I’m old enough to remember pinball machines everywhere kids gathered, the bowling alley, skating rinks, and just about anywhere else. Owning a tabletop machine so our kids can play anytime is fun; plus, with how convenient they are nowadays, who wouldn’t want one? Here are five of my favorites:
There are many different tabletop pinball machines on the market, from classic vintage models to modern electronic ones. Which type will be best suited to your needs? In this article, I’ll give my take on which is better!
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Pinball machines
The pinball machine, in one form or another, has literally existed for centuries. Its history goes back to the end of the 18th century. The objective was actually to get the ball into the holes using the launcher.
But the mechanisms were quite similar. Despite its age and the fact that the gameplay on each machine is more or less the same, it’s still fun to try out new machines and see the graphics and creative effects that the designers have put into it.
It can be just as entertaining to sit there and watch the ball catapult through obstacles as it is to hit yourself with the flippers. The physical element distinguishes it from video games because you know that no algorithm can save you from a stray bullet. Here are the best tabletop pinball machines for you!
Best Tabletop Pin Ball Machines
1. Editor’s Choice: Mini Arcade Pinball Machine
Themed pinball games are an interesting new way for children to admire their superheroes. And this particular pinball machine would be fun for cartoon fans. For starters, the game has electronic lights to bring players into the area, which improves the gaming experience. In addition, the game’s bumpers have a design that makes them show light, which is very nice.
The game comes with light, LED, and sound effects that trigger as soon as you score a point. Therefore, even when you play alone, you feel like you are being encouraged by someone. Longtime pinball fans will see the produced sounds familiar, as these are the sound effects of a classic pinball. The mission of each player is to rack up points as they can.
This table pinball machine is appropriately sized, measuring 16.5 x 9 x 6.5 inches and weighing below 2 Kg. It can sit comfortably on a small table and is also very portable. Therefore, it is ideal for keeping children busy during long journeys by car, as they will never tire of playing it. Click here to see the best price.
- Great for starters
- Light, LED and classic sound effects
- Great as a gift to kids
- Small parts may be swallowed by kids below 3 years old
- Not very sturdy
2. Brio Table Top Pinball Game – Best Classic Vintage Look
This pinball machine has a wooden playground, a pitcher, and metal ramps for something with a vintage look and feel. It is the size of a table and has a leg at the back to keep it at an angle.
The pinball game also includes 3D elements, including hidden tunnels and ramps. This implies that although it has no electrical components, it still captures some of the most exciting aspects of a pinball machine.
With a cool vintage look, it is a good game for kids or adults. It has 3D components like raised ramps and hidden tunnels and includes four balls. Since there are no batteries, there are no light or sound components. Click here to see the best price.
- Doesn’t require a battery
- Good reaction flippers
- Simple loading gives quick replay
- Cool 3D elements
- Great for adults and children
- No sound or light
3. The Force Awakens Tabletop Pinball Game – Best for Kids
Here’s a high-quality Star Wars pinball machine designed to capture the hearts of little fans of the Star Wars. Are you looking for a way to get your children’s attention off the screen?
This kid’s pinball machine could perform the trick. The table pinball machine is made of high-quality plastic. The machine is durable. It will not break easily or have parts falling out of the game.
In addition, the sturdy plastic is relatively light, weighing only 998 grams. This way, your little ones can take the game with them wherever they go. However, when it comes to portability, this table pinball machine measures 60 x 30 x 10 cm. It can, therefore, easily be used on a small coffee table or buffet.
Its small size also makes it easy to store the table machine when it is not in use, without taking up much space. This machine is equipped with lights and electronic sound effects to provide players with a complete gaming experience.
These features, however, require that you use batteries. Besides, the toy is delivered with a pointing LCD screen whose display board is located at the top left of the machine. Click here to see the best price.
- Pinball made of sturdy plastic
- Product is quite light, weighing under 1kg
- Amazing sound and light effects
- Value for the money product
- Requires batteries
4. WSXM Pinball Game with Lights and Sounds (Retro Arcade) – Best For The Family
Playing this game allows kids to move around and exercise their bodies and minds. The more active they are, the better. You can also use movement in different ways, like moving your eyes and hands in sync through mental stimulation.
Best of all, if you’re hosting a party for kids, then this pinball machine will be a big hit and become a perfect fun addition to their party. So expect hours of fun with your pocket pinball machine, wherever you are.
The machine is 24.1 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches in measurement. In addition, the machine weighs just 0.454kg. Therefore, it is portable and easy to pack and transport.
Click here to see the best price.
5. Flipkick: Wooden Tabletop Football/Soccer Pinball Games: Best Multi-game
The Flipkick tabletop game is perfect for a family that loves soccer. You can play it on your own or with friends at any time. An efficiently designed tabletop requires no batteries – so get ready to kick some goals (or be scored)!
It would also be a perfect birthday or Christmas present, which kids would love to play with their siblings and friends. Something is inspiring about putting the ball into action and seeing it ricochet off bumpers and obstacles. The game becomes even more exciting with kids that play soccer.
This pinball machine is very well made and not like a typical toy. The construction materials used are durable and robust, so they should be able to withstand tough play. Even better, the speed of play and the challenges make this game exciting and fun, especially since our kids all play soccer.
Click here to see the best price.
Buyer’s Guide For Best Tabletop Pin Ball Machine
If you or your child are addicted to pinball, you can try and get your fix with a video version of the game. But it is not the same thing. To get the feel of a real pinball game, a mini pinball machine is what you need. They come in various sizes, and the larger ones can have the bigger kids usually more involved.
Some are tabletop types, range from 30 to 60 cm long, and have features like lights, handrails, and graphics. Others are relatively small, the size of a pocket pinball machine. You can take the portable versions anywhere you want to kill time, like at the bus stop, laundromat, etc. And of course, the small pinball machines are also a fun thing to give to kids.
If you are looking to reproduce the pleasure of pinball without a machine that will occupy your entire living room, here is a guideline on how to choose the machines you need.
Price
Although not like electronic pinball machines, the tabletop pinball machine can also be really expensive. Specifically, arcade-style tabletop machines can be more costly than others. The primary reason is that classic games are becoming less popular, unlike in recent years.
Because of this, it may be challenging to find a model; there are just a few surviving manufacturers of these machines. Not to mention that building a pinball machine comes with a lot of technical aspects. Therefore, why wouldn’t these tables be more expensive?
Another reason tabletop versions of these games could be more expensive is if the table of choice is a vintage collector’s item made in the ’90s. These factors must be considered when comparing the prices of the different table models. Meanwhile, table pinball machines designed for children can be of fragile construction. They, therefore, cost less than machines intended for older children and adults.
Build Quality
Some pinball machines are made of wood, others of a metal, and others of plastic. Of course, the material used for the table’s construction will affect the price, as some materials are more expensive than others. However, whatever material you use, make sure the table fits well, and you get what you pay for.
Pinball in itself is a very addictive game, so what is the quality of the ramps, bumpers, and playing field? Irrespective of whether it is expensive or cheap, a high-quality pinball has to be durable and not get broken every one or two days.
Keep in mind that the build quality of the pinball will also determine the user’s game experience. The pinball machine is pretty noisy. So keep that in mind that most tabletop pinball games use batteries for lights and sounds to improve the players’ gaming experience.
While you can play comfortably without plugging in any battery, machines with sounds and lights give much more experience. The lights and sounds ensure the game comes to life.
Portability
Do you need a pinball machine for the house or a pinball machine to keep a child occupied while in the car? The table models are generally lighter than the arcade-type models, so you can get the first one if you plan to move with it. In particular, toy pinball games are designed for maximum portability. Indeed, the child must find it possible to take it wherever he goes.
The pinball machine’s dimensions and weight further improve its portability. You’ll find some versions that are so small you can fit into a backpack and hold it in your hands. So, there would be no need to have it on a flat-like surface like a table.
Final Words
There you have it! The choices are right in your face, and it’s left to you to choose what’s best for you, the entire family, or your kids. Don’t forget to watch out for the criteria – durability, construction material, and price.
In addition to the three choosing criteria we highlighted, the theme is also one of the first things many people watch out for when purchasing any pinball machine. Depending on the user of the table pinball – whether it is designed to be used by children or by grownups – the theme can be linked to a cartoon or more mature subjects.
I love playing games. I’m always looking for new ways to keep my mind active and entertained, whether it’s with friends or by myself! If you want some ideas of what else you can play at home, check out my review of tabletop shuffleboard games.
Here is a YouTube video review of Ambassador’s newly updated tabletop pinball game.