I am wondering why Stern did not use the launch of the LCD display to rewamp the backbox entirely.
For the record, I cannot stand the general Stern bashing. And have defended Stern numerous times in forum debates. And I think what we have seen so far ON the LCD is stunning. Aesteticly and dynamically much much better than what I had expected to see.
But I never liked the backbox. It is just feels too small. And too rectangular (sometimes it looks like it is leaning backwards). And with the LCD and the new speaker grill. Ehhhhh, ouch.
Of course, it might have been to cater the collectors that want a row of games with the same form factor.
Did a bit of research. Current iteration was introduced by South Park 17 years ago.