Hot Tip

Hot Tip, designed by Tony Kraemer with artwork by Christian Marche and software by Ron Crouse, was released by Williams Electronics in September 1977 as the company's first solid-state (SS) pinball game to enter full production, following two small prototype runs (Aztec in 1976 and Grand Prix in 1977). A confirmed 4,903 units were produced. Williams also released an electro-mechanical version of Hot Tip the same year.

The machine's feature set includes two flippers, a pop bumper, two slingshots, two 3-bank drop targets, two standup targets, a spinning target, a captive ball, and two kick-out holes. A distinctive feature is a unique rollover switch located in the upper left lane. For sound, Hot Tip uses four chimes and a knocker, along with a hidden score reel that reproduces the scoring sound effect of older EM machines -- a nod to the technology it was replacing.

As one of the earliest solid-state machines from Williams, Hot Tip marked an important transition point for the company as it moved from electro-mechanical to solid-state design, blending a horse-racing sports theme with gameplay elements familiar from Williams' EM catalog.