The new Transformers pinball machine from Stern Pinball is finally here… but so is the controversy surrounding it.

In this episode, we dive deep into the rumor that Optimus Prime was originally supposed to transform in the game, where that rumor may have started, how the pinball community ran with it, and whether content creators helped create expectations that Stern themselves never officially promised.

We also discuss:

• The origins of the transforming Optimus rumor

• How leaks and insider information shape community expectations

• Whether Stern Pinball is being unfairly criticized

• The responsibility of pinball media and influencers

• The hypocrisy surrounding “confirmed” rumors

• Why social media and speculation can spiral out of control

• The actual gameplay, code, and features people are LOVING about Transformers

And to be fair, we also talk about the positives:

🔥 Fast and flowy layout

🔥 Strong launch code

🔥 Incredible G1 theme integration

🔥 Peter Cullen & Frank Welker callouts

🔥 Megatron and Soundwave mechs

🔥 “The Touch” mode and pure 80s nostalgia

This was a really interesting conversation and honestly one of the wildest examples of rumor culture in pinball we’ve seen in a while.

What do YOU think?

Did the community build expectations Stern never promised?

Or should Stern still be criticized for what people believed the game was going to include?

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Looking for more Pinball Content? Check out my pinball podcast, “The Flipside Podcast.”

Video Version of the Podcast can be found here:

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Want to listen to the podcast instead? Here are links to Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Spotify Link To Podcast:

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#pinball #sternpinball #transformerspinball #transformers #optimusprime #megatron #g1transformers #pinballpodcast #pinballmachine #arcade #retrogaming #pinballcommunity #pinballnews #arcadegaming #theflipside #retoralph #pinballlife #insiderconnected #autobots #decepticons #80stoys #80scartoons #gamingpodcast #youtubecreator #pinballwizard #pinballarcade #transformersg1 #podcast #viralvideo #newpinball

On this episode of The Flipside, we’re talking about the leak that lit up the pinball community — Stern accidentally showing images of the Transformers playfield and cabinet through the Insider Connected app.

We’ll break down what appeared, what it tells us about the game, how this may have slipped through, and what it could mean for Stern’s official reveal. The Autobots may not have rolled out on purpose… but they definitely rolled out.

Leaks, speculation, community reactions, and all the usual Flipside chaos.

Transformers Pinball is coming… and apparently Insider Connected wanted us to know early.

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#pinball #transformers #sternpinball

The Goonies pinball rumors are heating up after a very interesting discovery inside Spooky Pinball’s Beetlejuice code. Did Spooky accidentally leak their next game, or is this just some clever pinball marketing?

In this episode of The Flipside, we dig into the Goonies rumors, the latest Beetlejuice momentum, Pokémon pinball drama, connected play, Scorbit, PinAccess, and all the big pinball community buzz from the last couple weeks.

If you love pinball news, rumors, hot takes, and community reactions, this one is for you.

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📺 Watch the video version on YouTube:

👉 / @theflipsideretroralph

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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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#goonies #pinball #beetlejuice

These are two wildly different games with two very different strengths, and the community has a lot to say about both of them. We’re breaking down how players are reacting to each title, where the praise is landing, where the criticism is coming from, and which game might actually matter more for the future of pinball.

Is Beetlejuice the ultimate theme-driven pinball machine?

Is Pokémon the mainstream hit that could bring more people into the hobby than almost anything else?

And which one holds up better when you get past the hype?

We’ll cover the good, the bad, the funny, and some of the most unhinged community takes we could find from places like Pinside, Reddit, and more.

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🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside”

📺 Watch the video version on YouTube:

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#pokemon #beetlejuice #pinball

This episode of The Flipside Podcast gets a little wild… because we’re letting the viewers take the wheel. That means listener-submitted voicemails, random questions, unexpected topics, and absolutely no telling where this thing is going next.

We cover pinball, some totally off-the-rails conversation, Snoop Dogg performing at my company party, pizza, and who knows what else by the time this one is over. That’s the beauty of these call-in shows… you truly never know what’s coming next.

So if you like pinball talk mixed with unpredictable fun, community questions, and a little chaos, this episode is definitely for you.

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👀 Check out the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast:

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👀 Check out Orbital Albert on the Poor Man's Pinball Podcast!

https://open.spotify.com/show/7nQM1M57XksAbv2MGbSt7O?si=14bbdfb454244af8

🎯 WANT TO COMPETE?

Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar:

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🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside”

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🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY

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#pinball #arcade #gaming

Texas Pinball Festival 2026 is in the books… and wow, there’s a LOT to unpack.

In this episode of The Flipside, we break down:

👉 Who really stole the show at TPF

👉 The biggest surprises and standout games

👉 American Pinball is back and better than EVER!

👉 The moments everyone is talking about (and a few that flew under the radar)

Let’s talk about it.

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🎯 WANT TO COMPETE?

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🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside”

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Alright guys… this one’s interesting 👀

Turner Pinball just revealed Yukon Yeti, a Klondike Gold Rush–themed game that feels like it’s taking a real shot at being a spiritual successor to White Water pinball machine.

In this episode of The Flipside, I break down my initial thoughts on the layout, features, and overall direction of the game.

Quick highlights:

• 12 modes + 2 wizard modes

• 5-ball Avalanche lock

• Rapids ramp + upper playfield

• Hidden Yeti lock & progression system

Only 500 units, starting at $9,999, shipping Summer 2026.

This one has potential… but it’s going to come down to flow, shots, and code.

👇 Let me know what you think—does this live up to Whitewater, or not?

🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE?

Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines:

👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/

🎯 WANT TO COMPETE?

Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar:

👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/

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🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM

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🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside”

📺 Watch the video version on YouTube:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph

🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594

✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside!

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In this episode, we dive into the chaos surrounding the Pokémon LE launch and the frenzy that followed. Is there really a crossover happening between hardcore Pokémon fans and new pinball players, or is that narrative overblown?

We break down what we’re seeing, what it could mean for the hobby, and whether this moment is bigger than just one title.

And… we think we might have a pretty good idea what American Pinball’s next game could be. 👀

Let’s get into it.

🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE?

Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines:

👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/

🎯 WANT TO COMPETE?

Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar:

👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/

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🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM

⸻

🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside”

📺 Watch the video version on YouTube:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph

🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594

✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside!

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Pokémon Pinball is officially here, and this is my full breakdown after attending Stern Pinball’s Media Day at the factory. This new Stern Pinball release is co-designed by Jack Danger and George Gomez and brings the largest entertainment IP in the world to modern pinball. That’s a big swing.

In this video, I’m sharing my firsthand experience playing Pokémon Pinball at Stern HQ, my initial impressions of the layout, shots, and overall gameplay, and my honest thoughts after having time to reflect on the flight home. Sometimes your opinion changes once the hype settles. Did that happen here? Let’s talk about it.

We’ll cover:

• Gameplay and shot layout

• Accessibility for new players vs depth for enthusiasts

• Theme integration and use of the Pokémon license

• Early code impressions

• How this compares to other recent Stern releases

Designing a game around Pokémon is no small task. It’s the biggest IP in the world, which means expectations are sky high. The question is: did Stern Pinball deliver a machine that satisfies longtime pinball fans while also bringing in a whole new audience?

If you’re into pinball machine reviews, Stern Pinball news, new pinball releases, or you’re just curious how Pokémon translates to a modern pinball machine, this one’s for you.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Is Pokémon Pinball going to be a massive hit? Did Stern get it right?

🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE?

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🎯 WANT TO COMPETE?

Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar:

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⸻

🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside”

📺 Watch the video version on YouTube:

👉 / @theflipsideretroralph

🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZ...

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside!

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#PokemonPinball #SternPinball #Pinball #JackDanger #GeorgeGomez #NewPinballMachine #PinballMediaDay

In this episode, I’m joined by my buddy Jamie from The JBS Show as we break down the much-talked-about Pokémon pinball trailer, why it told us nothing, who the game might actually be for, and what it could mean for the future of pinball.

We also dive into our serious FOMO from Pinball at the Beach, watching everyone else have an absolute blast, and we spend some time dreaming about what it would be like to work in the pinball industry. Throw in plenty of laughs, honest takes, and classic pinball banter, and you’ve got another fun episode you won’t want to miss.

🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE?

Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines:

👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/

👀 Check out Grownup Adjacent Pinball Here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCr4GdiEu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🎯 WANT TO COMPETE?

Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar:

👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/

📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL

I might play it on the show!

🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM

🎙️ CHECK OUT MY PINBALL PODCAST – “The Flipside”

📺 Watch the video version on YouTube:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph

🎧 Prefer to listen? Subscribe here:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594

✅ Don’t miss an episode – Subscribe to The Flipside!

👉 https://shorturl.at/t2pVG

🛒 RETRO RALPH MERCH & CONTACT INFO

👕 Get your merch: https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX

🐦 Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy

📸 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew

#SternPinball #PinballPodcast #BoutiquePinball #PinballCommunity #TheFlipside #RetroRalph #PinballDiscussion #PinballNews #PinballCollectors #PinballYouTube