Royal Pair

The Royal Pair, designed by Jeff Brenner and released by Gottlieb in 1974, is an electro-mechanical, single-player, add-a-ball pinball machine that continues to interest collectors and enthusiasts. It was created as a version of Gottlieb's 1974 machine Top Card, made specifically for export to Italy, and shares its Cards/Gambling theme and card-based artwork by Gordon Morison.

The machine features two flippers, three pop bumpers, four slingshots, and a bank of 13 standup targets, creating a dynamic playfield that demands accuracy and strategy from players. With only 1,480 units confirmed produced, it is one of the rarer entries in Gottlieb's card-themed EM catalog.

The Royal Pair's design and art reflect a classic 1970s Gottlieb aesthetic, with colorful playing-card imagery reinforcing its gambling theme. As is often the case with lesser-documented export variants, detailed information about the machine's reception is scarce, but for collectors seeking a unique and historically interesting addition, the Royal Pair remains an attractive choice.