): Enhanced mechanical toys, LCD screen, additional game modes. LE ($12,999): 750 units, numbered plaque, exclusive artwork, premium cabinet. All models: video clips from original animated series, 4 habitat zones, savable player profiles.
Market Position: Stern's strongest IP play since Star Wars. Pokemon brand extends pinball beyond the core collector market to gaming and anime communities. Direct competition with Jersey Jack Pinball's Harry Potter for 'crossover IP' market share.
- Shipping timeline for Pro vs Premium vs LE
- Insider Connected feature set specific to Pokemon (leaderboards, achievements)
- Whether Japanese/Asian distribution is planned given Pokemon's origin market
⏸️ Wait if: You're not a Pokemon fan — Stern has other titles in the pipeline for 2026
✅ Buy if: You're a Pokemon collector or want the most mainstream-appealing pinball machine for a game room or business
Arcade1Up NY Toy Fair 2026 Lineup Reveal Starts Today
Arcade1Up (Basic Fun) is set to unveil its 2026 product lineup at New York Toy Fair, running February 14-17. The company has teased reveals across its arcade cabinet, virtual pinball, and connected gaming categories. AtGames is also running its National Owners Day 2026 sale (Feb 12-25) with discounts on Legends Pinball 4K machines, creating a competitive backdrop for Arcade1Up's announcements.
Toy Fair timing is strategic — it's where retail buyers from Target, Walmart, and GameStop place orders for holiday 2026. What Arcade1Up shows here determines what you'll see on shelves in Q3-Q4. The AtGames counter-programming with their Legends Pinball 4K sale is notable — AtGames has been steadily eating into Arcade1Up's digital pinball market share with better displays and larger playfields. If Arcade1Up doesn't announce a 4K pinball refresh, they'll lose further ground.
💡What this means for you
Toy Fair: Feb 14-17, 2026, New York. Arcade1Up expected reveals: new IP cabinets, potential virtual pinball updates, connected gaming features. AtGames concurrent sale: Legends Pinball 4K machines discounted during National Owners Day (Feb 12-25).
Market Position: Arcade1Up faces increasing competition from AtGames (digital pinball), iiRcade (premium cabinets), and Chinese direct-to-consumer brands. Toy Fair lineup will determine whether they can maintain market leadership in home retro gaming.
- Specific IPs being announced for 2026 cabinets
- Whether a 4K virtual pinball cabinet is in the lineup
- Pricing strategy vs AtGames and iiRcade
⏸️ Wait if: You're shopping for an arcade cabinet — wait for the full Toy Fair lineup before buying
✅ Buy if: You're eyeing an AtGames Legends Pinball 4K — the National Owners Day sale is live now through Feb 25
Duckie's Revenge Arcade Opens in Joshua, Texas as Official Stern Army Location
A new arcade called Duckie's Revenge has officially opened in Joshua, Texas on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026. The venue features a curated selection of pinball tables and retro arcade games in a relaxed sports-bar atmosphere. As an official Stern Army location, Duckie's Revenge will host sanctioned Stern Pinball events, leagues, and tournaments, connecting local players to the broader competitive pinball community.
The Stern Army program continues to be one of the smartest grassroots marketing strategies in gaming. By designating local arcades as official locations, Stern creates a distributed network of demo sites where potential buyers can play before they buy. For the Joshua, Texas community, this is the kind of local maker/gaming space that drives pinball interest and ultimately sells home machines. The Valentine's Day opening is perfect timing — couples looking for a date night activity.
💡What this means for you
Location: Joshua, Texas. Format: Sports bar + arcade/pinball hybrid. Stern Army certified. Event capability: leagues, tournaments, sanctioned Stern events. Game selection: mix of classic pinball and retro arcade cabinets.
Market Position: Part of the growing 'barcade' trend combining food/beverage with retro gaming. Stern Army certification adds competitive pinball credibility. Located in DFW metro area with access to large player base.
- Full game list and whether they carry latest Stern titles (Pokemon, Star Wars)
- League night schedule and entry fees
- Plans for expansion or additional locations
⏸️ Wait if: You're not in the DFW area
✅ Buy if: You're in North Texas and want to try the latest pinball machines before buying one for your game room
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Stern Pokemon pinball machine cost?▼
The Stern Pokemon pinball machine is available in three variants: Pro ($6,999), Premium ($9,699), and Limited Edition ($12,999, limited to 750 units globally). All variants include Insider Connected for savable game progress.
What is Arcade1Up announcing at Toy Fair 2026?▼
Arcade1Up is expected to reveal its full 2026 product lineup at New York Toy Fair (February 14-17), including new IP arcade cabinets, potential virtual pinball updates, and connected gaming features. Specific announcements are pending.
What is the Stern Army?▼
The Stern Army is Stern Pinball's grassroots marketing program that designates arcades and venues as official locations. These locations receive promotional support, host sanctioned leagues and tournaments, and serve as demo sites for new Stern pinball machines.