Pinball Eras
Pinball has evolved through distinct eras — from the early electromechanical tables of the mid-20th century through the golden age of solid-state machines, and into today's high-tech digital era. Explore each period to see how the game, the art, and the technology transformed over the decades.
1940s
1201940–1949
The post-war era when pinball began to flourish
1950s
2521950–1959
The golden age of electromechanical pinball
1960s
3251960–1969
Innovation in playfield design and scoring
1970s
6611970–1979
Transition from electromechanical to solid-state electronics
1980s
3841980–1989
The arcade golden age - digital displays and complex rules
1990s
1541990–1999
DMD era with dot matrix displays and elaborate themes
2000s
352000–2009
The pinball industry consolidation era
2010s
1652010–2019
The modern pinball renaissance
2020s
1552020–2029
LCD displays, connected machines, and new manufacturers