The Flipside Pinball Podcast

Sonic Pinball vs. Transformers Pinball - if you could only bring one home, which would it be? In this episode of The Flip Side Pinball Podcast, I review and compare Sonic Pinball by Jersey Jack Pinball and Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye by Stern Pinball. These are two completely different machines, but both deliver great theme integration, approachable rules and plenty of reasons to hit the start button again. I’m not necessarily trying to crown one definitive winner. Instead, I break down what each game does well, where each one could improve and which machine may be the be...

Are we living in the golden age of pinball right now? In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest questions in the pinball hobby: is modern pinball better than ever, or are we just caught up in the moment? I also talk about how my own perspective might be shaped by when I entered the hobby. I got into pinball around 5–6 years ago, so the era of modern Stern, Jersey Jack Pinball, Chicago Gaming, Spooky Pinball, American Pinball, and all of these new releases has been my “normal.” But for veteran players who grew up on EMs, solid-state games...

The new Transformers pinball machine from Stern Pinball is finally here… but so is the controversy surrounding it. In this episode, we dive deep into the rumor that Optimus Prime was originally supposed to transform in the game, where that rumor may have started, how the pinball community ran with it, and whether content creators helped create expectations that Stern themselves never officially promised. We also discuss: • The origins of the transforming Optimus rumor • How leaks and insider information shape community expectations • Whether Stern Pinball is being unfairly criticized • The responsibility of pinball media and influencers • The hypocrisy surrounding “confirmed” rumors • Why soc...

On this episode of The Flipside, we’re talking about the leak that lit up the pinball community — Stern accidentally showing images of the Transformers playfield and cabinet through the Insider Connected app. We’ll break down what appeared, what it tells us about the game, how this may have slipped through, and what it could mean for Stern’s official reveal. The Autobots may not have rolled out on purpose… but they definitely rolled out. Leaks, speculation, community reactions, and all the usual Flipside chaos. Transformers Pinball is coming… and apparently Insider Connected wanted us to know early. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL...

The Goonies pinball rumors are heating up after a very interesting discovery inside Spooky Pinball’s Beetlejuice code. Did Spooky accidentally leak their next game, or is this just some clever pinball marketing? In this episode of The Flipside, we dig into the Goonies rumors, the latest Beetlejuice momentum, Pokémon pinball drama, connected play, Scorbit, PinAccess, and all the big pinball community buzz from the last couple weeks. If you love pinball news, rumors, hot takes, and community reactions, this one is for you. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: ...

These are two wildly different games with two very different strengths, and the community has a lot to say about both of them. We’re breaking down how players are reacting to each title, where the praise is landing, where the criticism is coming from, and which game might actually matter more for the future of pinball. Is Beetlejuice the ultimate theme-driven pinball machine? Is Pokémon the mainstream hit that could bring more people into the hobby than almost anything else? And which one holds up better when you get past the hype? We’ll cover the good, the bad...

This episode of The Flipside Podcast gets a little wild… because we’re letting the viewers take the wheel. That means listener-submitted voicemails, random questions, unexpected topics, and absolutely no telling where this thing is going next. We cover pinball, some totally off-the-rails conversation, Snoop Dogg performing at my company party, pizza, and who knows what else by the time this one is over. That’s the beauty of these call-in shows… you truly never know what’s coming next. So if you like pinball talk mixed with unpredictable fun, community questions, and a little chaos, this episode is definitely for you. W...

Texas Pinball Festival 2026 is in the books… and wow, there’s a LOT to unpack. In this episode of The Flipside, we break down: 👉 Who really stole the show at TPF 👉 The biggest surprises and standout games 👉 American Pinball is back and better than EVER! 👉 The moments everyone is talking about (and a few that flew under the radar) Let’s talk about it. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 👀 Check out Grownup Adjacent Pinball Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCr4GdiEu/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near...

Alright guys… this one’s interesting 👀 Turner Pinball just revealed Yukon Yeti, a Klondike Gold Rush–themed game that feels like it’s taking a real shot at being a spiritual successor to White Water pinball machine. In this episode of The Flipside, I break down my initial thoughts on the layout, features, and overall direction of the game. Quick highlights: • 12 modes + 2 wizard modes • 5-ball Avalanche lock • Rapids ramp + upper playfield • Hidden Yeti lock & progression system Only 500 units, starting at $9,999, shipping Summer 2026. This one has potential… but it’s going to come down to flow, shots, and code. 👇 Let me know what you think—does t...

In this episode, we dive into the chaos surrounding the Pokémon LE launch and the frenzy that followed. Is there really a crossover happening between hardcore Pokémon fans and new pinball players, or is that narrative overblown? We break down what we’re seeing, what it could mean for the hobby, and whether this moment is bigger than just one title. And… we think we might have a pretty good idea what American Pinball’s next game could be. 👀 Let’s get into it. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 htt...

Pokémon Pinball is officially here, and this is my full breakdown after attending Stern Pinball’s Media Day at the factory. This new Stern Pinball release is co-designed by Jack Danger and George Gomez and brings the largest entertainment IP in the world to modern pinball. That’s a big swing. In this video, I’m sharing my firsthand experience playing Pokémon Pinball at Stern HQ, my initial impressions of the layout, shots, and overall gameplay, and my honest thoughts after having time to reflect on the flight home. Sometimes your opinion changes once the hype settles. Did that hap...

In this episode, I’m joined by my buddy Jamie from The JBS Show as we break down the much-talked-about Pokémon pinball trailer, why it told us nothing, who the game might actually be for, and what it could mean for the future of pinball. We also dive into our serious FOMO from Pinball at the Beach, watching everyone else have an absolute blast, and we spend some time dreaming about what it would be like to work in the pinball industry. Throw in plenty of laughs, honest takes, and classic pinball banter, and you’ve got another fun episo...

In this episode of The Flipside, we dive into one of the biggest conversations happening in pinball right now. There is a growing perception that boutique pinball manufacturers are offering more value than Stern Pinball, and we explore whether that perception is fair, exaggerated, or something Stern should be paying attention to. This is not a Stern bashing episode. Instead, we take a balanced and honest look at why many players feel boutique pinball offers more for the money, how Stern’s size and scale may have unintentionally created a perception gap, and the difference between perceived value and real wo...

What’s really coming to pinball in 2026? In this episode of The Flipside, we break down everything we know and everything we’re hearing about upcoming pinball machines, rumored titles, manufacturer roadmaps, and where the industry is headed next. This isn’t just a rumor roundup. We dig into confidence levels, separate real signals from noise, and talk honestly about what makes sense, what doesn’t, and what could shake up pinball in a big way over the next year. From major manufacturers to smaller studios, licensing trends, release timing, and innovation (or lack of it), this is a realistic look at...

In this episode, things get a little spicy 🌶️. We break down pinball drama that honestly didn’t need to happen, why it’s suddenly cool to hate on Stern Pinball, and whether The Walking Dead Remastered is actually better than people give it credit for. We also dive into Predator by Pinball Brothers and why it might be the sleeper hit of 2025 that no one is really talking about — yet. All that and more on Episode 48 of The Flipside Podcast with Retro Ralph. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.c...

Beetlejuice is a massive win for Spooky Pinball, no debate there. But what does that success mean for the rest of the hobby? Are we now expecting more from every manufacturer, including the market leader, Stern Pinball? And the big question… does Stern even care? In this episode, we dive into the ripple effect Beetlejuice is having across pinball. Is Stern better off staying the course, or are boutique manufacturers proving that players want more value, more innovation, and more personality in every game? Does this shift the landscape, or is it just noise in the bigger picture? I don’t ha...

In this special LIVE episode of The FlipSide Podcast, we’re diving into everything happening in pinball right now , the big reveals, the rumors, and your live questions! 🍻 There will be drinks, so who knows where this one’s going to end up… We’ll be talking Beetlejuice, The Walking Dead Remastered, and what’s coming next in pinball! 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the...

The Walking Dead Pinball is officially back, remastered, polished, and ready to take another bite out of the hobby! 🧟‍♂️ But does this game really need a second run? In this video I give my initial reaction and honest assessment of Stern Pinball’s Walking Dead Remaster. We dive into what’s new, what’s changed, and whether this legendary zombie-themed machine still earns a spot in today’s crowded pinball lineup. The original TWD is a modern classic for a lot of player, brutal gameplay, high stakes, and some of the most chaotic moments in pinball. But with so many new releases and...

🎙️ In Episode 44 of The FlipSide Podcast, we dive deep into Pinball Expo 2025 and something felt different this year. The usual massive crowds lining up for the newest Stern Pinball release? They weren’t there. Instead, players were turning their attention to boutique pinball manufacturers like Jersey Jack Pinball, Barrels of Fun, and Pinball Brothers, who seem to be gaining serious momentum. So what’s going on? Has Stern, the biggest name in pinball, lost its edge? Or is the community simply craving something new? Maybe it’s Star Wars fatigue, or maybe it’s the rise of fresh ideas and risk-taking f...

Pinball Expo 2025 is almost here, and this year’s lineup might be one of the biggest yet. In this episode, we break down everything you can expect when the show takes over Schaumburg, IL, from October 15–18. We’ll cover the hottest new titles hitting the floor for the first time — Portal by P3 Multimorphic, Dune by Barrels of Fun, Predator by Pinball Brothers, and Stern’s Star Wars: Fall of the Empire. The homebrew scene is bigger than ever, with even more space dedicated to creative passion projects, while Spooky Pinball looks to showcase Evil Dead and maybe even tease Beetlejuic...

Hey everyone, welcome back to the show! Today we’re covering Stern Pinball’s brand‑new Star Wars: Fall of the Empire, the company’s first cornerstone release on the next‑generation SPIKE 3 platform. I was lucky enough to visit Stern’s headquarters for launch day, so I’m going to tell you all about my hands‑on impressions, the game’s artwork and layout, what’s under the hood with Spike 3, and even drop some exclusive news on what the platform means for the future. Let’s dive in.

In this episode of The FlipSide Podcast, I dig into the buzz around Stern Pinball’s Star Wars: Fall of the Empire and why the chatter about a “botched launch” is way overblown. The truth? When you’re working with a massive license like Star Wars, the license holder holds the power. I’ll give you a bit of a behind-the-scenes look at how these licensing dynamics can impact release schedules—and why what we’re seeing is more business as usual than a crisis. I also share highlights from my recent trip to Utah, where I found two amazing pinball locati...

Star Wars: Fall of the Empire Teaser Trailer Reaction, but What Did We Learn? The Star Wars: Fall of the Empire teaser trailer just dropped, and guess what we learned? Absolutely nothing! I break down my thoughts on what this could mean for pinball fans. Is Stern Pinball really bringing Episodes IV, V, and VI like many of us expected, or are we about to see Stern’s own vision of the Star Wars universe? Honestly, I don’t know yet, but it’s going to be a blast to speculate. On this episode, I’ll dive into the past 24 hours, s...

In Episode 39 of The FlipSide Pinball Podcast, we dive deep into the hot topic of pinball innovation. Is modern pinball starting to feel stagnant? Could today’s machines take better advantage of new technology to make the experience even more exciting? We’ll break down what innovation could mean not just for location owners looking to attract players, but also for the home buyer who might feel a little intimidated getting into the hobby. Plus, we ask the tough question: why does there seem to be resistance to innovation in pinball, are we, the community, part of the problem? Let’s talk...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of pinball leaks, do you love ’em, hate ’em, or do they totally ruin the surprise and excitement for you? I’ll be sharing my take, and yeah… probably going off on a few tangents along the way. After working on the Harry Potter project with Jersey Jack Pinball, I’ve got a new perspective on leaks that I’ll open up about too. Do leaks actually hurt anyone, or is it just harmless fun? We’ll get into all of that and more, right here on this episode of The Flipside Podcast...

In Pinball Rage: My Tournament Meltdown!, we dive into the chaotic (and sometimes emotional) world of competitive pinball, and yes, I had a bit of a moment. We’ll break down what tournament play is really like, how to know if it’s right for you, and what you should know before attending one. I’ll share the story of my own meltdown, what triggered it, and how you can avoid making the same mistake. But it’s not all rage and regret, when you go in with a clear head and the right mindset, pinball tournaments can actually be a ton of...

Stern Pinball just revealed the long-rumored JAWS 50th Anniversary Edition! In this episode, we react to the reveal and dive into the art, features, and whether it lives up to the hype. But that’s not all...Stern also dropped major code updates for several games that really needed it. We break it all down! 🦈 JAWS 50th Anniversary Edition – First impressions & reaction 🎮 Code updates on underperforming titles 💬 Community reactions and what it means for current owners Looking to Buy a New or Used Pinball Machine? Check out Flip N’ Out Pinball: https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL, and I might play it...

Predator Pinball is finally real—and it’s HERE! In this video, we break down everything you need to know about the new Predator pinball machine from Pinball Brothers. From gameplay and theme integration to mechs, music, and the controversial Arnold question—we cover it all! 🎯 Widebody layout, killer shots, and iconic moments 🧠 Why Predator was chosen as the follow-up to Alien 🎵 Featuring Alan Silvestri’s original score + new tracks by Olof Gustafsson 🛠️ Powered by FAST Pinball hardware for reliability 🔥 Only ~800 units being made – with optional “Trophy Package” This week, I also dove into Pinside to catch up on all the latest controversy around H...

In this episode, I share my first impressions after playing Jersey Jack Pinball’s highly anticipated Harry Potter machine — but that’s not all. I was honored to help tell the story behind this game by filming the official featurette, giving fans a rare glimpse behind the curtain at how this pinball experience came to life. From creative design to theme integration, this episode dives into what makes Harry Potter Pinball come to life! 🎙️ Initial Gameplay Impressions 🎬 Behind-the-scenes insights from the featurette production ⚡ What it was like working with the team bringing the Wizarding World to pinball Whether you’re a pinball fan, a H...

I finally got my hands on Evil Dead pinball by Spooky—and holy hell, it’s GOOD. In this episode, I share my first impressions, what makes it click, and why this might be Spooky’s best machine yet! But… where’s Harry Potter from Jersey Jack Pinball? The hype is real, but the silence is deafening. Plus, we cover new updates to King Kong by Stern Pinball and Dungeons & Dragons ... Looking to Buy a New or Used Pinball Machine? Check out Flip N’ Out Pinball: https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL and I might play it on the show! h...

🎙️ In this episode of TheFlipside, we dive into the highly anticipated release from Jersey Jack Pinball: the Harry Potter pinball machine! With one of the most beloved franchises in cinematic history—spanning eight blockbuster films and a massive global fanbase—Jersey Jack is taking on one of the biggest licenses in pinball history. Will this new Harry Potter-themed pinball machine live up to the magic? Can Jersey Jack not only deliver a game that’s a financial hit but also craft an immersive experience that truly honors the Wizarding World? And most importantly—will this be a must-own game for collectors an...

The wait is over—the full trailer for Stern’s King Kong is finally here, and in this episode of The FlipSide, we’re breaking it all down together. From the layout glimpses to the art and animations, I’m sharing my unfiltered first impressions and live commentary as we dissect everything revealed so far. I won’t be playing the game until Thursday at the Stern Media Day event, but trust me—there’s plenty to talk about already. Is this another instant classic from Keith Elwin, or is there reason to be cautiously optimistic? We’ll dig into the shots, toys...

In this episode of The FlipSide, we’re diving into Stern’s King Kong pinball teaser. We didn’t get much in the trailer—but let’s talk about what we did see. Are we excited or disappointed? And if it was a bit underwhelming… does it even matter? Because let’s be honest—Keith Elwin always brings the heat. Is Keith’s signature innovation and masterful flow enough to get you hyped for a giant ape-themed game? Or could this be his first real miss? Let’s break it all down. We’re also talking about Barrels of Fun’s upcoming second game—r...

In this episode of The FlipSide, I sit down with Jamie from Wormhole Pinball for an in-depth and fun conversation covering everything from our experience hosting the TWIPY Awards to exploring the legendary Wormhole Vault—a collection of rare and unique pinball machines from the past. We dive into what it’s like having access to such an incredible lineup of classic games and talk about how older machines took risks that you don’t always see in today’s designs. From innovative mechs and layouts to wild themes and experimental rulesets, we discuss what made those vintage pins special—and whethe...

In this episode, we dive deep into the latest pinball rumors, industry news, and some wild speculation—because why not? We kick things off by discussing what Barrels of Fun might have in store for their next game and explore possible themes like Dune, G.I. Joe, and The Goonies (links below for reference). We also chat about Wonderland Amusements and Powlowski Pinball’s involvement in the scene. Then, we shift gears to talk about the ever-evolving world of home pinball—does Wonderland’s new machine make sense at $799? Can it actually deliver a real pinball experience at that price point, o...

In Episode 26, we dive into the exciting speculation around Barrels of Fun’s next big game! Plus, we recap the highlights from the epic TWIPY Weekend and listen to your voicemails. Don’t miss out on the latest updates, behind-the-scenes fun, and more! Tune in now for all the details! LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL (and I might play it on the next show) https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM Looking to Buy a New or Used Pinball Machine? Check out Flip N’ Out Pinball: https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ Looking for more Pinball Content? Check out my pinball podcast “The Flipside Podcast” 
Video Versio...

In this episode, I dive into an intriguing message I received about three pinball rumors and why they might actually be true. Could Barrels of Fun be working on an IP from our childhood that would make it a must-buy game? Jersey Jack seems to be gearing up for a Harry Potter release, but what comes next? Could it be an amazing IP from the Sega Genesis era? Or maybe a music pin that breaks free from the usual rock, metal, and classic rock cycle? Or... could it be something completely unexpected? While I can't say for sure if any...

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 curr...

In Episode 23 of The FlipSide Podcast, I share my hilariously cringe-worthy encounter with the one and only Gary Stern—yes, it’s as awkward as it sounds! Plus, I take your voicemails to spotlight your thoughts and predictions and dive into what the future of pinball could look like in 2025. Don’t forget—it’s not too late to vote for the TWIPYs! Show your support for your favorite podcaster, streamer, game, and more. Tune in, laugh with (or at) me, and let’s celebrate the amazing pinball community together! TWIPY Voting is LIVE - Vote for Retro Ralph here: https://twip...

In this episode, we’re diving deep—how deep? A full 45 minutes! But with so much to cover, it’s worth it. I’ll introduce you to Ian from Nudge, share our behind-the-scenes experience at Stern Pinball’s media day, and give you our honest thoughts on Stern’s newest cornerstone release, Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye. We’ll also discuss the game’s impact on the pinball community, our broader views on the hobby, and what the future might hold for pinball enthusiasts. If you’re into pinball news, reviews, and industry insights, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!