[Wired.com] WELCOME TO OUR CES 2021 liveblog archive! The WIRED crew wasn’t in Las Vegas this year; the show was moved online due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. But even a global health emergency can’t stop the march of consumer technology. There were still plenty of gadgets, apps, electric vehicles, smart-home appliances, brain-training headsets, and sex tech to tell you about. These are all our musings from our team during the show, including photos, written dispatches, trends, and, of course, more than a few lulz.
Stern Pinball Shows Led Zeppelin a Whole Lotta Love
The last of the great pinball manufacturers, Stern makes machines with modern themes like last year’s Stranger Things and old-school classics like that campy Batman show. But the company’s real forte is music machines. Whether it’s the Beatles or Iron Maiden, each machine is chock-full of meticulous details that’ll make any fan swoon.
Stern’s latest entry is a triple threat of Led Zeppelin nostalgia. There are three editions, each complete with real concert clips and all the glamor and bombastic lighting of a live show. Rock along to classics like “Immigrant Song” and “Kashmir” as you roll through replicas of the band’s iconography, including a prominent winged Icarus logo and the legendary Zeppelin itself.
—Boone Ashworth
What to get the gamer in your life for Valentine’s Day? Pick them up a game at GAD!
With warehouses in Omaha, Kansas City and Des Moines – we got the Midwest covered. And, yes, we sell to home game rooms users. And, yes, this is the right gift for yourself.
Not sure what is the best option? Take a look at these, call us for suggestions, and arrange curbside pick-up.
Stern’s Led Zeppelin Pinball Game
The Led Zeppelin game comes in three play versions, which is common for Stern pinball releases. Pro model, which is the most basic option, is usually found in public areas like bars, bowling alleys and game rooms. The other two models are Premium and Limited Edition. These models offer added features that give the play immersive experiences. For a full comparison and stock availability, our GAD reps are happy to help.
Of course, the biggest highlight with the Led Zeppelin pinball table is the fact that the band agreed to license their IP at all. Led Zeppelin likes to keep their song catalog to themselves. But Stern’s goal of recreating a Led Zeppelin concert experience was too special to pass up. This table is complete with lights, music and even concert footage. Everything a Led Zeppelin fan could want in a pinball game.
While we could Ramble On about the innovative ruleset in the game, the Song Remains the Same for Stern’s manufacturing capabilities and attention to detail and quality in hand assembling all of Stern’s pinball machines, included in this first look video of Led Zeppelin LE’s on the line!
G3 Fire Digital Darts Game
The G3 is great fun to play darts at home with the family. Lots of interactive play time. And, connect to the internet to join you remote family and friends for a rousing game of darts.
- Large 24″ monitor
- Enhanced player camera
- Glowing Cabinet
- Automatic target flip rotate between 15″ dart head and a 13″ dart head
Once you are connected to the world of G3 Fire, you can practice, play a game, join a remote league or compete worldwide – all from the comfort and safety of home.
Golden Tee 2021
Join the Golden Tee leagues. Keep track of your scores across your home machine and your favorite restaurant game. Play with the family and close friends. Play over the internet with your foursome.
Golden Tee is a proven fun, competitive game that people just can’t get enough of. And, this is the game that keeps on changing. As new courses, equipment and competitions are revealed – all the updates are available to your game console.
Start 2021 with a Golden Tee game.
Classic-Cade Game Table
How about just getting your first arcade game – and getting all the classic games in one?
Over 60 amazing classic games like Pac Man, Ms. Pac Man, Frogger, Asteroids, Mario Bros., Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Centipede, Galaga, Pong and so many more!
Play as one player. Play with multi players. Create tournaments, high score and so much more!
Classic-Cade is in stock in our Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City offices. We have both the cocktail game table and upright versions available for curbside pick-up.
Stern Pinball Stranger Things
The Stranger Things Pinball game takes you into the Upside Down for an immersive experience that extends the love of the hit TV show.
Experience the terrifying forces in Hawkins, Indiana that turn this small town “upside down” with supernatural elements, strange sightings, and government secrets. Stranger Things pinball machines will immerse players in a search to unravel the extraordinary mysteries and secret government experiments taking place at the Hawkins National Laboratory. The gameplay focuses on unlocking the hidden meanings of supernatural events occurring in and around the town, including the appearance of a girl known as “Eleven” with telekinetic abilities. The ball is wild as Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will, Joyce, and Police Chief Jim Hopper help Eleven close the dimensional gate.
“Stranger Things is one of the most successful shows of all time, connecting with people around the world and across generations. This game features action, mystery, suspense, and humor; Stranger Things is a perfect fit for pinball,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.
The Premium and Limited Edition models feature a first ever video projector that displays images and animations directly on the playfield, creating dramatic interactions with gameplay action. The center of the playfield features a unique ramp that doubles as a screen and leads the player into a direct battle with the Demogorgon. These models also feature a new Eleven themed “telekinetic” magnetic ball lock.
The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models all feature distinct hand-drawn art in addition to the custom sculpted, interactive Demogorgon bash toy, guarded by drop targets and a rotating ramp. All models include two hideout ball scoops, a Demodog spinner, three custom ramps, and game rules that will transport players into the Upside Down.
The Limited Edition model is limited to 500 units globally. The LE model includes additional unique features such as an exclusive mirrored backglass, exclusive custom themed cabinet artwork, a custom autographed bottom arch, exclusive custom art blades, anti-reflection pinball glass, a shaker motor, and a sequentially numbered plaque.
What is this going to cost me?
New pinball and arcade games vary in price greatly. The manufacturer of our new games set the “Manufacturer Suggested Retail (MSRP)” that we are required to stay within by contract.
Price also can include – shipping, delivery, and sales tax. Before you buy, our sales team is always happy to quote a price on any of our pinball games – (402) 553-2812.
Call us. We are happy to provide you with options within your budget. Our range of arcade games and pinball machines give you lots of options. Plus we have new in the box and the occasional used (certified by our service team for playability) game available for curbside pick-up at one of our Midwest offices.
Looking for fun new games on your pinball machine(s)? Here’s 9 variations to play yourself or with family and friends (yes, COVID safety suggested!) Awesome suggestions from Fun with Bonus:
This Code-mas Holiday season Stern Pinball posted new code for the following SEVEN games!!! Make sure you are up to date with the latest and Happy Holidays!
- Avengers: Infinity Quest – For all Avengers owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v0.95.0). Be on the lookout for a new code update later this month.
- Stranger Things – For all Stranger Things owners, please make sure you have updated your game to the most current code version (v1.01.0). This code contains numerous game enhancements including a brand new Final Showdown Challenge mini-game, additional polish, adjustments, system updates and bug fixes.
- TMNT – For all TMNT owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.41.0). This code update includes numerous game enhancements including a new Half Shell Challenge mini-game, additional polish, game adjustments, system updates and bug fixes!
- Iron Maiden – For all Iron Maiden owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.08.0). This code update includes numerous game enhancements, additional polish, game adjustments, bug fixes, system updates and the DJ Mixer feature!
- Star Wars – For all Star Wars owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.10.0). This code update includes numerous game enhancements, additional polish, game adjustments, bug fixes, system updates and the DJ Mixer feature!
- Pabst Can Crusher – For all Pabst Can Crusher owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.02.0) now including the DJ Mixer feature!
- Primus – For all Primus owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.04.0) now including the DJ Mixer feature!
Stern Pinball showcases new games at CES 2021
CHICAGO, IL – Stern Pinball, Inc., a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball, announced today a new line of pinball machines based on the legendary rock band, Led Zeppelin and its music. The Led Zeppelin pinball machines will be available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models.
Formed in London in 1968, Led Zeppelin consisted of vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. Together they became one of the best-selling bands with estimated record sales of 300 million units worldwide. In 1995 Led Zeppelin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for their innovative and influential impact on the entire music industry.
In this high energy rock and roll pinball concert experience, pinball and music are fused together. Players are transported back to Led Zeppelin’s early days and tour the world from 1968-1980. As if players were members of the band playing its music, their play updates game features at the start of each verse and chorus of ten iconic Led Zeppelin songs:
- Good Times Bad Times
- Whole Lotta Love
- The Song Remains the Same
- Rock and Roll
- Trampled Under Foot
- Ramble On
- Kashmir
- Immigrant Song
- Black Dog
- Communication Breakdown
“There is nothing more energizing and fun than bringing pinball and music together,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “Partnering with Led Zeppelin, we created a one-of-a-kind pinball experience. It’s our dream goal to create a pinball machine with this iconic rock band.”
The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models all feature a custom-molded Hindenburg Zeppelin toy, based on the iconic imagery from the Led Zeppelin I album. When lit, the Zeppelin toy scores speed locks on the player’s musical journey to Zeppelin multiball. A custom Swan Song Records trademark Icarus sculpted leaper toy takes flight when smashed by the chaotic pinball. A 3-bank of drop targets, 3 custom steel ramps, and 3 flippers keep the pinball action rolling.
The Premium and Limited Edition models feature an innovative interactive Electric Magic™ toy. This device is a unique motorized toy which rises from below the playfield to create different magical pinball experiences. An optical spinner charges the Electric Magic magnet, capturing and making balls disappear. The Electric Magic device also converts into a physical pinball bash toy capable of locking a ball or launching a ball around the playfield.
In true rock concert fashion, the Expression Lighting System™ with 96 intelligent RGB LED’s enables full color spectrum control. Positioned in pockets cut into the cabinet sides to provide color themed full playfield illumination, this integrated playfield lighting system is synchronized to custom light shows specifically designed for every song and dynamically responsive to game events.
As an encore, these models have an additional reversing scoop and metal combo ramp, allowing players to keep the hits coming with constant adrenalized pinball action. A back panel mounted illuminated song status board indicates which Led Zeppelin song is in play.
Only 500 Limited Edition games will be made for sale throughout the world. This limited version includes an exclusive Icarus themed full color mirrored backglass, exclusive custom themed cabinet artwork, custom high gloss Paradise Shimmer Blue powder-coated armor, a custom autographed bottom arch, exclusive custom art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball glass, a shaker motor, and a sequentially numbered plaque.
Pricing and Availability:
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price:
MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.
Pro Model: $US 6,199
Premium Model: $US 7,799
Limited Edition Model: $US 9,199
Led Zeppelin pinball machines and accessories are available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.
About Stern Pinball, Inc.
Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball. Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe.
Recent Stern Pinball titles include Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.
Between the last of the COVID lockdowns and winter snow, why not take the time to learn a new skill? Like how to participate in Pinball tournaments?
Many people think of pool, dart and Golden Tee as the only leagues to participate in but there is a huge number of people that play pinball for tournament play. The association is the International Flipper Pinball Association ( IFPA ). The IFPA website has lots of information, tutorials and links for rules, game play and how to participate in tournaments when they resume.
Here’s how to get started in your pinball journey:
- There is a bit of a lag time before in person tournaments resume after COVID vaccines – and here is where they will be listed at the IFPA.
- Check out all the tutorial videos at PAPA. Or at their YouTube channel.
- Pintips – is a place for pinball players to share short playing tips. Players vote on the best tips so you can always see the best tips at the top.
- Learn how to play pinball with Craig Pullen.
- Call GAD at 402-593-2812 and ask for Jerry (our resident pinball tournament guru). He’ll be able to guide you in tournament play, practice and the best games to consider owning for you practice time.
Good luck!
2020 IFPA Season Update and Beyond
Last week the participants of the IFPA17 World Pinball Championship were notified that we have once again postponed the event, which had previously been rescheduled for May 2021. The new dates for IFPA17 are November 11-14, 2021, still to be held at the Pinball Asylum in Florida.
The IFPA has no plans to organize any State, Provincial or Country Championships for the 2020 season of play. This includes North America and Australia, where the IFPA collected sanctioning fees for the first 3 months of the 2020 season. We will be rolling over that prize money into the 2021 season; however, the WPPR points earned in 2020 will NOT apply to the 2021 season qualifying.
The IFPA has no plans to organize an IFPA Women’s World Championship for the 2020 season of play. We will push forward with the hope that the 2021 qualifying season will result in a championship tournament in early 2022.
With respect to the WPPR formula and the decay used to reduce the value of events over time, the IFPA has no plans to adjust that formula in any way. Our ranking system is not designed to adjust for random local or global events, and as such, no changes will be made. We continue to rebuild the rankings on about a monthly basis, so the rankings continue to show where players stand based on the rules according to our current WPPR formula.
Due to the lack of sanctioned tournament play available in the 2020 season, there wasn’t a chance for players to play their way into qualifying for the IFPA Stern Rewards Program. Thanks to the generosity of Stern Pinball, everyone who qualified for Stern Rewards based on the 2019 season will once again qualify for the 2020 season. In addition, any eligible players that moved up into the top 1000 due to the decay of past results will also qualify for the IFPA Stern Rewards Program for the 2020 season.
Most importantly, we wanted to address our process for once again sanctioning tournament and league play globally. While some regions are reopening or were not as severely impacted by the virus, we want to ensure that our plans to restart sanctioning are fair to all players. We rely on the expertise and guidance of our IFPA Country Directors and State and Province Representatives to understand the situation on a regional basis, and we are listening to their input regarding whether they feel that tournaments and leagues are possible and prudent based on the specific realities of their communities. We have been tracking this feedback from our reps and intend to wait until a majority of the world has approved moving forward with sanctioned events before we consider reopening. Currently, based on our metrics, only 12% have voted to approve resuming sanctioned tournament play.
We continue to move forward with the IFPA Challenge Rankings (ICR), with December as the final month of qualifying. We encourage players to sign up if they are looking to scratch that competitive pinball itch, with over $700 in cash and prizes available. Details on the ICR are available HERE.
Finally, we want to acknowledge that the 2020 season has been like no other in our organization’s history. We have said goodbye to iconic people, organizations, events, and locations. We have also seen pinball communities come together for support and connection, participating in the ICR and virtual tournaments, donating to fundraisers for pinball establishments, and continuing to stay connected through virtual events and livestreams. While the future is still uncertain, we feel confident that sanctioned competitive pinball will return, and together we can take it to new heights. In the meantime, stay home, stay safe, wash your hands, and wear a mask.
To all our customers of vending, pinball, commercial arcade games and music – we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!
Our offices will be open a half day on 12/31/2020 and closed on 1/1/2021 to celebrate New Year’s Day.
As always, if you have an emergency contact your sales person on their emergency cell phone number.
Thank and we look forward to working with you in 2021.
The Team at Greater America Distributing (GAD Vending)
Stern Pinball’s website has been updated with a new item on our support page. You can download the official SPIKE™ System Manual and additional supporting documents here. This comprehensive manual covers a SPIKE™ system overview, in-depth look at the SPIKE™ system and node guide, backbox identification, identifying connectors and parts of the CPU board, interconnect diagrams, navigating the diagnostics menu, updating software instructions, how to create a complete SD card, troubleshooting flowcharts and node board status LED table/node board and bus test.
In addition, Stern engineering staff have added an option for updating code that utilizes the SPIKE system, enabling owners to create SD cards without assistance from dealers, distributors, or technical staff. Learn more about this time-saving option.
If you don’t find what you are looking for, GAD Vending is here to help our customers. Whether you bought a Stern pinball for your commercial establishment or for your home, we have trained staff to help you troubleshoot your pinball – both hardware and software. And, yes, we stock parts.