I'd love/buy either Goonies or BTTF, and video game pins would be fantastic: God of War, GTA, Zelda, etc. Endless possibilities.

Original is great IMO, won't ever leave my collection. However, I'd love an update and would be an LE buyer.

We assume/know the reasoning behind Beatles and BM66 being premium and above was due to higher licensing costs, thereby, requiring higher resale to offset those higher costs? Sorry, been out of the loop last few years.

Did people generally feel the super LE/Diamond versions were worth it?

Not disagreeing, however, if 2 is true wouldn't there have been a Tron VE by now?

Any chance the new Marvel would be Black Widow... movie coming out and as someone mentioned, appealing more to the female audience?

EDIT: My bad, looks like it has already been brought up.

Curious as to what other modern games have had an increase in value comparable to Tron.

That's actually a really good point.
I am one who'd be interested in a Tron VE, due in part cause I feel like I missed out on a great game - deciding between my first NIB I bought an X-Men instead of Tron. However, with some of the recent games it would be much harder decision to pick Tron over DP, JP, IMDN, etc.

Any benefits to a Kapow release... aside from the added cost?

Someone mentioned Mario as a possibility... I like that idea.

Most would be Nintendo franchises in my mind: Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Metroid, etc.

There is always GTA, but not sure that would translate well to a pin. Castlevania would be great.

I was thinking this, but not sure if it's too young of an audience. But I'd assume it'd make a great game for some, someday.

Look around at how many people (20s, 30s, 40s, etc.) have new cars that cost $30-40k+. That is disposable income to me and I see it every time I am on the road, anywhere. People have different priorities and find ways to purchase what they want.

I’m not that young, but would love to see themes catered toward the younger generations. Pinball isn’t all about me, and what I want. A broader appeal makes the hobby that much better, imo.

I'd have a hard time blaming the distros for the premium the LEs are going for. Distribution is typically a very low margin business and if they can make extra money to keep their business profitable and/or provide jobs, good for them. Especially after a probable rough year. However, it is very unfortunate for those that want in on one at a "reasonable" price. I'm not interested in this LE, but I know I'd be disappointed if it was one I really wanted. That's the market these days... seemingly with everything.

I'd look at the people willing to pay the inflated prices as the ones enabling this, and possibly changing who can/will buy LEs going forward as this could become the norm.

Agreed, and it sucks. I'm not saying it's fair or I agree with it, but it's a free market and when there is money to be made someone will find a way to get a piece of it. I think we've been fortunate that this hasn't been the norm. However, it has been in other industries. Try walking into a Chevy dealer and buying a C8 for MSRP.

I do hope you, and everyone else, that wants an LE can find one at a standard prices. Maybe after the reveal some will become available.

No, just pro and premium are in the trailer.

Grogu

No one would guess since he’s known as “baby yoda”

I've said this before (as have others) and will continue to do so... I have to think Stern is looking at trying to do Nintendo themed machines. May be a difficult license to obtain, but it's been done before. The popularity of Mario, Zelda, Pokemon is just too much to ignore.

I'm not into Pokemon but I would think it's theme would be perfect for pinball gameplay.

Would have been nice to know this a few weeks ago when I sold 2 games to make room for JP and DP. Would have kept them had I known the upgrade would cost an additional $1.6k.

Need help, I'm in a bad relationship. I was hurt (last two NIBs had ghosting/pooling), but it was made up to me (populated pf and unpopulated pf). We continued talking (playing) and I decided I could get over past flaws and move on with the continued apologies.

So I made two spots (sold two games recently) so that they could move in (ordered two new games last month). Now they say I have to pay their rent (looming price increase). I want to leave, I really do, but I have space... when will this cycle stop.

I understand Stern raising prices. From a business standpoint it probably needs to happen, especially in the current environment.

However, with such a huge backlog, so many people waiting for games, and so many putting orders in with lower pricing... the timing of it is just terrible.

Any confirmation on how/if the price increase affects current games?

I love your enthusiasm for for BTTF, lol

I’d be shocked if Stern isn’t/hasn’t pursued Nintendo products like Pokémon, Mario, Zelda, etc. I feel like video game properties are the next stage of evolution for licenses.

Would love a McFarlane art Spidey. Won’t happen, but would be a dream machine for me.

However, to be fair Pros will probably be $10k by then so many may be settling.

I think video game assets would be great for Stern. Hoping it’s only a matter of time.

Nintendo would be a number one theme for me, and others I’d bet. There are so many assets within the Nintendo world that could be stand alone games, similar to Marvel: Mario, Donkey Kong, Smash Bros, Mario Kart, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, Etc.

Maybe we need to start following @crujones4life’s say it and they will build it lead.

I don’t see much correlation. A $60 game is a very different item, and experience, than a $6k - $12k pinball machine. If I have the money to buy a machine I can buy the game as well.

Plus, one could say the same about other licenses.

Why would you have to? Plenty of other franchises than RPGs. But I would love a FFVII machine.

If you asked me how to make a pinball machine based on a music band I’d have no idea, but Stern makes it work.

I’m sure a Pokémon pin would do just fine…

“Pokémon became the highest-grossing media franchise of all time with $95 billion, beating out other franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel and Mickey Mouse.”

Play it before you buy it. Dream theme for me so I went LE. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to get into it like other games, it just hasn’t clicked with me.

Video game properties are an untapped source imo. Lots of potential with so many great themes that lend themselves well to pinball, Pokémon being a great example.

I’m thinking AIQ was a bit of a surprise, but not entirely sure.

Since we are talking Nintendo nostalgia with Pokémon and Castlevania…, both of which I think could work, I’d love a Mega Man pin.

That looks like such a disappointment: art looks terrible, layout is atrocious, PF is bare, and lamest theme ever. Won’t sell more than GZ. Will be a pass for me. Oh well, more money in my wallet. Thanks Stern.

First.

I really hope you are wrong, cause I’d want 3 of those and I’m out of room.

Great, now Stern has us playing wordle.

Way to discriminate against those of us not smart enough to crack codes…

What license isn’t like that? Music, movies, comics, etc. have millions spending <$20 at a time. Pokémon is a huge global IP, has had 30+ years of staying power with a demographic coming into money. I don’t see it as any different than other themes we’ve seen succeed as a pin.

Costs do not determine price.

Personally, I don’t consider any additional increase at this time reasonable considering they raised prices over 20% less than a year ago.

My apologies, was a poorly written statement on my part. “They” does not equal Stern.

I paid 22% more on a Prem from my quote last year. Part of that is Stern’s increase and I’d assume part is additional freight costs and distributor margin.

Pinball machines are not a giffen good, you could make the argument for a Veblen good, however. Similar, but different.

The reason for the multiple sku model is most likely to optimize profit. Stern probably thinks this is the best way to optimize given its customer base and behaviors.

Don’t underestimate the power of the Pokémon franchise, it’s not a “kids” theme. It’s millennial era pop culture. You may not like it, but so many do.

Agreed. I’d normally be all over this since I missed the LE, but not even going to inquire about it at the current prices.

I'm jealous you have neighbors who like, and buy, pins!

Sometimes I leave the games on and the front blinds open in an attempt to attract like minded neighbors.

G1 Transformers is the one theme I'd squeeze into the game room and risk the divorce.

Was only a matter of time before the monthly fee popped up. My guess is there will be a basic service and a fee for a premium membership with additional content.

I was an LE buyer willing to pay the premium when LEs were at $8-9k. But at $13k I'll just do the upgrades I care about (mainly powder coating) myself and save the money.