The Flipside Pinball Podcast

RetroRalph

Welcome to "The Flipside" with RetroRalph, where arcade nostalgia meets pinball passion! Known for his YouTube channel dedicated to arcade gaming, RetroRalph now explores the pinball world after three years of fascination with flippers and bumpers. Join Ralph on this journey as he aims to bring new life to pinball, just as he did for arcades. "The Flipside" dives deep into retro gaming and pinball culture through discussions, gameplay, and interviews. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the hobby, Ralph's enthusiasm promises an exciting exploration of gaming history. Join RetroRalph on "The Flipside" for a tilt-worthy adventure through the arcade and pinball realms!

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62 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes62

Newest first

Thursday · 1 hr 16 min
Episode 64: Bon Jovi vs Dungeon Crawler Carl vs Ender's Game | Which One?!
Three major new pinball machines. One person who has played them all. In Episode 64 of The Flipside Podcast, Retro Ralph sits down with Jamie Burchell to discuss his exclusive hands-on experiences with Barrels of Fun’s new Bon Jovi pinball machine, plus Dungeon Crawler Carl and Ender’s Game for the Multimorphic P3 platform. Jamie shares his honest first impressions of Bon Jovi pinball, including its fast-flowing layout, lightning flippers, Crowd Surf ball save, Steel Horse Multiball, interactive heart mechanism, upgraded audio system and concert-style atmosphere. Is this really the best-shooting Barrels of Fun game yet, and could it convince Ralph to cancel his Tales of the Arabian Nights remake order? They also break down Multimorphic’s ambitious new releases, Dungeon Crawler Carl pinball and Ender’s Game pinball. We explore the shared P3 playfield, completely different rules and artwork, Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobook callouts from Jeff Hays, Ender’s Game audio from Glenn Wächter, and the massive rotating mechanism that changes ball paths and interacts with each game in unique ways. Plus, Ralph and Jamie discuss music-pin fatigue, whether the Multimorphic P3 deserves another chance, the pressures of creating pinball content, podcast anxiety, Pinball Expo plans and the overwhelming number of new pinball machines arriving in 2026. Which game should Ralph buy: Bon Jovi, Dungeon Crawler Carl, Ender’s Game or the Tales of the Arabian Nights remake? ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ LOOKING FOR A NEW OR USED PINBALL MACHINE? Check out Flip N’ Out Pinball: https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL Your message might be played on a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ WATCH THE FLIP SIDE PINBALL PODCAST https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph LISTEN ON SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://rb.gy/uqi2an ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ RETRO RALPH MERCHANDISE https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX FOLLOW RETRO RALPH X/Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew For product reviews and other business inquiries: retroralph1980@gmail.com #BonJovi #BonJoviPinball #DungeonCrawlerCarl #EndersGame #Pinball #PinballMachine #MultimorphicP3 #BarrelsOfFun #RetroRalph #theflipsidepodcastshow
July 11 · 57 min
Episode 63: Sonic vs. Transformers Pinball Review + The Wildest Year in Modern Pinball?!
Sonic Pinball vs. Transformers Pinball - if you could only bring one home, which would it be? In this episode of The Flip Side Pinball Podcast, I review and compare Sonic Pinball by Jersey Jack Pinball and Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye by Stern Pinball. These are two completely different machines, but both deliver great theme integration, approachable rules and plenty of reasons to hit the start button again. I’m not necessarily trying to crown one definitive winner. Instead, I break down what each game does well, where each one could improve and which machine may be the better fit for your game room. In this episode: • My impressions of Jersey Jack’s Sonic Pinball • Sonic’s zones, checkpoints, rings and Chaos Emerald Multiball • The upper playfield, Bash Dash and upcoming feature modes • My biggest praise and criticism of the current Sonic code • Stern’s Transformers Pinball after extended play • The shots, rules, multiballs and “One Shall Fall” mode • The Optimus Prime controversy and the mod I’d like to see • Transformers Pro vs. Premium vs. LE • Which game may be better for newer pinball players • My updated pinball lineup and new podcast studio • The incredible number of new pinball machines arriving in 2026 Sonic offers a fast, approachable fan layout with rules that are easy to understand but still provide depth. Transformers delivers a more unusual and challenging layout packed with G1 nostalgia, creative shots and some fantastic moments. They scratch completely different itches and that makes choosing between them extremely difficult. Which one would you bring home: Sonic or Transformers? Are you buying one of these machines, or are you saving your game-room space for another upcoming release? Drop a comment and let me know! ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ LOOKING FOR A NEW OR USED PINBALL MACHINE? Check out Flip N’ Out Pinball: https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL Your message might be played on a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ WATCH THE FLIP SIDE PINBALL PODCAST https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph LISTEN ON SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://rb.gy/uqi2an ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ RETRO RALPH MERCHANDISE https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX FOLLOW RETRO RALPH X/Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew For product reviews and other business inquiries: retroralph1980@gmail.com #SonicPinball #TransformersPinball #Pinball
June 15 · 54 min
Episode 61: The Golden Age of Pinball: Is It Happening RIGHT NOW?
Are we living in the golden age of pinball right now? In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest questions in the pinball hobby: is modern pinball better than ever, or are we just caught up in the moment? I also talk about how my own perspective might be shaped by when I entered the hobby. I got into pinball around 5–6 years ago, so the era of modern Stern, Jersey Jack Pinball, Chicago Gaming, Spooky Pinball, American Pinball, and all of these new releases has been my “normal.” But for veteran players who grew up on EMs, solid-state games, or the classic Bally/Williams era, the golden age of pinball might mean something completely different. We discuss the moving scale of nostalgia, why every generation of players may see “their era” as the best, and whether some longtime pinball fans have evolved with modern pinball — or if modern rules, deeper code, LCD screens, licensed themes, and complex modes have changed the hobby too much for some players. From classic pinball machines to today’s feature-packed games, we ask the big question: are we actually in the golden age of pinball… or will we only realize it years from now? Drop a comment and let me know: what do YOU think is the true golden age of pinball? Looking to Buy a New or Used Pinball Machine? Check out Flip N’ Out Pinball: https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL, and I might play it on the show! https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM Looking for more Pinball Content? Check out my pinball podcast, “The Flipside Podcast.” Video Version of the Podcast can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph Want to listen to the podcast instead? Here are links to Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Spotify Link To Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY Apple Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594 Subscribe to The Flipside Podcast so you don't miss an episode! https://rb.gy/uqi2an [RETRO RALPH MERCHANDISE AND CONTACT INFO] Get your Retro Ralph Merch Here: https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX Follow Retro Ralph on Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy Follow Retro Ralph On Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew If you would like me to do a video review of your product or for other business inquiries, send me an email: retroralph1980@gmail.com #Pinball #ModernPinball #SternPinball
May 28 · 51 min
Episode 60: Is There REALLY a Problem With Transformers Pinball?
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? Looking to Buy a New or Used Pinball Machine? Check out Flip N’ Out Pinball: https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL, and I might play it on the show! https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM Looking for more Pinball Content? Check out my pinball podcast, “The Flipside Podcast.” Video Version of the Podcast can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlipsideRetroRalph Want to listen to the podcast instead? Here are links to Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Spotify Link To Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/62ZF6rZGos5tFI77MaznZY Apple Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flipside-pinball-podcast/id1753621594 Subscribe to The Flipside Podcast so you don't miss an episode! https://rb.gy/uqi2an [RETRO RALPH MERCHANDISE AND CONTACT INFO] Get your Retro Ralph Merch Here: https://bit.ly/2YS5ukX Follow Retro Ralph on Twitter: https://bit.ly/39mdqzy Follow Retro Ralph On Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fU1Dew If you would like me to do a video review of your product or for other business inquiries, send me an email: retroralph1980@gmail.com #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
May 15 · 34 min
Episode 59: Stern Accidentally Leaked Transformers Pinball… Autobots, Roll Out!
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. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ ⸻ 🎙️ 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 #pinball #transformers #sternpinball
April 26 · 53 min
Episode 58: The Goonies Pinball Leak Everyone Is Talking About!
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. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ ⸻ 🎙️ 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! 👉 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 #goonies #pinball #beetlejuice
April 13 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 57: Beetlejuice vs. Pokémon: Theme Monster vs. Mass Appeal
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. 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 📣 LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM 🎯 WANT TO COMPETE? Find a tournament near you on the official IFPA calendar: 👉 https://www.ifpapinball.com/calendar/ ⸻ 🎙️ 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! 👉 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 #pokemon #beetlejuice #pinball
March 30 · 1 hr 11 min
Episode 56: Pinball Fans Called In… Here’s What Happened!
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. WANT TO LEAVE ME A VOICEMAIL - Use the link below! I might play it on the show! 🎙️ https://www.speakpipe.com/RetroRalphVM 🕹️ LOOKING TO BUY A PINBALL MACHINE? Visit Flip N’ Out Pinball for new and used machines: 👉 https://www.flipnoutpinball.com/ 👀 Check out the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@PunkRockPinball 👀 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: 👉 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 #pinball #arcade #gaming
March 24 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 55: Who STOLE the Show at Texas Pinball Festival?! 👀 + American Pinball Is BACK!
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. 🕹️ 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
March 18 · 23 min
Episode 54: Turner Pinball Just Did WHAT?! Yukon Yeti = Whitewater 2?!
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/ 📣 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
February 28 · 57 min
Episode 53: Is American Pinball Bringing Back Circus Voltaire?!
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/ 📣 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
February 14 · 44 min
Episode 52: After Playing Pokémon Pinball at Stern HQ… Here Are My Thoughts
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? 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/1DCr4G... 🎯 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: 👉 / @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! 👉 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 #PokemonPinball #SternPinball #Pinball #JackDanger #GeorgeGomez #NewPinballMachine #PinballMediaDay
February 8 · 1 hr 14 min
Episode 51: Pinball at the Beach FOMO 🌊 Pokémon Is Almost Here?! + Major Pinball Buzz
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
January 20 · 57 min
Episode 50: Is Stern Pinball a victim of its own success?
In this episode of The Flipside, we dive into one of the biggest conversations happening in pinball right now. There is a growing perception that boutique pinball manufacturers are offering more value than Stern Pinball, and we explore whether that perception is fair, exaggerated, or something Stern should be paying attention to. This is not a Stern bashing episode. Instead, we take a balanced and honest look at why many players feel boutique pinball offers more for the money, how Stern’s size and scale may have unintentionally created a perception gap, and the difference between perceived value and real world execution. We also discuss why boutique companies can take creative risks that Stern simply cannot at volume, whether online pinball discourse is shaping opinions more than actual gameplay, and how community sentiment has shifted since 2023. This episode also highlights what Stern still does better than anyone in the industry, why their games dominate locations and home collections, and how being the market leader changes expectations from the pinball community. If you have ever wondered if Stern is getting boring, if boutique manufacturers are really offering more, or if pinball sentiment has shifted over the past few years, this conversation is for you. Whether you are a long time Stern fan, a boutique buyer, or someone new to the hobby trying to decide where to spend your money, this episode focuses on why the narrative exists, not just whether it is right or wrong. Let us know in the comments what you think. Is the Stern value gap real, or is it just internet perception? 🕹️ 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
January 1 · 59 min
Episode 49: Pinball 2026: What’s REALLY Coming (Rumors vs Reality)
What’s really coming to pinball in 2026? In this episode of The Flipside, we break down everything we know and everything we’re hearing about upcoming pinball machines, rumored titles, manufacturer roadmaps, and where the industry is headed next. This isn’t just a rumor roundup. We dig into confidence levels, separate real signals from noise, and talk honestly about what makes sense, what doesn’t, and what could shake up pinball in a big way over the next year. From major manufacturers to smaller studios, licensing trends, release timing, and innovation (or lack of it), this is a realistic look at the future of pinball, not hype for hype’s sake. If you’re a collector, operator, or just trying to decide what to buy, what to wait on, or what to skip, this episode is for you. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments, what do you think is actually coming in 2026? 🕹️ 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/ 📣 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
Dec 17, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 48: Pinball Drama, Stern Hate, & the Sleeper Hit of 2025?!
In this episode, things get a little spicy 🌶️. We break down pinball drama that honestly didn’t need to happen, why it’s suddenly cool to hate on Stern Pinball, and whether The Walking Dead Remastered is actually better than people give it credit for. We also dive into Predator by Pinball Brothers and why it might be the sleeper hit of 2025 that no one is really talking about — yet. All that and more on Episode 48 of The Flipside Podcast with Retro Ralph. 🕹️ 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/ 📣 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 #TheWalkingDeadPinball #WalkingDeadPinball #SternPinball #PinballPodcast #PinballCommunity #PinballNews #PinballCollectors #NewPinballRelease #PinballRemake #TheWalkingDead #TWD #HorrorGaming #ZombieGame #GamingPodcast #ArcadeLife #RetroGamingCommunity #ArcadeCollecting #CollectorsCommunity #HypeOrNot #isitworthit
Nov 25, 2025 · 49 min
Episode 47: Spooky’s Big Win… And Stern’s Big Shrug?
Beetlejuice is a massive win for Spooky Pinball, no debate there. But what does that success mean for the rest of the hobby? Are we now expecting more from every manufacturer, including the market leader, Stern Pinball? And the big question… does Stern even care? In this episode, we dive into the ripple effect Beetlejuice is having across pinball. Is Stern better off staying the course, or are boutique manufacturers proving that players want more value, more innovation, and more personality in every game? Does this shift the landscape, or is it just noise in the bigger picture? I don’t have all the answers but we’re going to talk about all of it on this episode, and trust me… it’s going to get interesting. 🕹️ 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/ 📣 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 #beetlejuice #pinball #spookypinball
Nov 13, 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
Episode 46: Can Spooky Pinball catch lightning in a bottle twice w/ Beetlejuice?
In this special LIVE episode of The FlipSide Podcast, we’re diving into everything happening in pinball right now , the big reveals, the rumors, and your live questions! 🍻 There will be drinks, so who knows where this one’s going to end up… We’ll be talking Beetlejuice, The Walking Dead Remastered, and what’s coming next in pinball! 🕹️ 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/ 📣 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 #EvilDeadPinball #SpookyPinball #RetroRalph #PinballLive #HalloweenLivestream #BeetlejuicePinball #RudyVsRalph #PinballShowdown #PinballCommunity #PinballBattle #EvilDead #Beetlejuice #HorrorPinball #PinballStream
Nov 5, 2025 · 35 min
Episode 45: Walking Dead Pinball Returns for 2025 - But Should You Care?
The Walking Dead Pinball is officially back, remastered, polished, and ready to take another bite out of the hobby! 🧟‍♂️ But does this game really need a second run? In this video I give my initial reaction and honest assessment of Stern Pinball’s Walking Dead Remaster. We dive into what’s new, what’s changed, and whether this legendary zombie-themed machine still earns a spot in today’s crowded pinball lineup. The original TWD is a modern classic for a lot of player, brutal gameplay, high stakes, and some of the most chaotic moments in pinball. But with so many new releases and remakes hitting the market, the question is… do we need this right now? Let’s talk gameplay, code, art, sound, and where this remake fits in an era of high-end pinball, boutique machines, and constant new drops. Drop your thoughts in the comments, is this a hype comeback or a cash grab remake? 🕹️ 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/ 📣 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 #TheWalkingDeadPinball #WalkingDeadPinball #SternPinball #PinballPodcast #PinballCommunity #PinballNews #PinballCollectors #NewPinballRelease #PinballRemake #TheWalkingDead #TWD #HorrorGaming #ZombieGame #GamingPodcast #ArcadeLife #RetroGamingCommunity #ArcadeCollecting #CollectorsCommunity #HypeOrNot #isitworthit
Oct 21, 2025 · 47 min
Episode 44: Pinball’s Power Shift: Did the Boutiques Just win Expo?!
🎙️ In Episode 44 of The FlipSide Podcast, we dive deep into Pinball Expo 2025 and something felt different this year. The usual massive crowds lining up for the newest Stern Pinball release? They weren’t there. Instead, players were turning their attention to boutique pinball manufacturers like Jersey Jack Pinball, Barrels of Fun, and Pinball Brothers, who seem to be gaining serious momentum. So what’s going on? Has Stern, the biggest name in pinball, lost its edge? Or is the community simply craving something new? Maybe it’s Star Wars fatigue, or maybe it’s the rise of fresh ideas and risk-taking from the smaller companies changing the game. We break down the energy on the show floor, the surprising crowd reactions, and what this shift could mean for the future of pinball. 👉 Tune in to find out if the boutique revolution is real , only on The FlipSide Podcast! 🕹️ 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/ 📣 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 #PinballExpo #SternPinball #TheFlipSidePodcast #BoutiquePinball #SpookyPinball #BarrelsOfFun #PinballCommunity #PinballNews #Pinballpodcast

The Flipside Pinball Podcast

Episode 64: Bon Jovi vs Dungeon Crawler Carl vs Ender's Game | Which One?!

Episode 63: Sonic vs. Transformers Pinball Review + The Wildest Year in Modern Pinball?!

Episode 61: The Golden Age of Pinball: Is It Happening RIGHT NOW?

Episode 60: Is There REALLY a Problem With Transformers Pinball?

Episode 59: Stern Accidentally Leaked Transformers Pinball… Autobots, Roll Out!

Episode 58: The Goonies Pinball Leak Everyone Is Talking About!

Episode 57: Beetlejuice vs. Pokémon: Theme Monster vs. Mass Appeal

Episode 56: Pinball Fans Called In… Here’s What Happened!

Episode 55: Who STOLE the Show at Texas Pinball Festival?! 👀 + American Pinball Is BACK!

Episode 54: Turner Pinball Just Did WHAT?! Yukon Yeti = Whitewater 2?!

Episode 53: Is American Pinball Bringing Back Circus Voltaire?!

Episode 52: After Playing Pokémon Pinball at Stern HQ… Here Are My Thoughts

Episode 51: Pinball at the Beach FOMO 🌊 Pokémon Is Almost Here?! + Major Pinball Buzz

Episode 50: Is Stern Pinball a victim of its own success?

Episode 49: Pinball 2026: What’s REALLY Coming (Rumors vs Reality)

Episode 48: Pinball Drama, Stern Hate, & the Sleeper Hit of 2025?!

Episode 47: Spooky’s Big Win… And Stern’s Big Shrug?

Episode 46: Can Spooky Pinball catch lightning in a bottle twice w/ Beetlejuice?

Episode 45: Walking Dead Pinball Returns for 2025 - But Should You Care?

Episode 44: Pinball’s Power Shift: Did the Boutiques Just win Expo?!