4-IN-1 (Pigskin: 2010)
About This Machine
The 4-IN-1 (Pigskin) is a solid-state electronic pinball machine from Williams Electronics Games, designed by Barry Oursler in 1985. It is one of four interchangeable playfield-overlay themes (Baseball, Poker, Football, and Soccer) that could be swapped into the same cabinet, letting an operator convert the machine between sports themes by changing the overlay, instruction card, and switch options. This particular listing uses the Pigskin (football) overlay.
A key aspect of the game is its possession-based system, where two players take turns playing out three possessions apiece in a one-credit game. Doubling up on credits expands the gameplay to six possessions per player and increases the BEAT THE SCORE target by 50%, adding a layer of strategy to the pinball action.
Only 100 total 4-IN-1 cabinets were produced, each shipping with all four overlays, making a complete matched set a rare find today. Williams also tried marketing the 4-IN-1 concept to the home market through catalogs such as Sharper Image and Hammacher-Schlemmer, though sales fell short of expectations.
Images (3)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Sports - Football
- Model Number:
- 543-N
- MPU:
- Williams System 10
- Notable Features:
- A one-credit game consists of three possessions apiece for two players. A two-credit game consists of six possessions apiece for two players and a 50% increase in the BEAT THE SCORE amount over the one-credit game.
Credits
- Designer:
- Barry Oursler
- Artist:
- Tim Elliott
- Software:
- John Morgan