A pinball machine’s value on the market is dependent on a number of different factors, all of which help to dictate the kind of price you can expect to pay for any given machine. Whilst we are unable to give exact appraisals for any machine you ask us about, here are the 3 main factors that normally decide any given pinball machine’s price.
How popular is the game?
There are some machines which absolutely exploded in popularity upon their release, and their prices are normally high as a result, even if the game isn’t in particularly good condition.
For example, games like The Addams Family and The Twilight Zone both command high prices owing to their desirability, despite each of them having over 10,000 units produced each. Equally, machines such as Monster Bash, Medieval Madness and Cirqus Voltaire are popular for being highly praised player favourites.
How rare is the game?
Whilst pinball machines were being made by the thousand in the early 90s, the trend did not continue into the end of the decade, and some games became much, much fewer in number towards the late 90s. Some games like Cactus Canyon for example failed to ship more than a thousand units for instance, and the game has since become a highly sought after machine. This is why many later 90s machines are so notoriously expensive.
What condition is the game in?
Much like a vintage car, a better condition pinball machine will be much more desirable to a buyer than one with a lot of battle scars and requires work to get operating. Equally, some collectors are specific about the game’s restoration standard. For example, some collectors want all original parts, or will only accept a restoration using new-old-stock components. Generally though, if the restoration is of an excellent standard then most buyers will be happy to accept.
Pinball prices constantly fluctuate, but the generally agreed notion is that pinball machines are now being considered worthwhile investment pieces given that the value of pinball machines has almost reliably risen over the course of the past decade. Whilst this may not be true for some particular titles, many machines have risen in some cases to be twice their original value, sometimes more in some rare cases. If you would like to learn more about how pinball machines are priced, please don't hesitate to give us a call on 0800 622 6464 or 01454 413 636.
