If you don’t define some parameters you’re going to get a really big range.. from like $1k to $8k..

At the low end — Start with your own ‘board set’ (arduinos or home designed boards, possibly open pinball?) and a 70s style single layer game with builder doing all art, some cab laying around being reused, old computer running mpf or your own python, used mechs, old wire harness, then start adding more costs from there:

Fast/PROC add $700-1000

Multi layers / more mechs add $1000-2000

Pay someone for art: $500-1000?

New mechs instead of used: $500+

Inserts: $50-100

Wire: $500+

New cab: $750-1000

Cab parts: $250-500

Dmd/lcd, speakers, translite , art printed: $300-700

Then if you like to mess around with different parts or like to make fancy stuff or need to buy tools, 3D printer, welder, etc.. add another $2-5k lol

I stopped counting a loooong time ago. For me, at the end of the day, I could have bought a new pinball. But it’s more fun to build.

Seems like some people are hopeful to build a game for less than buying a new one. Sure it can be done by carefully limiting costs and not going too crazy with a design/art/etc. personally I chose to build a theme I was interested in and went all in because I wanted to it keep me interested and playing it for a long time.

One thing I’ve noticed is that there’s been a lot of learning thru trial and error. Lots of parts I bought to test that I won’t end up using, the tool costs.. luckily all software I’ve used has been free so far. I’m hoping that all the learning can go into streamlining the next build.. provided I ever finish this one and still have energy lol