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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Stern’s John Wick pinball machine pairs fast shooting with physical playfield mechanisms that can change where the ball goes. In Ars Technica’s May 2024 hands-on preview, Aurich Lawson played the Premium model for about 30 minutes: he found it mechanically engaging and visually distinctive, but said the session was too short to evaluate the ruleset in depth.
How the playfield changes the shots
Lawson described the game as fast and demanding of concentration. Its defining feature is that some playfield elements do more than score hits: they can alter the available shots and the ball’s path.
The muscle car
A motorized muscle car acts as a bash toy, then swings into position to block a lane. Lawson reported that the car can change the available shot and trap a descending ball before releasing it on the machine’s timing. That makes the car part of the play rather than just a franchise decoration. Ars Technica’s hands-on report describes the Premium machine Lawson played.
The weapons chest and scoop
The weapons chest on the right side is both a target and a mechanism: it flips up to reveal a scoop behind it. Lawson said the scoop can be reached from the left flipper or with a soft plunge at the start of a ball.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- Every action has consequences with Stern Pinball's new dynamic AI game mode system, which responds to player behaviors and creates a new experience every game
- Immersive high resolution film footage and audio assets from all four blockbuster films
- Customed designed John Wick muscle car bash toy
- Dramatically illuminated edge-lit neon New York City skyline
The Blood Oath Marker
The motorized Blood Oath Marker is a visual feature, not a ball-interacting toy. Stern scanned an original film prop coin to recreate it; the feature opens to reveal illuminated red fingerprints, according to Lawson.
What the preview can—and cannot—tell you
Lawson described smooth shooting and a game that combines physical mechanisms with changing decisions, including a drop target that can alter a lane. He liked the shooting and felt the license was integrated into the game, but his attention was mostly on keeping the ball in play rather than watching the LCD. These are impressions from roughly 30 minutes with the Premium model, not an assessment of long-term enjoyment or final code. The session was too brief to judge how the rules unfold across extended play.
Rank #2
- 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.
- Every action has consequences with Stern Pinball's new dynamic AI game mode system, which responds to player behaviors and creates a new experience every game
- Immersive high resolution film footage and audio assets from all four blockbuster films
- Motorized Blood Oath Marker with illuminated reveal feature
- John Wick's Weapons Crate sculpted target opens to reveal a hidden shot for weapons retrieval
Presentation, story, and connected play
Artist Randy Martinez created the bright neon-noir presentation, and Elliot Eismin was the playfield’s first-time lead designer, as reported by Ars Technica. Stern says the game centers on surviving assassins, completing High Table faction jobs, and attempting a “Special Assignment.” Its dynamic combat system responds to player behavior by illuminating enemy icons around the playfield; Stern also says an action video player reflects player action with film clips. Ian McShane provides custom narration as Winston, and Charlie Benante composed original music. These are manufacturer descriptions, not independent measurements of how the features perform in play. Stern’s John Wick game page describes the machine and its features.
All three editions include Stern Insider Connected, according to Stern and Lawson. The platform supports progress tracking, game-specific achievements, John Wick quests, faction contracts, QR-code login, and connected leaderboard features.
Rank #3
- SPACE PINBALL TABLETOP CHALLENGE: Launch with the pull rod, flip past UFO targets and astronaut bumpers, and rack up points; this tabletop pinball machine delivers quick rebounds and fast return for fun play
- 1-2 PLAYER COMPETITION: Team up or face off in head-to-head matches; clear point zones make wins obvious, turning tabletop arcade games into fair play that builds focus, patience and confidence for kids
- SKILL BUILDING FUN: This cosmic pinball challenge strengthens hand-eye coordination, timing, and planning; kids map routes past obstacles, predict rebounds and adjust power like a real pinball machine together
- STABLE, KID FRIENDLY DESIGN: Adjustable legs keep the board level on any surface, while durable plastic and a tray organize balls neatly, making this table top arcade machine safe, secure and frustration-free at home
- GIFT READY & PORTABLE: Lightweight and easy to carry for trips or playdates; compact yet full of arcade fun, a stellar gift for birthdays and holidays, perfect for fans of mini arcade games for kids
Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition
Stern’s game page currently displays the prices below. They were checked on October 8, 2026, and can change; confirm the price and availability with a dealer. Ars Technica reported the same figures in its 2024 preview, which is historical context rather than a guarantee of today’s transaction price. This is not a complete feature-by-feature comparison.
| Edition | Stern page price | Reported distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $6,999 | Ars described it as having fewer interactive elements than Premium. |
| Premium | $9,699 | The edition Lawson played; he said it has additional shots and interactive elements compared with Pro. |
| Limited Edition | $12,999 | Ars reported a film-used suit piece and mirrored backglass among its additional features. |
When comparing editions, look beyond the price: consider the interactive elements and shots you want, any collectible or cosmetic features that matter to you, and whether accessories fit the model you plan to buy.
Rank #4
- Gift Set Bundle Includes 2 Different Classic Pinball Games from Schylling - Space Race & Home Run! Baseball!
- Pull back the lever and fire away; Classic Pinball provides hours of handheld entertainment!
- Each game measures 10 inches tall & is made of high quality plastic!
- Makes a great gift & is perfect for schools, party favors, stocking stuffers, baskets, special needs, promotions and so much more!
- For ages 3 and up - Fun for the whole family! - Great for travel too!
Accessories and compatibility
On February 20, 2025, Stern announced accessories for the John Wick line and published U.S. suggested retail prices before tax and duties. Those MSRP figures are not guaranteed current prices.
| Accessory | Manufacturer-published specification | U.S. MSRP in Stern’s February 2025 announcement |
|---|---|---|
| Hourglass Topper | Mechanical illuminated topper with more than 150 RGB lights. Its “Tick Tock, Mr. Wick” mode is a single-ball hurry-up with a 60-second unlimited ball saver and a three-minute physical hourglass timer. | $1,499.99 |
| Blood Oath Marker Shooter Knob | Shooter knob based on the film prop. | $199.99 |
| Blood Oath Marker Side Armor | Side armor accessory. | $269.99 |
| Cabinet Expression Lighting System | Specified for Pro and Premium; 96 RGB LEDs with synchronized lighting. | $599.99 |
| Speaker Expression Lighting System | Game-responsive lighting. | $199.99 |
Stern’s official shop currently lists John Wick accessories, Pro and Premium replacement translites, and a Spike 2 Pro/Premium speaker lighting system. Check current stock, fit, and edition compatibility with Stern or a dealer before ordering.
Moving and setting up the machine
Stern’s 2024 Pro manual says the boxed machine weighs over 250 lb and requires at least two people to move and maneuver it. The manual lists a 5/8-inch socket wrench, utility knife, snips, and an assistant among the setup requirements. These instructions are for the Pro model; check the documentation for the exact machine you are handling. Stern’s John Wick Pro operation and parts manual contains the setup details.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
