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Stern’s John Wick pinball machine makes its film-world theme physical: a motorized muscle car can bash the ball and alter a lane, while a weapon chest opens to expose a scoop. In Ars Technica’s May 2024 hands-on preview, Aurich Lawson played the Premium edition for about 30 minutes and found it fast and mechanically engaging. That short session was not enough to assess the full ruleset, so it offers a feel for the machine rather than a verdict on its long-term depth. Read Lawson’s preview.
What stands out on the playfield?
The car changes the shot
Lawson described a smooth-shooting game whose physical mechanisms can change how the ball travels. Its motorized muscle car is both a bash toy and a moving obstacle: it can swing into position to block a lane, changing the shot available to the player. It can also trap a descending ball and release it on the machine’s timing. These elements make the playfield feel active rather than purely decorative, according to Lawson’s brief session.
The weapon chest hides a route
On the right side of the playfield, the weapon chest acts as a target and flips up to reveal a scoop behind it. Lawson reported that the scoop can be reached from the left flipper or with a soft plunge at the start of a ball.
The Blood Oath Marker is a visual feature
The motorized Blood Oath Marker does not interact with the ball. Lawson said Stern scanned an original film prop coin to recreate it; the feature opens to show illuminated red fingerprints.
#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
How does it feel to play?
Lawson characterized the Premium as fast and requiring concentration. He liked its physical shooting and felt the film license was integrated into the play experience. A drop target that can change a lane adds a decision to the action, but his attention was largely on keeping the ball in play rather than watching the LCD. Those are impressions from roughly 30 minutes at the machine, not an evaluation of its complete rules or final code.
The art, by Randy Martinez, uses a bright neon-noir style, while the playfield was designed by first-time lead designer Elliot Eismin. Stern’s launch announcement describes a dynamic combat system that responds to play by illuminating enemy icons around the playfield, alongside an action video player that pairs player action with film clips. Those are manufacturer descriptions, not independent measurements of how the system performs across extended play. Stern’s launch announcement also credits Ian McShane with custom narration as Winston and Charlie Benante with original music.
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
What are the Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition versions?
Stern’s John Wick page displayed the prices below when checked on October 8, 2026. They are page prices, not guaranteed transaction prices; confirm the current price and availability with Stern or a dealer. The available sources do not establish a complete model-by-model feature comparison.
| Edition | Stern page price, checked October 8, 2026 | Reported distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $6,999 | Ars described it as having fewer interactive elements than Premium. |
| Premium | $9,699 | The version Lawson played; he said it adds 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. |
These distinctions come from the 2024 Ars Technica preview; the prices come from Stern’s game page. The Limited Edition’s suit-piece detail is also described in Stern’s launch announcement. Treat the table as a useful starting point, not a complete specification sheet.
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- 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
What connected features are included?
Stern says all three editions include Insider Connected. Lawson described QR-code login and connected leaderboard features. Stern presents the platform as a way to track progress, earn game-specific achievements, take John Wick quests, and complete faction contracts. Its launch announcement frames the game around surviving assassins, completing High Table faction jobs, and attempting a “Special Assignment.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which accessories are available?
Stern announced the following John Wick accessories on February 20, 2025. The prices are U.S. suggested retail prices before tax and duties published in that announcement, not guaranteed current prices.
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!
| Accessory | Published feature or compatibility | Announced U.S. MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 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 for the machine. | $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 |
The features and prices are from Stern’s February 2025 accessory announcement. Stern’s official store lists John Wick accessories, including the shooter knob, cabinet lighting, side armor, topper, replacement translites for Pro and Premium, and a Spike 2 Pro/Premium speaker lighting system. Check stock and confirm that an accessory fits the exact edition before ordering.
What should owners know about moving and setup?
The 2024 John Wick Pro manual says the boxed machine weighs over 250 lb and requires at least two people to move and maneuver it. It lists a 5/8-inch socket wrench, utility knife, snips, and an assistant among the setup requirements. These instructions are for the Pro manual; consult the documentation for the specific model you own. Stern’s John Wick Pro manual has the model-specific instructions.
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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.
