Lights Out Special

The Lights Out Special, manufactured by Bally in 1936, is an early example of electro-mechanical pinball machines. As one of Bally's early models, it plays a role in understanding the evolution of pinball from its mechanical roots toward the more feature-rich games that followed. Its age makes it a notable piece for collectors and historians.

Gameplay on the Lights Out Special is characteristic of early pinballs of its time: the ball was launched with a plunger, and since flippers would not be invented for another decade, players had no direct way to redirect the ball in play beyond careful nudging of the cabinet. Little specific information survives about its playfield layout or scoring rules.

Little is known about the designer, artwork, or theme of this machine, making it all the more intriguing for enthusiasts seeking to uncover its history. Despite the lack of documentation, the Lights Out Special stands as a piece of pinball history, offering a tangible connection to the pioneers who helped shape the industry in its earliest days.