Tried it, loved it.
Hell lots of fun, great songs (and it's not even my generation), gorgeous arts...
For the me it's the perfect match between the old and new pinballs.
That pinball is awesome and really caoture all the old and new trends.

BUT

My wife will hate it (no ramp, too "simple")
Price tag way too high, with 10K (price here...) my wife and I would more likely prefer to buy a second JJP...
If one day (though I highly doubt it) I can get it second (or twelth, whatever) hand for 4000, then I might think about it.

but here you are...per usual

If Stern doesn't produce a second run of these games don't plan on The Beatles dropping in price on the secondary market any time soon! Especially the Golds. If Stern does produce a second run, which isn't currently scheduled for the next few months, once again, don't plan on The Beatles dropping in price on the secondary market any time during their roll out.

I figure Stern will finish the run and sell out. Most distributors should be able to sell out of the Golds. But I don't think the Golds will hold much value on the secondary market. If anything Stern needs to knock them out before a lot of them hit the secondary market in another year or two.

I totally agree on the Platinum/Diamond Editions! Whenever I talk about Beatles pricing, the Gold is implicit. Stern tried to throw their distros a bone. I don't believe Stern is profiting from the Platinum/Diamond editions. I don't think the experiment worked well...

I don't see how a games rating should be related to it's price. Makes no sense, since MM is an obvious example of a game that shot through the roof yet was still considered one of the best games of all-time.

It shot through the roof due to gaining a well deserved reputation over time. It didn't launch at $20k. That's the natural path of an out of production game with limited numbers & high demand (until it was remade lol). That's far different than trying to sell a game brand new at that price. Beatles is an artificial "collectible". Only decades will determine if it's a real one.

Everyone (mostly haters) keep listing the price for "The Beatles" pin as 8K. I know it is a minor issue but I would assume with a little checking around the pin can be had for around $7,650 (maybe $7,600). In early December I paid $7,700 for my Gold (because I was a repeat customer). I love it. I especially like that the playfield is not cluttered up with all the bells and whistles and ramps that usually appear on pins. You haters can bitch about the price until the cows come home but I have not read one post from an owner that regrets buying it. Not one!

Oh well in that case I'll take 3!!!!

Here’s the deal. There are NIB machines selling routinely for 8k, 9k and higher, MSRP. There are also plenty of “restored” machines (is anyone going to really argue that these are definitely, de facto, better quality than NIB?) that were new 20 - 25 years go, hell even 30 years ago, selling for $8k or close to it.

And people think THE BEATLES, without doubt the best and most expensive license of ALL TIME, is “way overpriced” at $8k? Look at the game, compared to any Stern Premium, and tell me there’s “so much” less value. Bullshit.

I do not want to pay $8k for a game. Any game. Never have. But I’ve played the Beatles and it’s freaking fun. It’s theoreically one of those true “keeper games”, whose cost will decline (or become irrelevant) the longer you own and enjoy it. It’s a true keepsake. A conversation piece. A collectible. And a bitchin’ pinball. Maybe it is overpriced. But don’t tell me that any Stern LE is a markedly “better value”. That’s just bullshit.

Because Beatles, for one. And a whole lot of other reasons. And I’m pretty sure I’ll own one someday, despite my being a total freaking miser.

Because BEATLES for one. And, oh yeah (yeah yeah) the game is fun as hell.

Oh, and if you have a Beatles Gold, and would prefer a kick ass, modded HUO IM plus a solid players condition WCS (nice playfield), contact me.

Yup, I just went there.

No Stern LE or cash grab game is a good value. They're charging for luxury goods, but don't now how to make them. All models have the same cost-cut build quality. $15k Batman Super LE's have splitting cabinets because they didn't include corner braces. Only buy expensive Sterns if you're mega-rich, love the license more than anything, and don't care if it falls apart over time.

TNA ~ $6000 is close in doo dads no ramps but I’d argue TNA has more value in the full color inserts, better sound system nicer side rails, topper etc.

I suppose you can say the Beatles has magnet, spinner, drop targets so the featuress cancel out. But The Beatles is still a grand more minimum.

I think TNA is worlds better than The Beatles (others don’t agree). But at least TNA costs $1k less. And likely TNA will be more rare.

Was at an arcade and the Beatles was being played more than TNA so what do I know? Just my opinion TNA >>>> Beatles but others will feel the opposite.

I understand that you work in cartoons. Surely an art form. But there ain’t no cartoon nowhere, no time - including Yellow Submarine - that’s equals the popular, cultural, artistic and historical phenomenon of The Beatles.

Mediocre AF? Dude, you’re better than that.

It doesn’t have “less” than SW pro, unless you insist that ramps make a game. And I own SW pro, and it’s one of the best games I’ve ever had.

And “world wise”, Beatles > SW. Every day and twice on Sunday. Not even fucking close.

Oh, and since I know you worship toy story (another cartoon), in every way possible (except, potentially, pinball, lol) Beatles >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Toy Story. Not even fucking close.

I was talking about the game, not the license.

I love music themes, so Beatles license should carry the game a little bit for me...but I found the game incredibly boring. I'd rather play Elvis, GnR, Tommy, Stern Rolling Stones...

Worship? Where are you pulling this from?

Cartoon? Dude...animated feature, please.

Stern may well do as you say. They probably will, but there's no plans to do so this year. They may get back to making more of them this year, but they are in no rush to do so.

I don't agree that Golds won't hold their value. This game is a keeper. You won't see many on the secondary market anytime soon. Word is getting out about how much fun it is and how great it looks in people's homes. The high price initially stung the pinball NIB market. The market will get over it in due course.

I think those who are wanting a bargain in the secondary market will be in for a long wait. As word gets around that Beatles is a fun pin to play, I think those sitting on the sidelines are gaining confidence that they will not be buying a dog and won't take a big hit should they decide to sell.

I have played TNA several times. I like TNA but don't want to own it. TNA is not for the novice pin player. OTOH, everybody is talking about how fun Beatles is to play.

Recency bias.

And I say that as someone who thinks The Beatles and TNA are two of the best newer games out there

Some dopes don't understand what the iconic theme of the "Beatles" actually means and the long shot of even obtaining that license and the value thereof.

That certainly seems to be what Stern was banking on... "obtain that license and the value thereof" means we can lay an egg on the game and people will buy anyway.

It's not an "egg" dude. Lol. Or maybe its a golden egg? It's just a fun pin and blast to play.

The jelly haters don't bother me.

Underrated? Very!

Amen Ice (Ice Baby!)

You and I have gone back and forth already on the fact that some grown men (like you) love the idea of a Toy Story machine and some (like me) think it’s babyish and lame.

As far as music pins go, I think you’re just being harsh. I’ve been reading your opinions for years, and generally agree. Of course your one dimensional issues with TF and X-MEN only served to prevent you from enjoying super fun, smooth shooting games. But I expect more from you with regard to The Beatles playability. Be honest, you really never got the Beatles, as a band, did you?

I had nothing good to say about this game and slammed it from day one. Well....I got to play one today at Marvin's and I unfortunately have to eat all my words. It was a really fun game to play, and I loved the fact that it played songs all thru playing it instead of the stupid limited sound clips on Elvis. Damn...crow tastes terrible but I ate it.

I'm the biggest Beatles fan I know. And that's the problem. I don't think that this game does them justice. Of course, my expectations were sky high. The greatest theme of all time mandates that the greatest game of all time (or at least one of the all-time greats) is made. I would actually like this game a little better if it was any other theme because then I'd still have it my mind that a Beatles game is coming and it's going to be great. The dream would still be alive. Do you know what I mean?

Not really, should be happy with really good. Actually, really great.

How much would you like to pay for your "Beatle's dream" because I'm sure it doesn't match up with reality.

Yes, you have impossible expectations for a theme you are over invested in; pretty common

It takes a BIG man to admit that! Well done. Hat off to you.

The tide has turned and will soon cover most of The Beatle sceptics. That is, if they eventually play the game and if they are honest, like you.

Disclosure: I admire/respect the Beatles musically, but it's not the genre of music I listen to normally (so you sound like a bigger "fan"). I was 3 years old when these tunes were released.

The folks that designed the machine were clearly focused on a very specific time period. From that perspective, they did an awesome job. It sounds like you were looking for a broader treatment of the theme.

I think my dislike has something to do with generally not liking early solid state type games. I didn’t like EBD at all and I hear that’s highly rated. The only (“like” early Solid State pin I enjoy is TNA because it’s so intense and fast paced). I just don’t enjoy the gameplay of the Beatles.

If you want to have a further conversation with me, stop making accusations and lying about me, my stances & statements.

Rebuttal with facts:

-TF & X-Men both had MASSIVE code problems & physical design problems. Neither are “smooth shooting” without a TON of work on the owners part. From the factory both are very poorly designed, and this has been heavily documented over the years.

-I like the band dubbed “The Beatles”.

Awaiting your apology & will then consider future conversation or adding you to the ignore bin with Ice (who hasn’t realized I haven’t engaged with him for like 3 years). I don’t waste time with disingenuous people.

Game is a lot of fun to play. I don't feel the absence of ramps affects the enjoyment factor (would seem weird to have them IMO). I enjoy the single level playfield. I hope to see more of these single level games come out.

I love the colors, and think the art integration is appealing.

I am not a fan of their music. That's the biggest turn off to me. (Probably how some people feel about some of the other music pins out)

Nice game to visit; I don't anticipate buying one (even if it were cheaper), but I'll be happy to play it.

Not a fan, would rather play seawitch.

Art is awful. Song choices were poor. Love beatles, but why they went with 1964 beatles... Even for 1964 beatles the art is just ugly. Hate looking at it.

Gameplay? We have one for league and its my least favorite. I love breakshot and TNA so the lack of ramps or a simpler layout is fine. The mode setup is kinda lacking for me. Hit spinners! Hit orbits! Hit drops! Oh man, what a fun time we are having...

If I was given one for free, I'd happily sell it to fund something else. Would not even bother to set it up.

Yes, I get you. I felt exactly the same when the game came out. Kapow/Stern coulda and shoulda done better.

But now we’re in a different phase. The “it is what it is” phase. And what it is is pretty damn charming. It’s a beautiful game that’s fun to play and it plays Beatles songs. That’s pretty OK in my book. Even at $8k.

You’re right. And I apologize. I’d actually forgotten about the code issues on both TF and XMen (which did get fixed for the most part). But you’ll forgive me if the only thing that really stands out from that era is you complaining ad nauseum about the voiceover work (and hitting Optimus Prime in the balls).

I owned TFLE and thought it shot very well. I liked the IH playfield and had no problems nutting OP. I do not recall shot or geometry issues with X, other than Optimus being too huge, but then again, I never owned that game and only played it on route. Thought it shot well.

I do take back my unfair characterization. Even if you did incessantly refer to me as “RoboPope” back in the day for my support and enjoyment of TF.

So you’re a ramp guy, huh? That’s the only statement missing here. I like ramps too, but I’d rather a no ramp game than a one ramp game, for what it’s worth. And Beatles is chockablock with other stuff.

And, of course, you know...The Beatles.

Oh i realize it, and love it! I get free reign to rebut some of your ridiculous pompous self absorbed nonsense.

That’s as nicely as I can put it

Got a question for you. Or anybody. If Stern had come with a 21st Century remake of Seawitch instead of The Beatles, a Seawitch that was all that The Beatles pin is except no music, etc. would those of you who have bought a Beatles consider buying a Seawitch if the price was lower?

If Stern were to produce another single level play field pin, is it something you would consider even if there were no rock star theme?

I can't say I would without a doubt, because I wouldn't pay 8k for it, but yes the theme certainly kills it for me. Not because it's The Beatles, but because the awful pastels and videos. The pinball gameplay itself was okay, but not anything a dozen other pinballs of the old era didn't offer for cheaper.

The lighting, audio, & video are outstanding and won't be found on "old era" games. It's a thoroughly modern retro design. It's also NEW. 80's era games are very difficult to find in great condition.

I get you don't like the theme, colors, videos, but you get what you pay for. I own Fathom/Centaur restorations and they are pricey. No problem with player condition 80's games, but they definitely wouldn't play as fast as Beatles (and certainly won't have modern lighting/audio/video).

Looks great! As an owner of a "Gold" could I ask you how this thing is hooked up to the pin.

Would someone please tell my how many times The Beatles appear on the pin, please? The topper is 1. The back glass is 2. Left side is 3. Right side is 4.

It seems like every Beatles bubble gum card picture I had as kid is on this pin.

One on location in Minot ND. It is a nice game. Going tomorrow to feed it some quarters.