Transformers The Pin™

Transformers The Pin is a compact, home-model pinball machine released by Stern Pinball in 2012, based on the Transformers robots/sci-fi franchise. Designed by veteran pinball designer George Gomez, with art by Kevin O'Connor and sound by David Thiel, it was built as a lower-cost consumer title alongside its sibling release, Avengers The Pin.

Gameplay-wise, Transformers The Pin features a compact layout with two flippers, three pop bumpers, and two slingshots, along with two 8-digit LED score displays and adjustable volume. Measuring 43 inches long, 21 1/2 inches wide, and 64 inches high, and weighing about 120 pounds, its legs bolt to the insides of the cabinet rather than the corners, reflecting its home-model design.

Historically, Transformers The Pin holds a notable place in pinball technology: along with Avengers The Pin, it was the first game to use Stern's new SPIKE(TM) System MPU. According to designer George Gomez, the SPIKE system's modular nature made it ideal for these lower-priced consumer games, serving as a pilot run that helped refine the system before it was scaled up for Stern's more complex commercial machines, starting with 2015's Wrestlemania (Pro).