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.

Valentine’s Day: Whole Lotta Love

Valentine’s Day: Whole Lotta Love 600 608 GAD Vending

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

Led Zeppelin PinballNeed we say more? This game is the newest offering from Stern Pinball. And already has won CES Awards, critic acclaim and a named a GAD classic out of the box.

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

If that special someone is missing their Darts League with COVID, why not get them a G3 Fire Internet Connectivity game for home?

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

The Golden Tee Golfer in life missing their tee time? But Golden Tee for home is just as much fun!

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

GAD Vending sells Stern Netflix TV show Stranger Things PinballWhat is better for your honey than Stranger Things? We meant the pinball game.

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. 

Top 9 Games To Play on Pinball Machine(s)

Top 9 Games To Play on Pinball Machine(s) 804 401 GAD Vending

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:

 

COVID Breakroom 2021

COVID Breakroom 2021 802 645 GAD Vending

Work from home will continue for awhile – and maybe be the norm for many. When working from home, positive breaks are essential.

Why not add a pinball game, digital darts and Golden Tee to your 2021 Breakroom?

According to Good Housekeeping:

How often do you get up from your desk at work, or even just change your seated position?

For most of us, the answer is shockingly low, which is worrying given that sitting still for long periods of time has been linked to being overweight, type 2 diabetes, some forms of cancer and premature death.

What’s more, according to the NHS, prolonged sitting is thought to slow the metabolism, which affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down fat. Not good news…

According to osteopath Xerxes Dalal, who has worked in the City since 2002, many people also get back pain from sitting at desks all day. ‘I’ve seen so many office workers who have bad backs as a result of stress, long hours and excessive sitting’ he says.

‘Several studies have shown that ideally, you should change position 40 times per day at work’ he continues. ‘So if you have a sedentary job, get up and walk around as often as possible, and change position at your desk.

‘If you have a standing job, moving frequently and even sitting occasionally (with good posture) is advisable’ he adds.

Moving 40 times a day sounds like a lot, but if you stand up for phone calls, move away from your desk for meetings, make plenty of tea and of course go out for a walk at lunch time, it’s certainly achievable.

Other recommendations for office workers include choosing a standing desk (options such as Varidesk allow you to sit or stand) and, if you have pain on your dominant side, swapping your mouse over to the other hand – you’ll be surprised how quickly you get used to it!

Stern Code Updates

Stern Code Updates 1024 925 GAD Vending

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!

CNET Stern Pinball showcases new games at CES 2021

CNET Stern Pinball showcases new games at CES 2021 826 474 GAD Vending

Stern Pinball showcases new games at CES 2021

How to Learn Competitive Pinball (During COVID, Why Not?)

How to Learn Competitive Pinball (During COVID, Why Not?) 717 920 GAD Vending

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

As the 2020 season comes to a close, we wanted to provide updates on various IFPA-related campaigns that the IFPA Board of Directors has been discussing as we enter the 2021 season. We’ve received many emails from players on a wide variety of topics and hope to answer most of those questions below:

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.

 

LED ZEPPELIN AND STERN PINBALL ANNOUNCE NEW ROCK AND ROLL PINBALL MACHINES

LED ZEPPELIN AND STERN PINBALL ANNOUNCE NEW ROCK AND ROLL PINBALL MACHINES 1639 773 GAD Vending

Made with a Whole Lotta Love

CHICAGO, IL – December 15, 2020

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 aroundthe 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.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Where do I put a new Pinball Machine?

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Where do I put a new Pinball Machine? 663 727 GAD Vending

Sometimes it is hard to reimagine your space. Living in your home you get used to rooms that are underutilized or a space that just stacks with junk.

Here are a few ideas of where to put a pinball game, Golden Tee, Classic Arcade games….

  1. Basement Has so many places that can be quardent off for gaming. Take your darkest corner, clean it out, add a pinball machine. What a difference!
  2. Garage The garage can be turned into a game room with ease. Add a few games, old signs, a classic muscle car and you are in for fun.
  3. Stairwell See the photos for how easily an awkward corner can be changed into a game area.
  4. Extra bedroom Why not? Add a pinball machine to utilize this space.
  5. Home Office What a better break from your desk?

See photos for inspiration!

Review: 6 Cool, Goofy Features of Stern’s New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball Machine

Review: 6 Cool, Goofy Features of Stern’s New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball Machine 896 502 GAD Vending

(IGN Dec 8 2020) We unbox the new Stern Premium TMNT machine (2020) and check out all of its new features. There was a turtles machine way back in 1991 by Data East made it, but other than the art, the old machine is not great. Stern’s new machine has a lot more going for it, but it still keeps that tradition of cool comic-book-y Ninja Turtles art as its best feature. At the center of the playfield is a spinning disc with a magnet in its center. In Ninja Pizza Multiball, the magnet catches the balls allowing the disc to fling them like so many pizza slices out of a pizza box. There’s also a pizza eating contest mode lit by this little target that has you mash this button on the lockbar as fast as possible to up your slice count. Ninja Turtles features three ramps, including one only accessible via the upper left flipper. Two of the ramps can be fed back to either flipper thanks to the Raphael glider diverter, which switches position based on a press of the lockbar button. You can use this feature to loop fast ramp shots — it feels great. The backglass features an HD screen with custom art and animations that are based on 3D models — while there’s no original vintage cartoon scenes here, the original theme song is used to full effect. There are of course four ninja turtles, and you can choose to play as any of them. They each have unique bonuses, and also unique skill shots. Nailing the right ramp qualifies Turtle Power Multiball. This multiball spews 4 balls onto the playfield out of a little door in the miniature van. We can’t wait to spend more time with Turtles, and we hope you get to play it, too, when it’s safe and everyone is healthy and playing pinball again. Until then, you can add this to your home arcade, this Premium model with extra features, like that glider diverter, has an MSRP of $7699.

Stern Code Updates

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Stern is continuously working to update and improve software for our machines.  There are always code updates and bug fixes in various stages of development; we will release them upon update completion.  Here are some of the latest updates and the status of things in the works.  If you would like to join our mailing list for code updates, please send an e-mail to [email protected].  If you do encounter any bugs please feel free to provide information to [email protected]

  • Avengers: Infinity Quest – For all Avengers owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v0.94.0) released last week. 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 (v1.00.0) released last week. This code contains numerous game enhancements, additional polish, adjustments, system updates and bug fixes.
  • Black Knight: Sword of Rage – For all Black Knight owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.02.0) released last week. This code update includes game enhancements, additional polish, game adjustments, bug fixes, system updates and the DJ Mixer feature!
  • Elvira – For all Elvira owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.01.0) released last month.
  • Deadpool – For all Deadpool owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.05.0) released last month. This code update includes numerous game enhancements, additional polish, game adjustments, bug fixes, system updates and the DJ Mixer feature

If you have other questions or bug issues, contact your GAD representative.