Double Action

The Double Action, manufactured by Genco in 1951, is a distinctive electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine best known for its mechanical backbox animation. Its signature gimmick gives the game its name: when a ball lands in a Double Action hole, it stays there and activates a flipperless vertical playfield in the backbox, where the next of four captive balls is mechanically lifted to the top and released to fall through pins for additional point scoring or Specials. Once the captive ball scores, the Double Action hole ejects its ball back into play.

Beyond the backbox game, the main playfield offers 5-ball play with two flippers, two pop bumpers, two passive bumpers, and three kick-out holes, creating a dynamic experience for players. The interplay between the lower playfield and the backbox mini-game gives the machine an unusual strategic dimension for its era.

No specific information is available regarding the designer or theme of the Double Action, leaving room for speculation among enthusiasts. Despite this lack of detail, the machine remains an intriguing piece of pinball history thanks to its inventive two-tier gameplay.