A pinball machine is a classic game of skill and luck that’s been around for years. They come in all shapes and sizes, but how big are pinball machines? The size and weight of a pinball machine depend on its model, manufacturer, and year. But most pinball machines are the same size and weight, no matter what.
A standard pinball machine is about 76 inches tall, 22 inches wide, and 56 inches long, with a sloped playing field set at 6.5°.
In this post, I’ll explore pinball machines of all sizes, and help you decide if an antique model is worth the investment.
Pinball Machine Dimensions
Pinball machines come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the manufacturer.
The average pinball machine requires around 51 x 28.5 inches of floor space, with a total height of 76 inches from the bottom of its legs to the top of its back box.
Playfield Dimensions
Basically, the playfield of a pinball machine is the area where the ball is playing. It’s usually made of wood with artwork on it and transparent playfield glass on it. It usually measures 20 inches to 22 inches wide and 42 to 48 inches long. It can affect how the playfield works and what you can do.
Cabinet Dimensions
Cabinets are the main body of a pinball machine, and they include the front, back, sides, and bottom. They hold the internal parts and mechanisms. Cabinets come in different sizes, but a typical cabinet measures 28 inches wide, 76 inches high, and 22 inches deep.
Backbox Dimensions
The backbox of a pinball machine is the upright section located at the top of the cabinet. It holds the scoring displays, speakers, and other electronic stuff. It’s usually 28 inches wide, 28 inches tall, and 10 inches deep. Some modern machines can have bigger backboxes to fit more elaborate displays.
Weight and Stability
Because of their sturdy construction and internal parts, pinball machines can be pretty heavy. It’s crucial to consider the weight and make sure the floor or surface where the machine will be placed can support it adequately. On average, pinball machines weigh 250 to 350 pounds (113 to 158 kg). Getting the perfect leveling and stability is key.
Components of a Pinball Machine
A pinball machine has several key parts, including:
Cabinet: The outer shell of the pinball machine, which houses all the other components.
Playfield: This is the area where the ball is played, and it contains various obstacles, targets, and bumpers.
Flippers: These are the buttons or levers located at the bottom of the machine that are used to hit the ball and keep it in play.
Slingshots: Located at the bottom of the playfield and are used to launch the ball back into play.
Plunger: A spring-loaded device used to launch the ball onto the playfield.
Bumpers: Obstacles secured on the playfield that the ball can hit to earn points.
Targets: These are specific areas on the playfield that the ball can hit to earn points.
Ramps: Inclined surfaces that the ball can roll up and down to earn points.
Backbox: The area at the back of the machine that contains the score display, lights, and sound effects.
Power supply: A transformer and rectifier that converts the AC power to the DC voltages that the machine needs to operate.
Control system: The microprocessors, circuit board, and software that control the game logic and mechanics.
How Much Space Do You Need For A Pinball?
With its legs and cabinet, a standard pinball machine takes up about 598.5 square inches or 4.16 square feet. If you’re thinking about getting a pinball machine for your home, don’t worry about headroom – they’re only about 76 inches tall.
Would It Fit Through Your Door?
You can easily remove the backbox from most older pinball machines, which makes it easy to fit through a standard door of 36 x 80 inches. There are a lot of cables in today’s pinball machines, so it’s hard to remove the backbox.
Conclusion:
Different manufacturers make pinball machines in different sizes and shapes. I’ve already mentioned the standard size above. Pinballs are generally 51 inches long, 28.5 inches wide, and 76 inches high. I’ve also talked about other pinball game sizes. Before investing in a pinball machine, you need to think about the size of your room and if it fits through a standard door. These issues have also been discussed above. Feel free to comment or contact us if you have any questions.
FAQs
How much space do I need for a pinball machine?
A standard pinball machine typically requires around 2.5 feet (0.76 meters) in width and 6.5 feet (1.98 meters) in length. However, it’s recommended to have a bit of extra space for players to comfortably move around the machine, so a space of approximately 3 feet (0.91 meters) in width and 7 feet (2.13 meters) in length would be ideal.
What is the standard pinball diameter?
The standard diameter of a pinball used in pinball machines is approximately 1.06 inches (2.7 centimeters).
How heavy is a pinball machine?
The weight of a pinball machine can vary depending on the specific model and features, but on average, a standard pinball machine typically weighs between 250 and 350 pounds (113 to 159 kilograms).
How wide is a wide-body pinball machine?
A wide-body pinball machine is larger than a standard pinball machine. While standard pinball machines have a width of around 2.5 feet (0.76 meters), wide-body pinball machines are wider, typically measuring around 3 feet (0.91 meters) in width.