Pinball machines were some of the coolest games in the arcade back in the day. Before the evolution of video games, players spent all their time playing pinball, watching bright lights, and hearing funky sounds. Today, some of these games are worth quite a bit of money. I wonder if I had saved all my quarters; I could afford one of these collectible machines.
1. Baffle Ball (1931)
One of the games that outdates the pinball game styles we know now is Baffle Ball. This game was made during the Great Depression and lacked all the bells and whistles of traditional pinball games. There were no lights, and the game was played on a table. It had no flippers but offered players a little entertainment for a penny. The rustic game is worth up to $1,000 for this piece of history.
2. Gorgar (1979)
Do you like playing pinball but also like to be scared beyond belief? You would have loved to have played Gorgar. The devilish-themed game was one of the few machines that had synthesized speech. The scary Gorgar would terrorize kids in the arcades, but some collectors loved it and have bought old models for $1,500.
3. Evil Knievel (1977)
How many kids wanted to be the next Evil Knievel in the 70s? The stuntman was the epitome of cool as he whipped around his motorcycle, jumping over cars. You may not have been brave enough to jump a motorcycle, but for $1,500, you can own the daredevil-themed pinball machine.
4. Humpty Dumpty (1947)
The Humpty Dumpty pinball machine is the prototype for the modern-day pinball machine. It was the first machine to feature flippers, now a standard feature of pinball games. If you want to try the first-ever pinball machine with flippers, you can easily afford one for about $2,000.
5. Orbitor 1 (1982)
A couple of NASA engineers designed this pinball machine uniquely. The features that stand out are that the playing surface is curved, not flat. The results were a pinball going every which way and making a plan to hit the pinball almost useless. The gimmick failed and was out of production in only two years. If you want to put this machine in your collection room, it will cost around 2 to $3,000.
6. Challenger (1971)
Want to challenge your buddy to see who is the better pinball player? Well, this was the first pinball game to put you and a competitor head-to-head. The style had been replicated, but this was the first of its kind. The game was rare; only 110 were made, and many were ruined due to extensive play. Still, some can be found and refurbished for $3,300.
7. The Who’s Tommy Pinball Wizard (1994)
The Who was a band that broke out in the 1960s and has influenced modern music ever since. They even had a song called “Pinball Wizard.” This game is based on the band’s rock opera they put out, and the machine has 21 songs from the play. Music and pinball lovers can fight over the rights to this game for $3,500.
8. Charlie’s Angels (1978)
Based on the hit T.V. show of the 1970s, this pinball machine has the three angels in all their glory on the front of the machine. Any fan of the show will have a blast playing this retro arcade game. Play with your friends, as this game comes with a four-player option. This machine is a great deal, and it is for sale at $3,800.
9. Alien Poker Pinball Machine (1980)
If you like your pinball games to be high-scoring affairs, the Alien Poker Game is your setup. Save up the best poker hands as you bounce around the pinball and maximize the highest jackpot. Don’t let another bidder call your bluff. This game is worth around $4,500.
10. Kiss (1979)
Is there anything the band Kiss didn’t slap their name or logo on and try to sell? The band probably made more money off of their merchandise than their music. No wonder they have a pinball game with their painted faces all over the machine. Also, there is no doubt that Kiss fans will pay a pretty penny to own said machine. Add another Kiss item to your collection for a price of up to $5,000.
11. The Rolling Stones (1980)
Multiple pinball games have had the British rock band on them, but the 1980 original is the one you want in your game room. It features Mick Jagger and Keith Richards decked out in their “Glimmer Twins” outfits. Mick looks majestic with his bare chest mid vocals on the forefront of the machine. Jam out while playing this retro machine that will cost $5,000.
12. Bobby Orr Power Play (1977)
If you are a fan of the great hockey legend, you will surely like this hockey-themed pinball machine. The game comes with some cool features for its time that include two sets of drop targets and flippers up top that shoot down to the bottom flippers. You’ll feel like you’ve scored a goal if you buy one of these. Just be prepared to pay as much as $5,600.
13. Black Jack EM Pinball Machine (1977)
Like Black Jack, the game’s concept is to get the best hand while not letting the dealer get a better one. You’ll want to fly to Las Vegas if you are lucky enough to find one of these rare games. There were only 120 made, and they came with a value of $7,000.
14. Twilight Zone (1993)
Even though the machine has an impersonator, Rod Serling, the game captures the nostalgia of the famous T.V. show. The game references specific episodes and even comes with the original theme music. The game is a must-have for fans of the television series, and bidders have been trying to buy the machine at auction for as much as $10,000.
15. Attack From Mars (1995)
Back in 1995, this Martian-themed pinball machine was a hit at the local arcade or pizza parlor. Players were left in awe by the colors and effects this machine had. It was equipped with strobe light and UFOs that would show up on the table during the game. The game was so popular that a second edition was made four years later. But the early edition will still cost you a lot. It has been sold at auction for $14,000.
16. Indiana Jones (1993)
For some reason, pinball game makers didn’t cash in on the success of the Indiana Jones franchise until 1993, a decade after the first release. Luckily, they did, and the game was a massive hit. Equipped with a revolver to shoot the pinball and a narrated voice by Indy’s sidekick Sallah, gamers could fight Nazis and secure the artifacts. This game belongs in a museum as it is worth $15,000.
17. The Addams Family (1992)
Believe it or not, this is the most purchased pinball machine of all time. Twenty thousand models of this pinball machine were made and bought in the United States. Based on the hit movie of the same name, the game had all the latest tech advances, none cooler than the mechanical “Thing” hand. They are still around today but will cost you over $15,000.
18. Mermaid Pinball Machine (1951)
Only 600 of the Mermaid machines were made and sold in the United States. Another reason these are worth so much is the stunning artwork and detail the creators put into the machine. The game is truly a piece of art and is becoming an antique. The game can be yours if you have the $17,000 it will demand at auction.
19. The Loch Ness Monster (1985)
Which is more rare? A sight of the famous Loch Ness Monster or this vintage pinball game. Of course, seeing the real Loch Ness Monster is probably more of a thrill, but this game is still pretty cool. It had stainless steel features and electric gameplay, but the style still screams vintage. The price for this machine is just over $20,000.
20. Big Bang Bar (1996)
Hopefully, you won’t find any of the 14 prototype machines at your local children’s arcade. This was geared toward adults as it was a lewd, alien-themed game. The manufacturer, Capcom, unfortunately, went under before the game went into mass production, leaving the original 14 out in the wild. A reproduction was made in the 2000s, but collectors want the original and have paid upwards of $25,000 for them.
21. The Supreme Stern Pinball Machine (1999)
The Supreme Stern Pinball Machine might be the most popular machine for pinball enthusiasts. The iconic red and white design has had collectors chomping at the bit to get their hands on one. It is currently the second most expensive machine to hit the auction platforms and commands a price of $70,000.
22. Bow and Arrow Pinball (1974)
This fantastic vintage pinball game will make you feel like a kid again. The theme is Native American and is covered in classic 70s artwork. How rare is this model? Experts are still determining, but very few models have come up for auction. This one is currently listed at $16,000 and is in good shape.
23. Punball (1960s)
The most valuable pinball game on the market is this global warming-themed one from the 1960s. These things are rare, and most of them are housed in various museums around the country. Only serious collectors can imagine having this in their homes. The most recent one was sold for $125,000. It’s a lot of money for an old game.
24. The Pinball Circus (1994)
Collectors have called this game the crowned jewel of pinball machines. Why? Well, I’m not really sure other than the fact it is played upright, and only two prototype machines were ever made. Collectors love rarity and have been trying to buy the machines for over 20 years. The Las Vegas Pinball Museum has one, and a private collector has the other. It is viewed as priceless since neither has ever tried to resell it.