I Spent 4 Years Collecting Pinball Machines and Here's What I Learned!
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- It all started with one trip to Pinball Expo-just one. I came back home, bought my first machine, and from that moment on, it’s been all pinball, all the time. Machines have come and gone, and through the years, I’ve learned a lot about what I love in a game and what just doesn’t stick. But here’s the problem: I still struggle with deciding what stays and what goes. With limited space and an endless list of games I want to own, it’s a constant battle.
In this episode, I take a deep dive into my current collection, the games that didn’t make the cut, and whether I regret letting any of them go. If you’ve ever wrestled with tough pinball choices, this one’s for you! Let’s talk collecting, decision-making, and the never-ending search for the perfect lineup.
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Really good discussion, thanks. I have a Led Zeppelin Premium (first game) and a Godzilla Premium. I have room for one more, I gotta tell you I have seriously considered buying a James Bond Pro having played it on location several times and it is so much fun. I'm holding out for something else this year that really grabs me. But you reminded me about how much I liked that Bond Pro and it reminds me of my Dad who was British. Cheers, have a wonderful weekend!👍
Let me say, it took me 4 days to finish watching this video. I haven't watched your channel since it became more pinball focused. I started watching your channel back when you collected arcade machines. I collected arcade machines too. I have over 25 arcade cabinets. However, I had a pinball journey of my own which started about the same time as you. I'd told myself I wanted just a single pinball machine; I'd purchased the Munsters and then Stranger Things and then Elvira etc...At the same time, my buddy who collects arcade machines as well (started with pinball at the same time), now has like 20 pinball machines. I suppose you can say it started around the pandemic. Updated code doesn't always make the game better. I do have Uncanny X-Men. I think I had more fun before the latest update. Anyway, happy gaming.
I thought I was going crazy until near the end of the video, as I kept thinking “didn’t he have Uncanny X-Men?”
I can’t imagine ever getting rid of my Uncanny X-Men Pro, or even my Jurassic Park Home Plus, but I do love living vicariously through your pinball purchasing. It’s also great that I can constantly say to the wife “Ralph got another pinball machine” and then she mentions how thankful she is that I don’t buy that many machines. You’re doing God’s work. 🤣
Love the podcast!
great vid. You can talk dude! A blue streak. 60 minutes straight. On your own. Well done! Your journey is fun to follow. Stay positive!
Great ep Ralph. Been following you from the beginning and have been on the exact same path from Arcade1up to arcade machine then transitioning to pinball. The time line is Uncanny, punn intended. We have owned over 90 pins and down to 9 at the moment. Love the content. Also you could just buy older pins as well and put them in the garage to play and work on. Lots of content people would enjoy if you still want to work on stuff. That's what we do is buy older stuff & fix what we can to learn the ropes. We treat it like we did arcade machines. Buy what is good deal & fix if can, enjoy or sell. When nicer pins starting to get involved we put ac in the garage because we live in central Texas. We can hold 15 pins and 3 arcade comfortably. One of the arcade is a Club House Edition 2024 Golden Tee we got a steal on.
I would be interested in how you went about purchasing/selling games. What marketplaces, how to pay (cash, cashier check?), any concerns going to someone's house with $6k in your pocket? Things to look for in used games, etc.
Kudos for keeping your Wick. I have a Wick Pro, and I love having it in my lineup because not all games need to be easy. I like the difficulty, and I’m stoked to see where the code goes. Theres a reason you always see John Wick and Venom in tournaments, they are for skilled players.
As far as new releases, I’d suggest just kicking back and experience them on location. After the first wave goes out and more releases are announced, if you love the new ones, buy a Pro on the secondary market.
Enjoying the longer episodes. Good summary of your collection in just a few years. I haven’t started mine yet but GZ 70th will be my first pin.
There will always be those that resist or are even rude to us newer players. You can’t control how other people are just how you react which you have that figured out already.
Man I love the Evil Dead theme and topper looks insane. Fingers crossed for Spooky doing well with that IP.
Great podcast episode Ralph! We have for sure seen that somewhat darker side as we have attempted to get into the hobby and share our experiences via UA-cam. It’s a little disheartening, especially for us as new to UA-cam with very limited resources to make content.
My first game was a Williams Star Trek The Next Generation I picked up last year. I feel like after learning basic maintenance on that, I'm ready for anything. Also, after only a year plus in the hobby ive meet so many people in my area who own and provide help on troubleshooting. So happy I got into this. Jaws premium is next in the collection soon.
I picked up a Star Trek last year such a great pin.
Hey RR! Been watching your channel for a while and found this video very timely and interesting because just yesterday I put down a deposit with Flipnoutpinball for my first two real tables (I have a great virtual table for a few years now). I ordered D&D pro and Metallica remastered premium. Also using advice from another of your videos to add some good accessories, light kit and pinwoofer for Metallica, shaker and antiglare for both. Keep up the good work my friend!
@@andrewtreat3459 Congrats dude, I don’t know D&D enough yet but enjoyed it when I played it. You’re going to have a blast with Metallica and if you put the expression lights in, it takes it to the next level! Thanks again for the support and enjoy the new machines man!
I went through the same journey with Pro vs Premium. I picked Foo Fighters Pro over Premium as to me, the upper playfield and 3d sculpts weren't worth $2500 and I totally loved the pro (great flow, great rules since 1.0). If it wasn't from online / social media, I wouldn't have as much FOMO for always wanting to go Premium. I realized that I enjoy playing most Pro just as much (and sometimes ever more as there are less stoppage). HOWEVER - I realized that my wife, kiddo and friends visiting do prefer the Premiums as they like the toys, smash things, etc. That's why I decided to go with Jaws Premium instead of Pro this time (I was leaning pro for a while though...!) Leave Jaws Pro next to Godzilla premium...and it looks really empty / boring to someone who isn't playing competitively. As much as I love playing pinball, I love sharing it with those close to me just as much and love their smiles and reactions when something cool happens on a Premium.
This was definitely a therapy session for Ralph. I can relate. I don’t have the level of want to trade games out as often as Ralph but have had some similar thoughts.
LOL, thanks brother, I appreciate you listening!
Congratulations Kim on completing your course. All the best in your new career.
For the record: I’m not a noob as I’ve owned a few pins in the past, but felt like a noob when I came BACK into the hobby as an owner when the Spike system kicked in. Like Ralph, I hit YT looking for creators without cheesy/nerd egos, like many on Pinside (“Oh, you’re good at pinball? Can I have yer autograph, dude?! 🥴). I mention this b/c Ralph & Hardy were the only two I found (early) who WANTED to welcome _anyone_ into the hobby, just for ‘love of the game.’
I wouldn’t be where I am in the hobby today without guys like these. ✌️ (Oi, Ralphs! You got THREE people to buy Zilla-you & my buddy were the two who decided me on the 70th, and I’ve a feeling the 70ths are gonna hold value more in the long run. 🤷♂️
I got a Turtles premium as my fist game and cursed John Borgs name and initially regretted the purchase but fast forward a year and I don't think i could part with it. It accelerated my skill even though i still cant nudge properly for shit. But i've gotten to the final battle a few times and 227 mil is my highest score which for Turtles I'm taking as a huge W.
Also what's your highest in Godzilla? I'm having trouble breaking through the 2 billion ceiling. The furthest I've gotten is controlling 3 cities (playing on a pro) I wish I had jumped on the 70th and gotten one...
Nice podcast! Appreciate your joy for pinball. Keep up the good work. Moding the pins out is really fun and enjoying seeing what others do with their pins. Stern pins are my favorite...
This was a great video. Super cool overview. We all have a story like this. Very fun to listen to yours. Pins can come and go, some we are happy with some we regret selling, but at the end of the day unless you are really lucky you can’t own everything so choices have to be made to get new and exciting games. Excitement is the key , Why else would we be doing this? 😂
Man, your comments on the vocal very small minority in this hobby really resonated with me. Not so much as a pinball collector, I just got my first pin in D&D and am awaiting it being delivered later this month. But in other hobbies your observations ring so true. The gatekeeping seen in everything from tabletop gaming to video games to board games -- all three hobbies I am waist deep immersed in -- is an unfortunate reality, and a very real turn off to others joining and enjoying these things that I take so much joy from daily. Why you would want to stifle the growth of your hobby in the name of just being able to claim being a member of some elite club is beyond me. Sure, there are annoying newcomers in any group, and I get, like you said, that these are bound to be aggravating to have to endure, but it's just a real shame that the few entrenched folks in a hobby who want to push away outsiders are so damn loud at times. Anywho, great video as always!
Always gravitate to pros for the reasons you bring up. Pros play faster and premium toys usually slow the game. I want to play!
I have to admit, Ralph, I am a "Pro or no-go" Stern pinball machine buyer.... if the game doesn't meet expectations in that form, I just won't buy it. The only time I may buy a Premium or LE is if it is my ULTIMATE DREAM THEME. Otherwise, I'd rather spend my time and money customizing any machine myself. I would rather have a one-of-a-kind Pro than a run-of-the-mill Premium. YMMV. Cheers, brother!
News alert for Ralph! There are other pinball companies other than Stern that actually sell them!!!
Retro Ralph is the best content out here !!!
Thanks brother , I appreciate the support man! 🤘🏻
Been saying that about the Jaws Pro since it came out. Glad to have you on the bus (or in the boat)!
Great job Ralph. Love your show while driving around. I have the same feelings about my TMNT as you have with Wick. Turtles gets a lot of hate and I have no idea why. Once you learn the shots and the rules, it's a great game. It can be a brick fest but I kept with it and "got good".
my pinside collection history is over 200 machines in 7 years of keeping track and growing
@@CaptNRetro 😮😮😮😮😮
@@TheFlipsideRetroRalph ps..Labyrinth is AMAZING
And yes, I agree with you. I own James Bond pro and it is furniture. I am never selling it. It is one of the best games I’ve ever played. I don’t know why it’s not number three or number two on pinside People really need to give this a chance , plus you can buy all the parts for the underwater divers and make your pro have the underwater divers
I always enjoy listening I am new to pinball and completely have fallen in love with the community
Let’s go King Kong
That’s awesome to hear man, can’t wait for Kong too!! Thanks so much for watching! Being newer to the hobby, what’s currently your favorite game?
Great video. Have you ever thought about putting some games on location that you can still keep but don’t necessarily want to keep them in your house anymore?
Wonderful video and insight. I have a Rush PRO and Aerosmith PRO and I am more than happy not having the PREM/LE.
Bummer that you let go of the JP. Thats my first one too. It just gets better and better in time. Such a deep and rewarding game.
Great video. My first purchase was Uncanny X-Men. The recent improvement kit helped the danger room, but the new coil didn’t help launch the ball correctly every play. Great times learning. It’s like a used car in your house.
Route your collection and have a close location you can play your games free anytime . That opens up room for six more games . If you find a location that could use the games like a brewery that hasn’t taken the plunge then boom you just profit share a percent with the owner. The collection then grows to the point that some new games your just trading for Anyway you said your mind goes off to the races so don’t blame me if you think on it lol. Great content as always so keep em coming.
Premium vs. Pro: I'd rather have 3 pro than 2 premium, which cost about the same. My first machine was Godzilla pro and I loved it. I see it like it's cool to have a few extra features, but it's not worth thousands more to me.
With the prices where they've gone it's made the decision for new collectors to flip out machines more challenging. When I was in that crazy collector period, games got flipped out a lot as there was less concern by far about the cost of these decisions. To give some appreciation I'll post a quick list of what I can remember going through my game room in about the same time period you are looking at for comparison. Hopefully this may make you feel a little less apprehensive about making changes and act as a bit of a sanity check. Scared Stiff, Getaway, Fun House x 2, Twilight Zone, No Fear, Tales of Arabian Nights, Attack from Mars, Medieval Madness, Cirqus Voltaire, Indiana Jones, Scorpion, White Water, Strange Science, Fish Tales, Theater of Magic, The Addams Family x 2, Dr. Dude, Party Zone, F14, Pinbot, Fire!, Big Guns, Monster Bash, Indy 500, No Good Gofers, Johnny Mnemonic, Shadow, Judge Dredd, Guns n' Roses, World Cup Soccer 94, Whirlwind, Hyperball, Flintstones, Terminator 2.
Before I watch, here’s what I learned (for comparison) considering (1) I don’t yet own a real machine, (2) I only had interest in last two years, and (3) own AtGames HD and now 4K virtual machines.
A - Pinball is very expensive
B - No instant gratification. You’ll likely wait for new machines or drive a long way after finally finding the used machine you want
C - They’re big and heavy
D - Maintenance involved including adjusting, cleaning, replacement parts
E - Code involved. An effort to learn how to play which can be very challenging to not only learn, but to finish modes, etc.
F - Watch out for the FOMO. Everyone wanted Stern’s new X-MEN, but it may go down as one of the worst playfields in my opinion
G - Not all brands are created equal
H - Beware of scam companies
I - You can’t buy just one (LOL) and you’ll likely want to “swap” for other machines over time
Pinball is a personal experience!! I do not need ANYONE to tell me how to play , collect or otherwise!!!
Amen bro 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻 Thanks again dude!
We need more intelligent pinball content creators.
Great review of your progression in the hobby. I’m still working up to my first real pin (have a Vpin), which will be Jaws.
I will say BKSOR pro gets the second most play behind GZ pro for me at my local arcade. I have 37 plays on BKSOR with a high score of 107M. It’s the ultimate ‘just one more game’
Will you be going with Jaws Pro or Premium?
@ I’ve played both and prefer the premium, but it’s my least favorite art package. I’m holding out hope Stern releases a 50th anniversary premium this year. If not, I may look for a gently used LE at a discount.
@@jaymecernicka5212 I get it. Premium art is such a weird choice. I often prefer the Pro art over the Premium....it's almost as if they do it on purpose sometimes! Enjoy your soon to be new pin!
I said this in your last main channel video but I’m surprised you never owned a TMNT.
I have a buddy that has one, I might see if him and I can swap games for a little bit, I only play it on location and I think it would be fun to have at home for a bit.
I’ve been doing the pinball hobby for 15 years and have 62 games in the history and 6 games in the collection I can safely say jaws pro is disgusting, and not for the boat, you need that upper playfield! It adds so much to that game, my foo fighters, I wish I got the pro, Iron Maiden, pro, jaws…. Premium
Jaws premium is much better than pro but pro is still fun. One of the few Elwin where I feel pro is big enough step down you got to go premium.
Black Knight pro is way better than premium.
Bond Pro is a good buy. Bond is kind of like your X-men you just unloaded though you may end up wanting it back if they make the code good haha.
I agree with all that
Give Godfather JJP a shot . If you like brutal games. Really deep code. Super fast game.
I completely agree, wonderful machine to look at and play.. 95% of those who denigrate it don't even know half of the code or better yet don't even know what a code is.
I do adore your 6 pin collection 🍻 I’m at 1/6th with a GZ premium
BKSOR pro is one of the great pros. I still think 90 of the premiums (That I have played (to me)) are better than the pros BUT I hear you on pros, the value sometimes is well worth it , X-men DND Guardians Iron Maiden Deadpool are all good examples of pro being a good way to go for value and sometimes can have faster game play and if that’s the point of the game (BKSOR) it makes sense for sure. Plus the value is a huge factor when these cost what a car costs. Everyone has their own preferences though but I’m still in that more toys is more fun phase possibly:)
You are such a newbie!! (kidding). I have 13 pins and been collecting for about 10 years. Biggest problem is sq ft, but somehow I always find room 😂. Once I buy a game I end up never selling it. I know I’m a horder at heart. 007 Bond LE is the only NIB I’ve purchased, no regrets.
I never was a huge Pinball fan when I was young it was just arcades. recently been playing Star trek 25 anniversary, Attack from Mars and Tales of the Arabian knights and these IMO are great intros to playing and learning pinball. easy to learn and easy to follow and fun, knowing nothing about Vpin I built a Vpin with all the bells and whistles and there are tons .pinball games that would turn you off immediately, EX I love batman 66 but the chasm between the two flippers is unholy. it screams money grab. I wish learning a table was as easy as the above mentioned.
I'd like to afford a pinball table. But $8 grand for that Black Knight pinball game would wreck me.
You can change the dates on your collection history for better accuracy. Also, you're buying habits are definitely getting more responsible. i love Black Knight Pro. And as far as your other titles aren't terrible, if i could use a baseball analogy, you're just swinging at the wrong pitches! For example, if you were going to get an LE blindly, it should've been the Elwin Jaws or Metallica Remastered. As far as getting your value, don't guess on an unproven commodity. But that's how we learn, cool video!
My problem is I can't get rid of any of them.
Coming from a collector it sounds like you you need to air condition the garage. 😅
I like your thought process but at the same time, you're a bad influence... LOL! Calling AC guy now... LMAO.
Godzilla is simply the best Pinball machine. I said it.. if you get rid of that. That would be like getting rid of Street Fighter 2.
It's bolted to the floor man, such an amazing game!!!
it was so "good" it made the twitch pinball category boring for a year lol, but now that's passed thankfully ^^
I got rid of it. 😛
Great game, but it’s too deep for its own good. Every game was 45 min & exhausting. I don’t miss it.
I cannot possibly agree more. I think Señor Ralphie got his a week before I did (and his take certainly didn’t dissuade me for goin’ 70th!). I only have room for 4 pins right now (and they ain’t cheap as we all know too well), and to my point, Jaws Premium is one of ‘em.
I’ve played Zilla easily 30:1 on my others thus far (and it ain’t the others’ fault). I’ve not had it a long time, but nothing beats its replayability to me- … the thing is just so robust! 😮💨 🤘
@@Mo_Ketchupsdid you get jaws after Godzilla and you still play GZ more than Jaws?
BKSOR Pro is better than premium. It’s a crime they made an upper pf that’s useless. Jaws Prem upper playfield is great and does not disrupt flow at all.
Thanks for the comments about pintrolls, I agree. They have ruined a lot for me. My UXM pro is bolted until code is 1.0. I also have a Getaway HS2 that would only trade for another Williams/Bally and Guardians pro that I thought was bolted but man, if Tron remastered happens this year …. Bye GOTG.
My first game is Elvira House of Horrors Premium and its just so damn good..
Were the lessons learned, don't purchase based on excitement? Play your game enough before choosing whether you like it or not? Pro is probably good enough? Wait for the 1.1 code release?
It's a rocket.... it's a rocket....
🤣🤣🤣🤣
I have bought a few pinball machines all pros love the way they play. Do you think the star wars is any good can get one for a good price..
I just got a comic art premium yesterday, it’s amazing especially if you like / love Star Wars.
Do it
Get the premium. Well worth it for the hyper loop. It literally makes the game. Don’t go pro on Star Wars trust me
JP is definitely not a starter game!! should have gone with deadpool. You'd probably enjoy JP more now if you had one back
ughhh I was into what you were saying until you were saying venom was good. as soon as I hear that I know you don't know what a good pin is
That feels like a pretty narrow-minded take, in my opinion. How much time have you actually spent playing it? I’ve owned it twice because I missed it so much after selling it. The Pro model isn’t great, but the Premium and LE versions are fantastic.
If someone doesn’t enjoy fan layouts with tight shots, then sure, they probably won’t like it-but just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s a bad game. The risks they took with Insider Connected to push innovation were really cool, and I think that deserves some credit. I totally disagree with the idea that it’s a bad game-but at the end of the day, whether someone enjoys a game is highly subjective. There are plenty of games I don’t personally enjoy, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad-just not for me.
4 years makes me have to ask, WTF ya been doing all these years?! ;) A lot of turnover in a short time. I’ve sold games I do regret selling. LOTR, AC/DC Prem, and even SM. I’m about to do the unthinkable. Sell my three pin JJP collection for Stern games. Think you Godzilla 70 video pushed me over the edge.
They aren't packing the Pro versions. They are stripping the features out of the premium model. The pro is essentially the home pin and they are almost always a sad version of the full featured game. Remove the BUY BUY BUY hype about the pro models. They suck.
Slowly the Premium is becoming more and more empty while the price goes up. That makes you think they are "packing the pros".
Horse crap.
If you think pros are good, you should try Godzilla pro way faster different game
I'm worse than you.. in this March I've been in the hobby for 3 years and I've already had 31 in my collection.. in formations of about 6 machines at a time like you.. what an awful disease😅😅
Holy crap! That’s amazing. You only live once
Damn you don’t mess around. You could open an arcade buddy!!
I've been in the hobby for almost 30yrs now. I got in when you could buy dmd games for less than 1k. I'm currently @ 50 machines in my collection including video games. biggest thing about noobs is they need to google their issue first then ask a question.
Spooky's games have no main mechs. That's the problem. And I think the same of Evil Dead. That is why Stern wins. Game Design 101.
Stern just makes mid pins. My money is safe