Pinball

The Pinball machine from Stern Electronics, manufactured in July 1977 and designed by Mike Kubin, is notable for a bit of playful self-reference: a sports-themed pinball machine literally titled "Pinball." The concept reportedly traces back to a Chicago Coin advertisement from the mid-1970s. This electro-mechanical (EM) version, model 101, was also produced in a solid-state edition the same year under the identical model number.

The machine's gameplay design includes two flippers, three pop bumpers, and two slingshots, allowing players to navigate the ball through a layout with multiple objectives. Five drop targets, two kick-out holes, and a spinning target add variety, while an end-of-ball bonus rewards strong play. With options for 3- or 5-ball play, the game offers a replay wheel maximum of 28. Sound comes from three chimes and a knocker, standard EM-era audio components of the time.

With 594 confirmed units produced between July and August 1977, the Pinball machine remains a modestly-produced but notable piece of Stern's mid-1970s EM lineup, memorable in part for its straightforwardly self-titled sports theme.