The Wizard

The Wizard, manufactured by Genco Manufacturing Company in 1937, marks one of the earliest examples of electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machines. As a pioneering device in the field, The Wizard showcases the rapid evolution of pinball technology during its formative years. Its significance lies not only in its age but also in its design, which would lay the groundwork for future EM games.

The machine boasts an array of features that were innovative at the time, including 12 passive bumpers and a unique five-ball-per-play setup. This configuration allowed players to experience a more dynamic gameplay, increasing the chances of achieving high scores. The Wizard's dimensions of 46 inches in length and 22 inches in width also reflect the growing space requirements of pinball machines as they became more sophisticated.

The Wizard's theme centers around checkers, offering an interesting departure from the typical card or dice-based games often found on early EM machines. While details about its designer are scarce, The Wizard remains a fascinating piece of history for pinball enthusiasts, providing insight into the development of early electro-mechanical technology and gameplay innovations that paved the way for future generations of pinball machines.