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Gottlieb pinball machines never fade. They take people into a nostalgic memory lane. Gottlieb pinball machines were an entertainment centerpiece, dating back into 1927. The world has changed. But pinball machines are perpetually entertaining. They are easy yet challenging to operate. It takes skills to win a game. Pinball machines are here to stay. But Gottlieb pinball machines are only part of a whole. There are a variety of pinball and arcade machines today. Modern technology has innovated the best pinball machines. Your local store could use one. Any pinball machine, whether a Gottlieb or not, is entertaining and challenging.
| Product | Brand | Expert Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Stern Pinball The Beatles Gold Edition Arcade Pinball Machines |  | Check Price |
 | Star Wars PIN |  | Check Price |
 | ARCADE1UP Classic Cabinet Riser (Pac-Man) | | Check Price |
Our Top Pick
Product Name: Stern Pinball The Beatles Gold Edition Arcade Pinball Machines
Product Description: The game features well-known classic Beatles hits. It is enjoyable and entertaining. Any music lover would adore the game. The colorful playing field is visually stimulating. Moreover, this is the only Beatles-themed pinball machine in the market. This is enough to attract an audience. The screen is high-definition, showing reel scoring during the game. Retro combined with modern complexities becomes a standard in pinball machines. This pinball machine
- Playing Field
- Challenge
- Control
- Graphics
Overall
Summary
This product is a trip to memory lane. Firstly, it features classic Beatles songs. Can’t Buy Me Love and Ticket to Ride are two included songs. Back then, Beatles songs were a hit. Anyone would love hearing their songs during a game. Secondly, the colorful theme reeks a retro-vibe. Color scheme aligns to the theme as well. Lastly, Ed Sullivan and Cousin Bruice are speaking in the background. Both have introduced The Beatles on two different occasions. The retro theme and modern touches combine to produce Beatlemania. Players will also enjoy the high-definition screen showing the scores.
Pros
Features 9 classic Beatles songs
Various features in the playing field
High-definition LCD screen
Cons
None so far
You, the Millennial
That’s right. Millennials are familiar with pinball machines. Colorful pinball machines dazzle the arcade. It is the center of attraction. Digital games have come and gone. But did you think that the best gottlieb pinball machines hardly changed? The design and features have morphed. But terms of the game are the same.
David Gottlieb started the first Gottlieb pinball machine in 1927 (Yes, before World War II). The company has already been making ‘baffle ball’ machines. But Gottlieb pinball machines became a money-maker. Gottlieb introduced the automatic powered flippers in 1947. Humpty Dumpty was his most famous work. This created a domino effect. Electric flippers are now the standard in pinball machines. Gottlieb pinball machines, however, began to decline in the 1990s. New games such as Super Mario, among others, pulled players into a new experience. Pinball machines could not keep up. Gottlieb experienced rock bottom in 1996.
Gottlieb pinball machines, nevertheless, are here to stay. Online and computer games may have taken center stage. But Gottlieb pinball machines have made history. Gottlieb pinball machines continue to light arcades and local stores.
Development
Pinball machines have three common models: Electro-Mechanical (EM), Solid State (SS), and Dot Matrix Display (DMD). Each requires a different mastery. EM is the simplest type. This only requires hitting specific targets. Most players today prefer this over the DMD. It is easy to play. Yet it is also challenging. Targets are hit sequentially. SS has a different relay logic. Electronics changed machine goals. DMD, meanwhile, is the most complicated. There are different game modes and target sequences. Playing mode sometimes depend on themes. Most DMD today have additional features such as holes, ramps, and tunnels. Pinball machines have influenced other games. Read more: Different Types of Video Game Room Ideas for Adults
Installation
Each model requires a installation techniques as well. EM requires simple installation. Having a screw at the ready is helpful. Firstly, get the bolts and plugs inside the rear access panel. Unscrewing the panel is needed. Some models kept this feature. There are others that did not. Secondly, the wires are unplugged. Labelling them helps to organize. Lastly, remove the headbox and place it on the glass.
SS requires more installations. However, they should be easy. Firstly, unlock the headbox. The back glass is usually located at the headbox. Secondly, lift the channel to remove the back glass. Thirdly, locate the lamp panel. The lamp panel is usually found at the back box. You have to lift the latch containing the wires and plugs. Make sure to close and lock the lamp panel after. It helps to label these plugs and wires. Modern pinball machines require more simple installation. However, some models are more complex. If you are not confident, then best to seek help from a technician. A Gottlieb pinball machine requires simple installation. Simply locate the latch system. Open the latch to locate the plugs and wires.
Pinball Machines Buying Guide
Considering these factors before installing a Gottlieb pinball machine is important.
The type
There are three types of pinball machines. The Electro-Mechanical (EM) machine is the most basic. Such a design came out in 1978. It relies on play relays and a score motor. The Solid State (SS) has a microprocessor. It functions electronically. This type comprised much of the standard until the 1990s. The Dot Matrix Display (DMD) is the newest model. Microswitches power this machine. Simpler machines are easy to install. They distract and entertain people. The more complex models, however, challenge players. Know which one is most appropriate for the store.
Product dimensions
The average pinball machine has 32″ wide x 52″ deep x 70″ dimensions. Store width has to be checked for compatibility. Pinball machines can take up space. You should know where to put the machine. Location is important. It helps to check the door’s dimensions. The pinball machine also makes noise. Modern designs have noise settings to customize.
Warranty
Knowing the product warranty saves money and manpower. Some pinball machines have a lifetime warranty. A few others have limited warranty. Parts replacement are expensive for pinball machines. The back glass is the main concern. It is not easy to replace this. Replacing costs around $300. Light shields are expensive. They are usually manufacturer-custom. More or less, these lights are irreplaceable. Getting an alternative or replacement could cost $150.
Shipment costs
A pinball machine is heavy. You can expect the shipment costs to be expensive. The average delivery costs $350. However, the main decision lies on the delivery. Usually, the legs are detached. Consulting with the delivery person about the legs helps extra charges. You should decide whether or not to have the legs on. It helps to pin the location well. Making delivery personnel carry the machine to another location adds fees. You should also decide for a technician. Some manufacturers offer technical services upon delivery.
Your budget
The best Gottlieb pinball machines come with a price. Some models are expensive. A few others cost less. The purchase aligns to your goals as a store owner. Will you charge people in each game? Will playing be free? It helps to know your goals via purchasing. Having a pinball machine in your store is a bonus. This can add profits. It attracts and entertains people. You may choose to charge a small amount per play.
Maintenance
Pinball machines are cleaned. This is necessary for maintenance purposes. Having dust and dirt get into the machine is damaging. However, each cleaning mechanism differs. The best cleaning mechanism is plastic cleaners. It is important to never apply water on the playing field. This creates damages and malfunctions. Using Isopropyl alcohol is the safest and most effective option.
Instruction manual
The instruction manual contains operation basics. This indicates maintenance and machine parts. Gottlieb machines have instruction manuals identifying parts. Purchasing a pinball machine involves checking for a user manual. This saves you the hassle. Figuring everything out once the package arrives is counter-productive. It also places you in a disadvantage.
Our #1 Choice
Our Top Pick
Stern Pinball The Beatles Gold Edition Arcade Pinball Machines
Product Description: Our Top Pick is a Beatles-themed pinball machine. It gives a nostalgic experience. The game features well-known classic Beatles hits. It is enjoyable and entertaining. Any music lover would adore the game. The colorful playing field is visually stimulating. Moreover, this is the only Beatles-themed pinball machine in the market. This is enough to attract an audience. The screen is high-definition, showing reel scoring during the game. Retro combined with modern complexities becomes a standard in pinball machines. This pinball machine captures the classic and the complex. It has a range of features of a modern pinball machine. This applies the principles of a Gottlieb pinball machine.
Specifications:
The machine features 9 Beatles songs, an Ed Sullivan introduction, Cousin Bruice custom speech, 11 drop targets, 8 standing targets, 4 flippers, spinning record disk, 2 spinners, ball-catching magnet, and skill shots. Shipping weight is 272 pounds.
Summary:
This product is a trip to memory lane. Firstly, it features classic Beatles songs. Can’t Buy Me Love and Ticket to Ride are two included songs. Back then, Beatles songs were a hit. Anyone would love hearing their songs during a game. Secondly, the colorful theme reeks a retro-vibe. Color scheme aligns to the theme as well. Lastly, Ed Sullivan and Cousin Bruice are speaking in the background. Both have introduced The Beatles on two different occasions. The retro theme and modern touches combine to produce Beatlemania. Players will also enjoy the high-definition screen showing the scores.
✔️Features 9 classic Beatles songs
✔️Machine-waVarious features in the playing fields
✔️High-definition LCD screen
.
❌None so far
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Runners-Up
Star Wars PIN
Product Description: Next in line is a Star Wars-themed pinball machine. This machine is another classic like its theme. The Star Wars franchise has been existing for a long time. It has penetrated different industries. As a pinball machine, expect players to have a dramatic adventure. The playing field, of course, is colorful. It features high-quality artwork. Colors and lights paint the theme. Light spiked the game quality. They indicate the playing status, following the course of the game. Graphics and animation are high-definition, packed with innovation. This pinball machine is also an energy-saver. The machine reduces energy consumption. In turn, this improves reliability. The machine is built for home use. It is an ideal energy saver for a small store. To add, the dimensions are compatible to any interior. The machine saves space. Its theme, after all, is Star Wars.
Specifications:
This pinball machine suits home use. It has a compact size. System complexity is reduced, saving energy. The hardware system features animations and graphics. Meanwhile, playing field has bright LED lights. Voice overs and scenes from Star Wars play in the background as well. It also has an interactive tie fighter, increasing game complexity. Net weight is 282 pounds. Shipping weight is 120 pounds.
Summary:
This Star Wars-themed pinball machine suits any interior. It fits the home and small spaces. Definitely, this will produce noise. There are Star Wars speeches and footage in the background. This increases the excitement. The machine is easy to set-up. It saves time and effort. The machine has instructions for setting up. It is user and family-friendly. Lights, animation, and graphics are attractive. They could attract even someone who is unfamiliar with Star Wars. A bright LCD screen shows game status and other features. This adds quality to the game. Customers are also commending the great customer service. Any issues and questions about the product are easily accommodated. For all the right reasons, this pinball machine is user and family-friendly.
✔️User and family-friendly: easy to set-up and great customer service
✔️Great for home use and small spaces
✔️Energy saving
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❌None so far
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ARCADE1UP Classic Cabinet Riser (Pac-Man)
Product Description: This is a classic arcade featuring Pac-Man. Pac-Man has been a popular game in the 90s. Rules of the game are simple. Nearly any age could play this. This classic arcade has a simple control. The screen and graphics mimic the original. Best thing about this arcade is the coinless operation. The classic Pac-Man arcade machine is coin-operated. Pac-Man machines have been a centerpiece in arcades, gaming sites, and bars. They are timeless. Now players can have this in their very home. This arcade machine goes well in a small shop or store. Most audiences are familiar with Pac-Man. Also, it is simple to operate.
Specifications:
This machine features two games: Pac-Man and Pac-Man Plus. It also has a 17’’ LCD screen, arcade controls, control buttons set-up, coinless operation, adjustable volume, selection menu, AC plug, ¾ scale, riser, and cabinets. Product Dimensions are 22.75”D x 19” W x 57.8” H. It weighs 79.5lbs.
Summary:
Pac-Man may seem to be a simple game. However, this classic is highly addictive. Otherwise, it would never become an icon. This machine is a space-saver. It only takes a space of 4 feet. This is great for the home, dorm, and any small space. The LCD screen is bright and visually stimulating. A classic joystick and control buttons operate the game. The machine is easy to set-up. You don’t have to worry about assembly. In addition, the game is simple. Old school audiences would be delighted to see this in your store. Does it make a lot of noise? The classic Pac-Man game is noisy. However, this machine features an adjustable volume.
✔️2-in-1 game: Pac-Man and Pac-Man Plus
✔️Space-saver: only 4 feet in height
✔️Easy to play: joystick and control buttons
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❌Riser is required for the set-up. Otherwise, the machine is too short.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best alternative to a Gottlieb pinball machine?
A: Pinball machines are highly similar. Themes and features define the differences. The best Gottlieb pinball machines have bright LCDs, great control methodologies, and high-definition playing field. Many in the market feature the same.
Q: How are pinball machines cleaned?
A: Using Isopropyl alcohol and plastic cleaners are the safest route. Cleaning the screen, control buttons, and exterior keeps away the dust. Maintenance also varies per machine. It helps to check the user manual. The user manual contains cleaning instructions and maintenance.
Q: Can LCD brightness hurt the eyes?
A: Eye exposure to any bright object causes damages. Pinball machines are made to be bright. This adds to visual stimulation. Prolonged exposure to the LCD screen of a pinball machine damages the eyes. It is best to avoid restless and continued exposure for a long period. To be on the safe side, playing should occur 1 hour at most. Using protective eyeglasses prevent eye damage.
Alternatives: The Bottomline
Pinball machines at your store adds customer entertainment. They can also generate additional incomes. The best Gottlieb pinball machines are a standard. They have great control methodologies and themes. However, there are alternative models just as good as Gottlieb machines. These alternatives provide unique themes, entertaining and challenging. The Stern Pinball The Beatles Gold Edition Arcade Pinball Machines is an example. It has a unique retro-vibe, Beatles-style. This combines classic and modern vibes. It is a great alternative to a Gottlieb-made machine.
