Esmeralda Ball

The Esmeralda Ball, crafted by Petaco, S.A. (Procedimientos Electromagnéticos de Tanteo y Color) of Madrid, Spain, between 1962 and 1977, is a single-player electro-mechanical pinball machine. It is a one-player adaptation of Gottlieb's 1968 four-player machine 'Spin Wheel,' offering a glimpse into how Spanish manufacturers adapted American designs for their market.

The gameplay experience on the Esmeralda Ball is marked by its robust feature set, which includes two flippers, three pop bumpers, two slingshots, and a wedge head cabinet. The addition of ten backglass spinning lights and five kick-out holes adds to the machine's dynamic playability. Four standup targets and two kickback lanes further enhance player interaction with the game. A maximum displayed point score of 9,999 points hints at the machine's competitive spirit.

While there is limited information available on this machine's exact production year, its design and art are unmistakably tied to the 'Happiness - Games' theme. As a piece of pinball history, the Esmeralda Ball presents an opportunity for enthusiasts to study how European manufacturers adapted American pinball designs during this era.