Stern Pinball has officially confirmed the development of a high-end Pokémon pinball machine, putting to rest months of speculation within the amusement industry. While fans typically look toward Game Freak or Nintendo for software-based reveals during the franchise’s 30th anniversary, this physical hardware announcement represents a significant pivot for the brand’s milestone year. The project was teased via a brief video featuring the iconic rolling metal ball and the Pokémon logo, signaling a partnership that combines one of the world’s most valuable IPs with the industry leader in arcade manufacturing.
The upcoming cabinet will be available in three distinct tiers, following Stern’s traditional release structure. The Pro model is slated to start at $6,999, while the mid-range Premium version is priced at $9,699. For dedicated collectors, a Limited Edition (LE) variant will be sold for $12,999, with production capped at 750 units worldwide. This marks the first time a major manufacturer has produced a licensed Pokémon table since Gottlieb’s Mario-themed machines in the early 1990s, highlighting a renewed interest in tactile, location-based gaming experiences for the franchise.
This hardware reveal coincides with a particularly turbulent period for Pokémon news, as the community remains fixated on the so-called “Teraleak.” Recent reports from sources like Vice have highlighted early development files for the rumored tenth generation titles, currently referred to as Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Wave. These leaks suggest a massive open-world archipelago region inspired by Southeast Asia, featuring 18 explorable islands and a revamped “Majin” battle mechanic. The contrast between these ambitious, leaked RPG concepts and Stern’s tangible pinball cabinet offers a diverse, if chaotic, outlook for the series’ 2026 roadmap.
Industry analysts expect a full reveal of the pinball table’s features and artwork ahead of Pokémon Day on February 27. With the 30th anniversary year already packed with rumors of the Nintendo Switch 2 and “Pokopia,” the addition of a premium arcade machine suggests The Pokémon Company is intent on saturating every corner of the gaming market. For those looking to secure a unit, Stern has opened an inquiry form on their official site, though the limited production numbers for the LE model are expected to sell out almost immediately upon launch.
