Pinball

GAD knows Pinball. Articles about new pinball games. How to place pinball in the best locations. How to choose a pinball machine for your home. Best tips on fixing pinball games. Greater America Distributing knows pinball machines and how to fix them. An authorized dealer of Stern Pinball, Chicago Pinball, Valley-Dynamo Pinball and Chicago Pinball. Distributing in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa.

(More!) Pinball Games in Stock Starting at $4,395

(More!) Pinball Games in Stock Starting at $4,395 940 788 GAD Vending

Pinball games are actually very intricately designed works of art. Manufacturers like Stern have also brought a high level of technology into these iconic machines.

Stern’s Insider Connected is an app within a game. Brings you the ability to not only track your scores across Stern games but compete with other for badges and prizes around the globe.

While pinball games seem expensive, they are really pieces of technology wrapped with game play surrounded with works of art.

Newest Stern – X-Men

Home Pinball Games

GAD stocks various pinball games that are specifically designed for home game rooms.

Take the Stern Star Wars Home Edition.

Has all the great quality of Stern. Design and the game field are stepped up to the finest in the industry. It’s dimensions are a bit smaller. It does not come with any cash accepting technologies.

Our sales team at GAD is ready to help you find the perfect game for your family, loved one or office breakroom. Give us a call and we are happy to help!

The Best Pinball – In Stock for Christmas

The Best Pinball – In Stock for Christmas 940 788 GAD Vending

In a panic for the ultimate Christmas present? Your family and friends into games? Looking for something fun to add to your family room this winter? Think GAD! We have lots of pinball, darts and Golden Tee games in stock, ready for delivery or pick up.

Check out our current inventory list (changes regularly!).

GAD finds with our home customers that one game isn’t enough! That’s why we have lots of choice. Consider –

  • Any great pinball game(s)
  • Newest digital dart games
  • Golden Tee PGA Home Edition
  • Classicade Arcade Game in either a stand up or table game

GAD has showrooms with games to try in Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City. Stop by and we’re happy to help you figure out the right games for your family.

Here’s just a few family friendly pinball options:

What’s on the Naughty or Nice List? A Game from GAD?

What’s on the Naughty or Nice List? A Game from GAD? 498 724 GAD Vending

Getting ready for Christmas? Facing the worst people on your list? Have they been the right naughty or nice? How about a new game for the house?

GAD stocks many games, pinball and arcade games. Check out a listing here. 

GAD has a free delivery program in the geographic areas around our offices in Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City. We also have curbside pick-up. Plus, we have an arrangement with various shipping companies for an affordable shipping option to your home.

GAD offers phone support for all our customers. Plus, we have service technicians in various areas that can help if you can’t figure it out. GAD has a large parts department. We can help you determine what you need, and ship it to you.

A home game room must haves –

  • Golden Tee PGA Home Edition
  • At least 1 Stern Pinball
  • Ice or Fire Digital Darts
  • If you have room, consider a shuffle board, foosball or pool table

Let us know how much space you have and we’ll help you with a mix of equipment that makes sense for you and your entertainment needs.

Latest and Greatest New Stern Pinball Releases

Latest and Greatest New Stern Pinball Releases 1500 1483 GAD Vending

Stern has been very productive releasing new titles in the last few months. Thought it is important to take a look at these so you can plan your Christmas shopping wish list.

GAD has these titles in stock or on the way in various levels of play. Check with us to find out availability, pricing and delivery options. Yes, we sell to commercial and residential customers.

METALLICA REMATERED

Metallica Remastered is updated with a full-color LCD display featuring all-new animations and live concert video footage. Stern’s modern Spike 2 electronics will power the gameplay experience.  Fans will enjoy expanded gameplay and improved presentation with 22 songs (8 more than the original) and expanded gameplay rules. Cabinet improvements include an Expression Lighting system and 2 all-new art packages by Metallica artist Rhys Cooper.  Players will experience the same great flow from the original Metallica playfield layout with geometry and mechanical improvements, new versions of gameplay toys, updated mechanical devices, and new UV lighting effects.

Since forming in 1981, Metallica has become one of the most influential and popular bands in musical history. Through their groundbreaking music, electrifying live performances, and a cultural impact that has extended beyond music, Metallica has garnered a massive global following of dedicated fans. Their critical acclaim and influence match the Hall of Fame band’s commercial success in the world of rock music and pinball.

Stern Pinball has ensured that extra care and attention to detail has gone into every facet of Metallica Remastered while respecting the timeless classic game created by pinball legends John Borg and Lyman F. Sheats, Jr. The design team, led again by John Borg and software engineer Raymond Davidson, has created a modern version of the original masterpiece.

John Borg’s classic playfield architecture has been enhanced with three all-new sculptures: Sparky, the Hammer, new RGB-illuminated Skulls, and a new Metallica logo spell-out on the back panel. Dramatic UV lighting effects have been implemented throughout the playfield and on Sparky, and the game includes numerous quality and durability refinements.

The iconic Lyman Sheats rule set has been carefully enhanced to add two new game modes based on Metallica’s two most recent albums, last year’s Grammy-winning 72 Seasons and 2016’s Hardwired…to Self-Destruct, as well as a new “Blackened” Wizard Mode. The Metallica Remastered software also includes numerous refinements throughout and an enhanced illuminated insert array to support the new game rules while preserving the classic gameplay feel from the original.

Metallica Remastered features an entirely new suite of presentation elements, including all video content and animations, new sound effects, and over 1,000 new speech calls that include callouts by the band. Eight new Metallica songs have been seamlessly integrated into the game and include new supporting animations, movies, and HD-quality live concert footage selected by the band. The Expression Lighting system for the cabinet and speakers comes standard with the Limited Edition version and is available as an accessory upgrade for Premium models.

THE UNCANNY XMEN

Stern’s new The Uncanny X-Men pinball games feature Wolverine, Professor X, Cyclops, Storm, Colossus, Beast, Rogue, Gambit, Nightcrawler, Jean Grey, Bishop, Kitty Pryde, and Magneto, along with a supporting cast of allies and foes. The adventure takes players to familiar X-Men locations including the Danger Room, Beast’s Lab, the X-Mansion, and Genosha. Along the way players will interact with fabled X-Men devices like Cerebro and the X-Jet.

The Uncanny X-Men playfield is a unique pinball layout that features an array of new crossing shots and ramp designs with surprising ball trajectories to deliver kinetic satisfaction. The all-new Danger Room design, located to the left of the main flippers, offers a high-risk, high-reward experience that includes a mini-flipper and a novel outlane spinner. Premium and Limited Edition models also include an all-new elevated captive ball vari-target themed as Beast’s Lab.

The Uncanny X-Men pinball game features a mechanically articulated Sentinel for the player to battle. The Sentinel’s large robotic head changes its state based on the player’s actions. In the Premium and Limited Edition models, the Sentinel rises from underneath the playfield and fights back by destroying the player’s ramps or attacking the ball with its extended hands.

“X-Men is a time-honored franchise that Marvel and Stern fans love.  It’s the superhero franchise that I grew up with. We’re excited for fans to experience the fun of The Uncanny X-Men pinball,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball.

The Uncanny X-Men’s game experience is masterfully illustrated in comic book style art by renowned artist Jeremy Packer, aka Zombie Yeti. Each game also features a custom X-Men soundtrack with diverse musical styles designed to immerse the player into the game’s various time periods.  The soundtrack was composed by Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Pantera fame. The game’s video presentation makes the classic Days of Future Past story come to life in animated motion graphics style.

JOHN WICK

Stern Pinball, Inc. announces its newest line of pinball games featuring the world’s greatest assassin, John Wick. Created in collaboration with Lionsgate, players will experience the thrilling and action-packed billion-dollar grossing John Wick franchise with film-inspired mechanical features and artwork alongside Stern’s all-new dynamic AI combat system. John Wick pinball games are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models. The John Wick film franchise is produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, along with franchise director Chad Stahelski through his 87Eleven Entertainment production company.

In Stern’s John Wick pinball games, players step into the role of the world’s greatest assassin as he fights to escape his past. As the titular character, players can engage in high-speed car chases and fast-action drifting across the playfield, which incorporates models and artwork inspired by iconic locations from the franchise, including the New York Continental Hotel and the Red Circle Club, all set against a dramatically edge lit New York City skyline. Players can also open John Wick’s weapons crate to reveal a hidden shot target path to retrieve an array of weapons. Players must use the sculpted Blood Oath Marker carefully – or risk the consequences. Players need to survive other assassins, complete jobs for the legendary Factions of the High Table, and eventually take on John Wick’s “Special Assignment!”

To raise the stakes, John Wick pinball introduces Stern’s all-new dynamic AI combat system, an innovation that brings the frenetic combat of the legendary films to the game. The Stern team has created a primitive video game AI system to control the enemy lights on the playfield, setting the John Wick pinball games apart from prior pinball machines, where all lights were controlled by player actions, timers, and random number generations. In this new AI combat system, enemy icons are responsive to player behavior and will illuminate dynamically around the playfield to challenge the player. The enemies move tactically with this dynamic software to counter player objectives, creating a unique challenge in each game session. The system also features a new action video player that dynamically reflects player action – as you defeat three enemies, you’ll see video clips of John Wick doing the same in the films!

Accompanying the high-quality film and audio assets woven into the gameplay, John Wick pinball games will include custom narration by critically acclaimed actor Ian McShane as Winston and an original score composed by Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Pantera fame. Additionally, pieces of John Wick’s iconic suits used in connection with the production of the films will be included as a franchise artifact in the LE models, courtesy of Lionsgate. The John Wick pinball games will feature original neo-noir style paintings illustrated by acclaimed artist, Randy Martinez.

“Inspired by one of the most iconic and thrilling film franchises of our time, we’re releasing John Wick pinball games with the most advanced technology we’ve ever created,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball, “We can’t wait for players to try out our new combat system and experience the action.”

John Wick pinball games include Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected™ system, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in multiple ways.  Through Insider Connected, players can track progress, earn new game-specific Achievements, take on special John Wick Quests and complete Faction Contracts to increase their Assassin ranking.

Insider Connected also provides an operator-focused toolset to drive location play through a better player experience, game location discovery, location leaderboards, performance analysis, automatic code updates, and remote diagnostics for easier maintenance.  Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/ or in the Insider Connected App.  Download it today on iOS and Android.

MORE FROM STERN

This is just the highlights of the last 3 great releases from Stern. There are so many others that GAD has in stock and ready for your home.

Released in 2024 also include Jaws and Venom. Both in stock at GAD with limited quantities available.

 

 

Halloween – Trick or Treat and Pinball

Halloween – Trick or Treat and Pinball 753 751 GAD Vending

What a great combination for Halloween – do a little trick or treat and play pinball in to the night.

GAD favorites for Halloween – Elvira or Stranger Things (both in stock or look on Stern for places to play!).

But of course, we could be moved to play a rousing pin on any of the best music games available. Especially exciting is the new Metallica Remastered. If that isn’t your band – how about Foo Fighters, or Iron Maiden? Younger kids enjoy TMNT, Mandalorian, or Jurassic Park. Anything Marvel is always a good choice – Avengers, Venom, Deadpool or Guardians of the Galaxy. Not yes? How about from a favorite movie? James Bond? Godzilla? Jaws? The choices are amazing.

Amazing choices, in stock at GAD for pick up, delivery or ship out.

Halloween Costume Ideas!

Halloween Costume Ideas! 940 788 GAD Vending

What are you going to be for Halloween? That’s easy – your PINBALL character!

So easy to be anything Star Wars or Mandalorian. How about Ghostbusters or TMNT? Marvels? So many great characters, so few days to dress up!

But we’ll be so bold that if you dress up like your pinball, share the photos.

New! Stern’s Metallica Remastered Pinball

New! Stern’s Metallica Remastered Pinball 1500 1483 GAD Vending

A remastered edition of Stern’s hit Metallica game, originally released in 2012.

● The iconic John Borg and Lyman Sheats pinball masterpiece enhanced with SPIKE 2 electronics and LCD display featuring all new animations, Insider Connected features, HD quality live concert footage, 8 new songs (for a total of 22), Expression Lighting system, expanded game rules and 2 all-new art packages by Metallica artist Rhys Cooper. Available now as Premium or Limited-Edition models.

● The game John Borg always wanted to make! His classic playfield architecture is enhanced with 3 new sculpts; Sparky, the Hammer and new rgb illuminated Skulls, a new Metallica logo spell-out on the back panel, and UV lighting effects throughout the playfield and on Sparky. Also available is a full accessory package including interactive topper, armor, and shooter knob. The game includes numerous quality and durability refinements based on observations of the game over its lifetime, such as improvements to the disappearing ball magnet sensing technology, the in-line drop targets, a new anti-bounce back steel diverter post, chrome wire-forms, ball guide refinements, ramp sensing optos and RGB LED’s.

● The legendary Lyman Sheats rule set has been carefully enhanced by Ray Davidson to add 2 new game modes based on “Hardwired” and “72 Seasons” and a new “Blackened” Wizard Mode. The software includes numerous refinements throughout and an enhanced insert array to support the new game rules. The 8 new songs have been seamlessly integrated into the game and include new supporting animations, movies and HD quality live concert footage provided specifically by the band.

● The presentation elements are all new; including all video content and animations, new sound effects, the integration of the Expression Lighting system for cabinet and speakers (standard on the LE, available on the Premium) and over 1000 new speech calls that include call outs by the band. The game also features UV lighting elements throughout the playfield and fully integrated into toys and game rules.

● The game now has Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected system which brings Achievements, Quests, Leaderboards and the full complement of IC features to the game. The integration features 4 “Crank it Up” Challenge modes and 1 Wizard Mode unlockable with IC.

Songs featured in the game:

Returning songs:

  • · Battery
  • · Blackened
  • · Creeping Death
  • · Enter Sandman
  • · Fade to Black
  • · For Whom the Bell Tolls
  • · Fuel
  • · Master Of Puppets
  • · One
  • · Ride the Lightning
  • · Sad But True
  • · Seek and Destroy
  • · The Unforgiven
  • · The End of The Line – IC Integration

New songs:

  • 72 Seasons
  • Hardwired
  • Frantic
  • Hit the Lights
  • If Darkness Had a Son
  • King Nothing
  • Moth Into Flame
  • Spit Out the Bone

Stern Pinball Revisits a Timeless Classic with Metallica Remastered – Available Now

Stern Pinball Revisits a Timeless Classic with Metallica Remastered – Available Now 1500 1507 GAD Vending

STERN PRESS RELEASE – CHICAGO, IL – October 16, 2024 – Today, Stern Pinball, Inc., revealed Metallica Remastered – a technologically advanced version of one of Stern Pinball’s greatest hits. Metallica Pinball was originally released in 2013 and is one of the most successful and beloved pinball games ever. Metallica Remastered has elevated the game to the modern era with gameplay, electronics, and presentation improvements. Metallica Remastered pinball games are available now in Premium and Limited Edition (LE) models, along with a full line of accessories available soon.

Metallica Remastered is updated with a full-color LCD display featuring all-new animations and live concert video footage. Stern’s modern Spike 2 electronics will power the gameplay experience.  Fans will enjoy expanded gameplay and improved presentation with 22 songs (8 more than the original) and expanded gameplay rules. Cabinet improvements include an Expression Lighting system and 2 all-new art packages by Metallica artist Rhys Cooper.  Players will experience the same great flow from the original Metallica playfield layout with geometry and mechanical improvements, new versions of gameplay toys, updated mechanical devices, and new UV lighting effects.

Since forming in 1981, Metallica has become one of the most influential and popular bands in musical history. Through their groundbreaking music, electrifying live performances, and a cultural impact that has extended beyond music, Metallica has garnered a massive global following of dedicated fans. Their critical acclaim and influence match the Hall of Fame band’s commercial success in the world of rock music and pinball.

Stern Pinball has ensured that extra care and attention to detail has gone into every facet of Metallica Remastered while respecting the timeless classic game created by pinball legends John Borg and Lyman F. Sheats, Jr. The design team, led again by John Borg and software engineer Raymond Davidson, has created a modern version of the original masterpiece.

John Borg’s classic playfield architecture has been enhanced with three all-new sculptures: Sparky, the Hammer, new RGB-illuminated Skulls, and a new Metallica logo spell-out on the back panel. Dramatic UV lighting effects have been implemented throughout the playfield and on Sparky, and the game includes numerous quality and durability refinements.

The iconic Lyman Sheats rule set has been carefully enhanced to add two new game modes based on Metallica’s two most recent albums, last year’s Grammy-winning 72 Seasons and 2016’s Hardwired…to Self-Destruct, as well as a new “Blackened” Wizard Mode. The Metallica Remastered software also includes numerous refinements throughout and an enhanced illuminated insert array to support the new game rules while preserving the classic gameplay feel from the original.

Metallica Remastered features an entirely new suite of presentation elements, including all video content and animations, new sound effects, and over 1,000 new speech calls that include callouts by the band. Eight new Metallica songs have been seamlessly integrated into the game and include new supporting animations, movies, and HD-quality live concert footage selected by the band. The Expression Lighting system for the cabinet and speakers comes standard with the Limited Edition version and is available as an accessory upgrade for Premium models.

Limited to 500 games globally, the highly collectible Limited Edition model includes the Expression Lighting System™ and Speaker Expression Lighting. These integrated lighting systems are synchronized to custom light shows specifically designed for every song and dynamically responsive to game events. The LE version also includes a full-color Remastered mirrored backglass, full-color reflective high definition cabinet decals with hand-drawn artwork by Rhys Cooper, exclusive custom powder-coated pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a signed Certificate of Authenticity.

Metallica Remastered includes Stern’s ever-expanding Insider Connected™ platform, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in multiple ways, including ongoing code updates from Stern Pinball to extend and improve the experience over time. Through Insider Connected, players can track progress, earn new game-specific Achievements, and extend the fun with four “Crank it Up” modes and “End of Line” Wizard Mode as Challenge Modes only with Insider Connected. Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/ or in the Insider Connected App. Download it today on iOS and Android.

Metallica is one of the quintessential pinball games that has been treasured and respected for over a decade now,” said Seth Davis, President and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “We’re incredibly proud of the entire Stern team in collaboration with Metallica for their thoughtful yet modern recreation of this beloved game, staying true to the design philosophies that have shaped pinball today and for years to come.”

Pricing and Availability: 

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*:

 *MSRP for sales to USA end-users before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.                                         

Premium Edition:                                                   $US 9,699

Limited Edition:                                                     $US 12,999

Metallica Remastered pinball games are now available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers worldwide. This game is available for commercial or residential purchase at GAD.

About Insider Connected

Insider Connected™ is Stern Pinball’s community network that allows players and owners to engage with pinball games in rapidly expanding ways. The platform unites pinball players around the world and enhances fun through a variety of helpful online features. Insider Connected is included with every new Stern product and is available as an add-on for existing games.

Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com or in the intuitive Insider Connected™ mobile app on iOS and Android. By tapping a device on any enabled machine, players can track and resume game progress wherever they play, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the pinball community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests. In addition to offering benefits to players, Insider Connected allows Stern to serve its game owners worldwide by upgrading games, offering new features and quests, and extending the longevity of machines for years to come.

About Stern Pinball, Inc. 

Stern Pinball, Inc. creates compelling entertainment that inspires a lifetime love of games, sparks passion, forges friendships, and connects people everywhere through fun, innovative, technologically advanced pinball games and experiences.  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 Metallica Remastered, The Uncanny X-Men, John Wick, JAWS, Venom, Foo Fighters, James Bond, Rush, Godzilla, The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, 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 competing in high-stakes global competitions to novice players discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time.  To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.

About Metallica 

Formed in 1981 by vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich and including guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo, Metallica has become one of the most influential and successful rock bands in history, selling nearly 125 million albums worldwide and generating more than 17 billion streams while playing to millions of fans on all seven continents—more than 1.3 million of whom belong to the band’s fiercely loyal and consistently growing Fifth Member fan club. Metallica’s catalog of multi-platinum studio albums includes Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, …And Justice for All, Metallica (commonly referred to as The Black Album), Load, Reload, St. Anger, Death Magnetic, Hardwired…to Self-Destruct, and most recently the Grammy-winning 72 Seasons, released April 14, 2023 on the band’s own Blackened Recordings label. Metallica’s awards and accolades include nine Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, multiple MTV Video Music Awards, a 2009 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Sweden’s Polar Music Prize. In 2017, Metallica established the All Within My Hands Foundation to give back to communities that have supported the band. To date, All Within My Hands’ collective efforts have raised nearly $15 million – providing $8.2 million in grants to career and technical education programs, over $3.6 million to combat food insecurity, and more than $3.5 million to disaster relief efforts.

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Pinball Expo 2024

Pinball Expo 2024 829 664 GAD Vending

Longest running Pinball Show!

Hundred of pinball machines set for free play. Pay on price to play all day.

This is an amazing show of all the premier pinball games available today. See Stern, American Pinball, Jersey Jack and Chicago Gaming. Games that GAD has in stock are available for you to play in one place to help you with your purchase of a favorite game.

This show is a massive 100,000 square feet of show floor plus tours and events to enjoy.