The good news is that we can expect a 40th anniversary ghostbusters next summer with correct flipper gap and new code all for a lower price than current huo prices ‍♂️

There's only two things in the universe that we know of that possess absolute scarcity...1. Our time on this earth. And 2. Bitcoin.

Everything else in the world may very well be infinite, and even Stern LEs are subject to additional production and/or counterfeiting given a long enough timeframe.

Wish I could afford a JP 30th. Looks great imo and exactly the art package I'd want if I had a choice.

For those looking for an original LE the new RUBY RED version should help. Originally LE was $9000. Then it shot up to $20k during pandemic. Now settled back down to $12,500. I would not be surprised to see them settle even more after RR JPLE is released. Like a roller coaster with values over here. I personally still like the emerald green over red.

Instead they did just enough to avoid lawsuits.

There are several games that already have cooperative mode.

To all the people complaining about an LE rerun, this is a signature edition not LE. Yes, I know, the add ons are the same as you’d get in an LE. Different price point. Different art style. Different game. LE and SE are both still exclusive in their own way.

Man I’d love to buy this one but the wife would never forgive me with another new born on the way.

I think this will impact the entire LE market - both new and used. Why pay the $3500 extra over the premium when Stern could decide to rerun it at anytime? It means that all older LE's are likely to drift back down closer to Premium pricing. That was fine when there was around a $1000 gap in their NIB price.. but not now.

As far as NIB FOMO? just wait until they slap on new art and rerun it!

I think you buy the art package you like and don't worry about the value. Unless your intention is to make it an investment and flip/sell at a later date, I don't really see a problem. I also don't have the money so maybe that's why I don't care because an LE is already a ridiculous price and fantasy at this point.

If someone wants to blow an extra $3k for art and pretty colors, who cares? Let them. I won't barring some dream theme. You shouldn't either.

I think you missed what I was saying.

I think Stern just diminished the reason why people, with the money, would be willing to spend the extra $3500 on LE's. Now that they have demonstrated the MSRP is likely the ceiling for the price, and if you want, you can just sit back and wait for the art package you like best.

People keep saying, "Pinball isn't an investment" - in some sense that is true. I never buy pins with the intention of *making* money, but I certainly don't want to lose $3000 on one.

Nobody missed what you are saying; it’s been said a million times before in a million different ways by a million people and it’s always been wrong.

People buy LEs because they want them. They aren’t going to stop because there’s a slim chance 5 years from now a different LE version will be put on the market.

The doomsayers always want to make their mark so I don’t blame you for trying. But….no.

Correct flipper gap? Just learn to play better, and learn to play the gap as designed by Trudeau.

Nah - this is an LE with different art. Stern admitted as much in their email to distributors on Wednesday: "since we only made 500 JPLEs and not 1000, we feel it's appropriate to come back and make another 500" (paraphrased by my distributor). He said Venom sales were weak and this is simply a cash grab. His analysis is that this move will hurt them in the long run on LE sales.

He's right because I'm out on all future LEs unless it's something I plan to keep forever. I used to be a strong advocate for LEs and have owned 13 of them (still own 5) - but the recent scalper price hike combined with no rarity guarantee has soured me on them. It won't make a difference for the high-end buyers as they can afford to lose $3k on every game, but I choose not to do that any more.

You mean people being happy to own a machine previously out of their reach?

Well, i for one, am looking forward to the Goldfinger edition of Bond.

I've heard from people who would know that they did in fact screw up the flipper gap. Trudeau's gap is usually a bit wider, but they also made it wider on top of that.

Anyway, yeah, the game is playable as-is. I reached the wizard mode on my pro before the code update where you could spot mode shots, and I'm not world class or anything.

Hells yeah! That would be great.

Stern can do as many cash grabs as they want as far as I'm concerned if it also involves bringing new modes and code updates to past titles. Sure, my Premium will be devalued some, but the game will be more fun to play and bring more enjoyment for me and my family. Stern please do Star Wars and Godzilla next! Star Wars is a game that would be perfect for co-op and new modes.

Don’t kid yourself judge, you’re an amazing slouch.

What part was he wrong on? Not buying pins as investment? Not wanting to lose 3K on one? Maybe he needs to speak with you so you can show him the secret to making money in pinball since you're asking $8500 for a Bond pro and 8K for an AC/DC pro on your website. If you're actually selling games at these prices, I can see why you want to keep the ruse going.

Bond is pretty saturated as are most titles that are in their current rotation (at least for now).

I think they'll tap into demand and vault popular games from the past as demand cools on the newer titles. GB, LOTR, Tron, TSPP, Met, etc would sell well (or sell incredibly well if updated with LCD).

Apparently my JP30th is shipping today - they are already built and coming out fast!

If the current BOND models aren't flying off the shelf, why would a Goldfinger edition do any better?

It will be gold and it's gonna say it's LE and special and a worthy investment for pinfolios.

Pinball is all about investing don't you know?

This is the only hobby I’ve had where the expectation is to get at least as much, and probably more out of the value of your game. I used to not care to sell for a little less and am getting back to that again. I enjoy the value of playing the game. Then there was a wave the last couple of years, sold some myself for more than I paid, and watched these JPLEs get out of sight. I always preferred the Pre art over the LE and planned to grab another. Now they have offered one I prefer over the Pre, so I rationalize the various options and go for it. It’s just pinball!

Always a chance the new code updates a tonne of behind scenes stuff, which could block pinball browser. The code that really smart guy had a hand in makes the game an all time great! At 13k I don’t want any generic Dino code.

No... you definitely don't get it. I am not a "doomsayer". I am not saying the hobby is ruined.

I am saying that for a certain set of people, one that most definitely includes me.. as an actual purchaser of LE's, they have reduced the logic to buy LE's.

I bet some of you collected comic books in the 90s

l

Fair enough.

I just don’t think it will make a dent in LE sales that anybody will notice.

Hot themes will continue to sell out their LEs. Those who are scared off by the potential of a different LE being made in 5 years will easily be replaced by new LE buyers for potential titles like Jaws, BTTF,
Etc.

We'll see.... it is pretty indisputable that current LE's aren't selling like they were. I'd also wager that there will be stock of these *new* JP LE's in 2 months (and probably much longer).

Levi ain’t the one buying them. He’s smart enough to buy the Pros

He also knows and sees what’s happening with the LEs and current pricing structure.

Hope is not a plan.

1,000 is way too many LEs. Some themes will do well. Others will suck like Venom. And the PRICE is too high!

The Stern quote that we only did 500 JPLEs is the ultimate BS.

Go run more BM66LEs, SLEs, and I’m sure STH is coming next.

TWD etc etc.

The LE buyers of past will be buying CHEAPER from the NIB buyers today.

Simple as that. Regardless of theme these pins aren’t WORTH the $$$

Just wish (dream) I could go into a SINGLE new game release thread without the bulk of posts being negative...towards the game, price, buyers (people), whatever. Getting old.....

This is a fun hobby (dammit).......I remember coming in here and just be excited to engage with others about pinball in general, tech, as well as games I was debating on purchasing (not fanboy, a simple hobbyist). Grows tiresome feeling compelled to defend a personal decision (buy or not buy), a company, a game..on and on.

The world in general can be painful enough at times regarding $$$.....this is NOT a pinball exclusive phenomenonan. EVERYTHING, including things I need to live, are way too expensive compared to 4 years ago, period.

Never owned a JP, wanted an LE, too late by the time I decided. Wasn't paying 12.5k for a used one. Think this version looks great! Buying one, so bash away.....good grief man......

Bash? As a premium owner, I owe you a beer for the code update.

So are you out on future LEs cause they will possibly re-run them or are you out cause you can’t flip LEs anymore for ‘scalper price’

Will take you up on that, but let's switch to bourbon....

Hah - I'm out because of possible re-runs - I don't flip games. There are easier ways to make money than moving around heavy ass pinballs.

It’s sad, Pinside is becoming the no fun zone.

I guess you can say this is Stern's way of helping out the little guy. Flood the market and surely prices will come down in the second hand market. It's what most people want.

But really... doing what Stern is doing (just like what Jersey Jack did) is indefensible. They had an 'implied contract' with their buyers. Even if they have all the legal jargon correct to keep them from liability... they are still guilty of being morally wrong. Morality is something that is in short supply these days.

And that is the point, it starts to cascade down. The price will get to a point where it is just above used Premiums. That was fine when there was a $1200 gap, but most of us aren't too gung ho about potentially losing $3000. There really aren't that many LE buyers out there. When I bought my original JP LE - i got it after it had sat at the distributor for a month or two... and I bought it below MSRP. So globally.. there are maybe 2000-2500 total. Between the price hikes (in the gap between the LE and Premium), and the reruns of LE's, that number has gone down.

Right. That's why they keep making them.

"Hey, we can't get rid of LE's anymore. Nobody buys them. You know what's a smart business decision? Let's make 500 more JP LEs!"

Nothing wrong with selling a game for what it is worth

Machine - For Sale

FS: Guardians of the Galaxy Limited Featured Archived

HUO - Documented (Home Used Only) - “Beautiful GotGLE with tons of mods - 2nd owner, 268 lifetime plays. Playfield protector for a glass like finish (no adhesion, can be removed in 30 seconds if not desired) Fosgate ...”

2022-12-03

Tulsa, OK

Damonator

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Archived after: 25 days

Viewed: 298 times

Status: Sold for $ 14,000

Contributed to Pinside

Got positive feedback

Companies make bad decisions all the time (Pontiac Aztec, Twitter becoming X, and so on). Plus I am sure there is a sense that they need to make the money while the fire is still hot.

Kind of sad, like the world at times. Went to the grocery store last week....bought a "value pack" of paper towels $28 !!!!!! Recall the same pack being around $12 a year or so ago. Was an idiot and voiced my concerns to the cashier.....she told me to put them back or get the bargain brand. I NEED paper towels (messy eater). When s#!t like this becomes the constant narrative in a hobby I love, it can get very depressing after awhile.

Yea - I lost $1k on that game. Paid $15k, sold for $14k. I think that qualifies me for worst flipper ever.

But but they said greed was good. And now it's not? What the hell is going on here!?

Ok, again, fair enough.

But why deny you are a "doomsayer," when you literally are?

You are proclaiming doom. Stern is making "bad business decisions" by making these LEs that you claim people will no longer buy. The hobby is killed. The golden goose is cooked.

We get it. In fact, it's all got a familiar ring to it. It gets said with every single new Stern release.

Because I never said, or implied that about Stern.

I think these LE shenighans will probably help them sell more Pro's and Premiums. I never said that I was "done" with Stern... just that I was done with LE's.

Surely your *not* saying that Stern has *never* made a bad business decision? Do you think that every decision that they have made... even within the last 5 years... was absolutely optimal?

This statement is absurd. There are a great many things on this planet with absolute scarcity. Any original art piece, by a renowned painter is just 1 example.

lol...I didn't get the comment either. I was assuming it was a joke.

I meant thoose complaining over the LE exclusivity.

Buying a MM 2014, then if you want the best, you get the cgc le, then you get the royal edition, and whats up next?
Keiser edition in 2024?

"There are only two things I can't stand in this world: People who are intolerant of other people's cultures, and the Dutch."

- Nigel Powers

Now there's a joke. lol