With the comeback of all things nostalgia and retro, arcade games, classic pinball machines and other pinball games with their classic heavy metal balls are quickly making their way back into the mainstream—and our homes. Anyone who is a fan of arcade games knows that pinball is a classic game that any avid arcade fan must add to their collection. If you have a game room in your home, it is very likely that the thought of putting in a pinball table or machine has crossed your mind (if you don’t already have one, that is). If it has crossed your mind, you’re probably aware of how expensive some pinball machines for sale can be.

Choosing the right pinball machine for your home can be an overwhelming (and seemingly unaffordable) task. It can be difficult to determine which manufacturer to use, the style, size, and budget. In addition to this, you also need to find a pinball machine that is durable, long-lasting and reliable.

And, of course, if you have a vested interest in buying a pinball machine, it is very likely that you have a theme in mind (or at least the idea of one). This is another factor that you have to throw into your purchasing equation. Overall, a lot of things come into play when deciding on what type of pinball machine to purchase. Not only does it have to be the right size, but it also has to be affordable. It also has to have a theme that you like while complementing your home or your game room.

As fun as pinball machines can be, they can also cause quite the dent in your wallet. That’s why deciding on the type of pinball machine to purchase is such a big—and often daunting—task. If you’re going to make such a big purchase, you need to make sure you’re making the right decision. Here’s a list of some of the best pinball machines for home use this year.

Rogue One Free-Standing Pinball

The Rogue One Free-Standing Pinball Machine is the perfect choice for anyone who is on a budget and is looking for some added fun in their home without worrying about breaking the bank or taking up too much space. If you are not an avid arcade fan or collector and just want to have a simple, easy game of pinball in your home without having to put a massive dent in your wallet, the Rogue One Free-Standing Pinball Machine is the best option for you. Suitable for ages four and up, this free-standing pinball machine has electronic scoring for up to five players as well as electronic arcade sound effects.

Equipped with an LCD scoreboard and light up pinball action, this is a great choice if you are looking for something cheap, but fun. This free-standing pinball machine is easy to assemble and, although it may not be as fancy as the more expensive pinball machines, it’s a great alternative considering the price. You pay for what you get and, all things considered, this free-standing pinball machine is a great alternative if you are looking for something cheap but fun.

The Rogue One Free-Standing Pinball machine is great for kids and will bring the family together. This machine has great value and is definitely worth every penny if you’re not willing to pay the big bucks for an arcade-quality pinball machine.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Totally Turtles Tabletop Pinball

Why spend over $4,000 on an expensive pinball machine when you can buy a tabletop pinball machine for a fraction of the price? This tabletop pinball machine is great for children, doesn’t take up a huge amount of space, and won’t break your wallet.

This arcade electronic tabletop pinball machine has electronic scoring, electronic lights, and arcade sound effects. It is a great toy for a child and is guaranteed to be a hit among children at birthday parties or get-togethers because it is unique and fun. The toy is extremely easy to use and open. All you have to do is open it, insert batteries, and pull the ball release.

This toy is sturdy enough for hard play. Even adults will have fun playing with it and challenging their kids (or even their friends!). The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme is also very popular among kids and is sure to excite them if they receive it as a gift.

This tabletop pinball machine is a great addition to any home because it is portable, handy, and easy to use for all ages. You won’t have to worry about assembling anything or even losing the pinball itself. It’s a simple but great toy for young children.

Stern Pinball Star Trek Premium Arcade Pinball Machine

Inspired by all things Star Trek, this Stern pinball machine takes its player on a journey into a Star Trek-themed game. Perfect for all the Trekkies out there, this unique pinball machine has high-definition artwork and cosmic LED lighting with musical scores that put the player right into the world of Star Trek. This pinball machine includes:

The playfield on this Star Trek pinball machine features seven multicolored LED paths and also comes with six missions for basic play and a whopping 18 complex tasks to suit even the most die-hard and competitive pinball machine payers. If you’re looking for more of a challenge in your pinball game, these 18 tasks will definitely challenge you and put your pinball skills to the test.

This Star-Trek inspired pinball machine is a great choice for any Star Trek fan. It’s also a great choice for anyone who wants to add a little flair and nostalgia to their home or game room.

Stern Pinball Ghostbusters Pro Edition Arcade Pinball Machine

The Stern Pinball Ghostbusters machine is admittedly one of the more expensive pinball machines on the list, but there’s a reason for that. This pinball machine highlights and encompasses the Ghostbusters theme, making the pinball experience a fun and nostalgic one. This machine even has custom speech by Ernie Hudson, an original cast member in the movie.

This pinball machine has a unique layout which combines the best of both worlds. It is a traditional pinball machine with a unique and modern design.

This pinball machine includes:

What’s more is that this model features hand-drawn art by famous illustrator Jeremy Packer, making this a unique choice for any old-school Ghostbusters fan. This is a great addition to any game room. If you're a fan of Pinball and nostalgic movies like Ghostbusters, you will love this retro Ghostbusters pinball machine.

Stern Pinball WWE WrestleMania Le Arcade Pinball Machine

Combine your love of wrestling and pinball with this unique Stern WWE WrestleMania edition pinball machine. This unique pinball machine features multiple ramps which guide the ball through the course of the game while lights highlight the LED playfield. This pinball machine is also unique because it has the new SPIKE system, which conserves energy by using less energy consumption throughout gameplay, saving you costs on energy in your home.

Train your choice of your favorite WWE wrestler and play in a series of matches to lead you to WrestleMania with this unique, one-of-a-kind pinball machine. Hit as many targets as you can to advance in matches while 10 licensed songs play, capturing the entire WWE wrestling experience. This pinball machine also features commentary from famous WWE announcers Jerry “The King” Lawler and Michael Cole, giving you the real-life WWE experience you always dreamed of.

Stern Pinball Metallica LED Pro Arcade Pinball Machine

If you’re a lover of all things heavy metal, hard rock, and Metallica, you will love this Stern Metallica Pinball Machine, which is inspired by the world famous heavy metal rock band Metallica. This one-of-a-kind pinball machine features 12 classic Metallica songs to get you rocking out even as you play.

Stainless steel ramps put you in full heavy metal mode as you play your game. These stainless steel ramps provide fast pinball action, and the entire machine is covered in unique artwork with LED lighting which enhances the playing experience. This machine not only features amazing artwork dedicated to the band itself, but it also features custom speech tracks from band members, making it the ultimate Metallica/pinball experience.

This pinball machine even includes unique features like a ball-eating snake and animated grave markers. Live the ultimate Metallica experience with this unique pinball machine that is guaranteed to be a conversation starter at any social gathering. Capture the intensity and exhilaration of a rock concert with this awesome pinball machine that is sure to show you a great time.

Stern Game of Thrones Pinball Machine – Limited Edition

This limited edition Game of Thrones pinball machine is the perfect choice for all you die-hard Game of Thrones fans who just can’t get enough of the world-renowned and famous show. This pinball machine is 210 pounds and has heavy-duty black powder-coated legs which ensure durability and long-lasting, reliable play. This unique pinball machine includes:

Play as your choice of character ranging from the Knight of Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, Martell, Greyjoy or Tyrell. This unique pinball machine also comes with the world famous soundtrack from the series and has 7 LED, color changing lights that represent the 7 great houses. This is the perfect choice for any collector or avid Game of Thrones fan. Considering the major success of the Game of Thrones franchise, this unique pinball machine is guaranteed to be a massive conversation piece inside of your home and is something that everyone (from kids to adults) will want to play.

The Verdict

Your pinball machine purchase will depend on a lot of factors. What do you like? What is your budget? Have you played pinball before? Are you a collector? Are you looking for a specific theme? Do you have any size restrictions?

If you are considering purchasing a brand new pinball machine, prepare to spend a hefty penny. Pinball machines, in general, are not cheap items to purchase, particularly if you buy them brand new. Unless you're willing to settle for a tabletop pinball machine or a free-standing pinball machine for your home use, you should prepare to spend a few thousand dollars (or even more) on a brand new pinball machine.

You may want to consider purchasing a smaller, mini version of a pinball machine if you are looking for something for your home but don’t have a large budget. Another option you can always consider is purchasing a used pinball machine. Used pinball machines are significantly cheaper than brand new ones. If you do purchase a used pinball machine, one thing you will have to take into consideration is maintenance. Pinball machines, in general, require a lot of maintenance, which is something you will have to think about if you are considering buying a used machine. If you do find a used pinball machine and don’t mind doing regular maintenance, your best bet may be to find one online or through a dealer.

That being said, a true collector and lover of all things pinball are probably best suited to purchase one of the more higher-end pinball machines. If you are going to be using a machine regularly and want to show off your game room (and can afford to), you should consider purchasing a quality pinball machine. If you aren’t an avid pinball player or simply just have kids you want to keep entertained, consider buying a used one or even a free-standing or tabletop version. These are all sure to entertain kids and still be an interesting point of conversation regardless of size.