It simply wouldn’t be the Consumer Electronics Show without Stern Pinball. Widely considered the “GOATs” of the industry, Stern is on a relentless mission to redefine the silver ball experience. This year was no different, as they stormed the floor with two heavy hitters: Star Wars: Fall of the Empire and The Walking Dead Remastered.
A Museum of Motion
Stern is never stingy when it comes to floor space. This year, they provided the full spectrum of the pinball experience, from entry-level Pro models to the ultra-premium Collector’s Editions—all set to free play. Beyond the new releases, they curated a “greatest hits” gallery of recent favorites. For the tech-heads, they even included museum-quality displays showcasing the “guts” of the machines, revealing the intricate engineering and wiring hidden beneath the playboard.
The Walking Dead: Reanimated and Remastered
The Walking Dead Remastered isn’t just a facelift; it’s a total resurrection. Redesigned by the original game’s architect, John Borg, the table features iconic set pieces like the Prison and the Bicycle Girl, along with the return of the fan-favorite crossbow launcher. This version utilizes Stern’s next-gen SPIKE 3 platform, which streamlines performance and enables much smoother interaction across all mechanical components.
The visual experience has been elevated with state-of-the-art HD screens that pair newly rendered 3D graphics with animations that pay homage to the original game. The hand-drawn art is deep and rich, and the molded walkers—especially the “Well Walker”—are gloriously disgusting. The atmosphere is rounded out by a haunting soundtrack and remastered voice lines from show icons Danai Gurira and Michael Rooker, a perennial press-room favorite. With upgraded Wi-Fi and wireless headphone support, the level of immersion is higher than ever, allowing players to personalize their experience with everything from walker-head plungers to custom toppers.
Star Wars: Fall of the Empire – The Force is Strong
Following in the footsteps of JAWS, which remains my personal all-time favorite, Star Wars: Fall of the Empire was the table I most anticipated. For a household that literally wears its fandom in the form of Star Wars and JAWS tattoos, getting hands-on with Fall of the Empire was a giddy, “pinch-me” experience. While my family headed down the road to the Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame, I stayed embedded at CES Unveiled to test the limits of the Force.
The verdict is that everyone, from casual fans to seasoned pros, is falling for this table fast. The hand-painted playfield is a masterclass in nostalgia, featuring incredible sculpts of the Death Star, Jabba the Hutt, and a towering AT-AT. To describe the playfield actions too deeply would feel like a spoiler, but suffice it to say, Stern captures the dual nature of the Force perfectly. The ramps are lightning-fast, and hitting specific targets unlocks legendary cinematic moments like the Sarlacc Pit, all set to the immortal score of John Williams.
The Future is Connected
The implementation of the SPIKE 3 system is a game-changer for the Insider Connected system. With improved Wi-Fi, it is now seamless to log into different tables and track your global rankings through your Stern Pinball ID. This tech is clearly the new standard for the company, signaling a future where the mechanical world of pinball and the digital world of connectivity are perfectly in sync. The Walking Dead and Star Wars are two franchises born for this medium, and Stern has truly hit the jackpot this year, proving that the future of those “little silver balls” is brighter than ever.
