Get ready to flip out. Pinball Action, from the legendary TEHKAN (now part of KOEI TECMO GAMES), is coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 as part of Hamster’s Arcade Archives.
Forget your modern simulations; this is pure, unadulterated digital pinball that captured the magic of the silver ball in all its pixelated glory.
Pinball Action’s four tables
Pinball Action wasn’t just another video game; it was a portal to four distinct and captivating pinball tables, each brimming with unique features and challenges. Imagine the thrill of mastering the flippers on one table, only to seamlessly transition to another, each demanding a fresh approach and a keen eye for angles. This dynamic switching mechanic set Pinball Action apart, offering a depth of gameplay rarely seen at the time.
But the excitement didn’t stop there. Just like a real pinball wizard, Pinball Action encouraged skillful play beyond simple flipper bashing. You had to learn the art of the nudge – strategically shaking the table (without tilting, of course!) to influence the ball’s trajectory and unlock hidden pathways. Precise ball control was paramount; every flick of the flipper needed to be calculated to hit those crucial targets and rack up a high score. The game was a constant dance between risk and reward, where seizing every fleeting opportunity could be the difference between a game over and pinball immortality.
In an age where physical pinball machines were in every arcade, Pinball Action was a bit of a risk. However, it laid the work for pinball games on home systems, such as Pinball Dreams on the Amiga, and Dragon’s Fury on the SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis.
Play Pinball Action online!
Thankfully, the incredible team behind the Arcade Archives series has once again delivered a faithful reproduction of this classic masterpiece. They haven’t just emulated the gameplay; they’ve meticulously recreated the authentic arcade experience. Want to crank up the difficulty for a true test of skill? You got it. Yearning for that nostalgic glow of vintage arcade display settings? They’ve got you covered.
And the best part? You’re not just playing a piece of history in isolation. The Arcade Archives allows you to connect with fellow retro gamers from across the globe, pitting your pinball prowess against theirs in a quest for the ultimate high score. Can you climb the leaderboards and prove you’re the ultimate Pinball Action champion?
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So, dust off your virtual flippers, prepare for some serious ball-bouncing action, and rediscover the brilliance of a true arcade legend. You might just find yourself hooked on the timeless thrill of Pinball Action… or you might reawaken memories of the Space Cadet games on old versions of Windows…
The game is released April 24, 2025 on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. Learn more on the Arcade Archives website.
What are your memories of Pinball Action or other classic arcade pinball games? Share your high scores and strategies in the comments below!
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This writer contributes retro gaming news to the site.
