Cowabunga! Stern’s new TMNT arcade game is rad!

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Someone had better call Pizza Hut and order a couple of pies with everything on them, because Stern Pinball has announced a collection of machines based on the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon. When the games emerge from out of the sewers of New York City and into a pub near you, the cabinets will come in three different models: The Pro, The Premium, and the Limited Edition. Although each version comes with its own set of exclusive features, all three come packed with enough nods to the classic animated series to satisfy any old school fan.

Here's the Official Word from Stern on Each Version of this TMNT Arcade Game

Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, trained in the art of ninjutsu by their wise rat sensei, Master Splinter. Is New York City ready for these radical reptile brothers?  With a sick sewer lair and tough friends like April O’Neil and Casey Jones, the Turtles are about to face evils more dangerous and pizza more delicious than anything they could have ever imagined.  In this pinball adventure players will go to battle as the Turtles fight villains like Shredder, the Krang and loads of super-powerful mutants, to become the heroes they were destined to be, and have loads of fun along the way!

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles began as a comic book, morphed into a hit animated show, and has grown into a beloved and iconic global pop culture phenomenon.  We have worked directly with Nickelodeon to bring these heroes in a half-shell into the pinball dimension.  This game has pure pinball power,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.

The Premium and Limited Edition models feature an interactive custom sculpted Turtles Van, equipped to lock up to 4 balls inside with a mechanical opening/closing side door, ready to unleash multiball havoc upon players.  These models also feature the iconic TMNT Glider, a custom-sculpted, player-controlled diverter assembly stationed above both ramps, giving players the ability to control and transport the ball to the flipper of their choice.  In addition, a custom-sculpted mechanical Krang toy hovers over the pop bumpers, jumping up and down while taunting players throughout game action.

The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models all feature distinct hand-drawn art in addition to a high speed magnetic spinning pizza disc capable of holding and throwing 3 balls during pizza multiball mayhem.  The original 1987 theme music complements the action with custom video scenes and events created exclusively for this pinball experience.  All models include 3 flippers, 3 high speed ramps, and a hidden ninja training ball lock area.

The LE model is limited to 500 units globally.  The LE model includes additional unique features such as an exclusive mirrored backglass, exclusive custom themed cabinet artwork, a custom autographed bottom arch, exclusive custom art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball glass, a shaker motor, and a sequentially numbered plaque.

Wow! These tables are super busy, yeah? That said, I've already spotted plenty of cameos from fan favorite characters of the series, including Bebop and Rocksteady, Splinter, Shredder, Slash, Baxter Stockman, Krang! Also, check out the bottom portion of the table. I love that it's a play on the origin story of our favorite Heroes in a Half-Shell.

If Stern's detailed descriptions of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pinball machines aren't enough to give you shell shock, feel free to check out the game's official trailer below, which shows each of the tables in action:

While any pinball wizard worth their salt would jump at the chance to own one of these gorgeous machines, I should warn you that no matter which version you fancy, adding one of these beauties to your personal Turtle Lair is going to cost you. According to Stern, the Pro version retails at $6,099, with the Premium coming in at $7,699, and the Limited Edition going for a whopping $9,099!

As your attorney I advise you to stop dining on turtle soup and save your money for one of these awesome pinball machines. Or, if you really want to be the envy of all your friends, purchase all three and arrive as the ultimate pinball master!

Stern expects to let these machines out of their shell in the coming months, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for updates.