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NederlandsElectromechanical, solid-state, DMD or LCD: which pinball to choose?
Four big families of pinball, four ways to play and maintain them. The differences explained simply.
Electromechanical (EM), until the late 1970s
Everything runs on relays, motors and score reels: no electronics. Scores are shown on numbered reels and the sound of the mechanisms is part of the charm.
The rules are simple and games are quick. Most faults are fixed by cleaning and adjusting contacts: ideal for learning maintenance, if you are patient.
They are often the cheapest machines, with beautiful painted backglasses.
Solid-state (SS), from the late 1970s to 1990
A microprocessor runs the game and scores appear on digit displays. Rules become richer: multiball, bonuses, electronic speech and music.
Weak points: backup batteries leaking onto the CPU board, worn connectors and power supplies. Modern replacement boards exist for most models.
Good fun-for-money ratio to start with.
DMD (dot-matrix display), from 1991 to the 2010s
An orange dot display shows animations and scores: the golden age of licences (films, TV series) and very deep rules, with ramps, toys and modes.
They are the most sought after, and therefore the most expensive. Parts remain well supported. A tired DMD can be replaced with an LED equivalent.
Perfect for long family play as well as for improving your skills.
LCD and modern machines, since the 2010s
Large colour screen, LED lighting, software updates, online connection on some models. Current manufacturers: Stern, Jersey Jack, Spooky, Chicago Gaming, American Pinball and others.
Reliability and warranty of a new machine, but a high budget. The recent used market makes them a little cheaper.
In short
Small budget and a taste for tinkering: electromechanical. A versatile first pinball: solid-state or DMD depending on budget. Want new and maintenance-free: a modern machine.
In every case, try before you buy and check the machine’s page in the CLIKBIL archives.