4X4

The 4X4, designed by Milt Loper and manufactured by Atari, Incorporated, is an extremely rare late-era prototype from the solid-state pinball pioneer, with only two units confirmed to exist. Dated to 1983, it represents one of the last pinball designs to come out of Atari before the company's pinball efforts wound down for good, offering a rare glimpse of what the manufacturer was still experimenting with at the tail end of its run in the format.

The gameplay of 4X4 is notable for its unique "heat" system, where three balls are automatically launched into play from the shooter lane at the start of each round, creating a frenetic and fast-paced atmosphere across three heats before the game ends. The presence of messenger balls adds an extra layer of strategy, as players must navigate these special balls, each positioned behind a drop target, through the machine to score points. Other key features include two flippers, three pop bumpers, a roll-under spinner, a kick-out hole, and 4-bank drop targets.

Very little is documented about the 4X4's design, art, or theme beyond its basic specifications, consistent with its status as a limited prototype rather than a widely distributed release. Nevertheless, the 4X4 remains an intriguing piece of pinball history, and its extreme rarity - only two known units - makes it a coveted subject for serious collectors and historians studying Atari's pinball output.