Star Wars Pro Pinball Machine
Not every great pinball machine needs a shelf full of moving toys, and the Star Wars Pro pinball machine by Stern proves it. Released in June 2017 to mark the 40th anniversary of A New Hope, this is the entry-level version of Steve Ritchie’s Star Wars design, built around fast shot flow rather than physical gadgets. Among players who’ve logged real time on it, it’s earned a reputation as one of the best-flowing Pro-line games Stern has made, which is a big reason it still gets recommended years after release. Retro Arcade Games carries fully tested units for buyers across the USA.
The Story Behind the Machine
Stern released Star Wars in three tiers back in 2017, Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition, all sharing the same core playfield layout designed by Steve Ritchie. Where the Premium and LE lean on physical toys and mechanized set pieces, the Pro model strips things down to a tight, fast layout that focuses purely on how the ball moves. Pinside reviewers who’ve compared it directly to other Stern Pro titles, including TMNT, have noted that Star Wars Pro often plays faster and flows better despite looking simpler on paper. Some longtime players consider it a strong candidate for the best Star Wars pinball table Stern has released, precisely because it doesn’t rely on extra hardware to be fun.
What Makes This Pinball Machine Special
The Star Wars Pro pinball machine keeps the core Star Wars ruleset from the Premium and LE models while trimming the hardware to a simpler, faster layout.
- Two LCD screens — a large HD display in the backbox playing up to 400 video clips from the original trilogy, plus a 4.25-inch LCD on the playfield used as an interactive target.
- Five F-O-R-C-E drop targets, along with a Tatooine Scoop target for additional shot variety.
- Two plastic ramps feeding fast, repeatable shots into the flippers.
- Molded Death Star toy in the upper-left corner of the playfield, lit with LEDs.
- Molded, interactive TIE Fighter target built into the layout.
- Up to 6-ball multiball across several selectable modes.
- Four selectable game modes — Escape From Hoth, Destroy the Death Star, Escape From Tatooine, and Battle Above Endor.
- Original John Williams score, played through Stern’s high-fidelity sound system.
- Right-drain ball save gate and a third player button for added interactivity during video sequences.
Reviewers consistently point to the two-flipper layout and fast loop shot as the standout part of the Pro experience, since every shot on this table feeds smoothly into the next.
Star Wars Pro Pinball Technical Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
| Manufacturer | Stern Pinball |
| Designer | Steve Ritchie |
| Release Date | June 2017 |
| Flippers | 2 |
| Pop Bumpers | 2, with 1 slingshot |
| Ramps | 2 (plastic) |
| Drop Targets | 5 (F-O-R-C-E) |
| Displays | 2 LCD screens (backbox HD + 4.25″ playfield) |
| Max Multiball | Up to 6 balls |
| Hardware Platform | Stern SPIKE system |
| Power | 60Hz electricity (North America) |
Because Stern used the same base rule set across all three editions, Pro owners get the full mode structure and scoring depth of the higher tiers, just without the extra moving hardware.
How the Pro Model Compares to Premium and LE
The Pro shares its core layout with the Premium and Limited Edition, but several key differences separate it from the higher tiers.
- Ramps — the Pro uses two plastic ramps, while the Premium and LE add stainless steel ramps plus a magnetic Hyperdrive ball accelerator that isn’t included on the Pro.
- Death Star toy — the Pro’s Death Star is a static, LED-lit molded piece, while the Premium and LE feature an exploding, motorized Death Star with an internal Super Laser Array.
- Backglass and cabinet art — the Pro uses standard cabinet artwork, while the Premium and LE include hand-drawn translite art and additional cabinet detailing.
- Playfield layout — both share the same base footprint, but the Premium and LE add a Hyperdrive wireform circuit and diverter not present on the Pro.
For buyers who want the full Star Wars ruleset at a lower price point, without the added mechanisms of the Premium or LE, the Pro is usually the better fit.
Buying Your Star Wars Pro Pinball Machine From Us
We run both a physical shop and an online store, and every Star Wars Pro pinball machine we list goes through the same process before it’s offered for sale.
- Full testing and refurbishing — flippers, drop targets, LCDs, and the Death Star lighting are checked before any unit ships.
- Nationwide USA shipping — accurate freight quotes for your location, with white-glove delivery available.
- In-store viewing — local buyers can see the game running before they take it home.
- Trade-in options — apply an existing arcade or pinball machine toward your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in the Star Wars Pro pinball machine?
The Pro includes two LCD screens, five F-O-R-C-E drop targets, a Tatooine Scoop target, two plastic ramps, a molded Death Star toy, an interactive TIE Fighter target, and up to 6-ball multiball across four selectable game modes.
Is the Star Wars Pro pinball machine good for beginners?
Yes. The two-flipper layout keeps shots flowing smoothly, which makes it approachable for newer players, while the mode structure and scoring depth still give experienced players plenty to chase.
What’s the difference between Star Wars Pro and Premium?
The Premium adds a magnetic Hyperdrive ball accelerator, stainless steel ramps, an exploding motorized Death Star with a Super Laser Array, and hand-drawn cabinet artwork, none of which are included on the Pro model.
Who designed the Star Wars Pro pinball machine?
Steve Ritchie designed it for Stern Pinball, released in June 2017 for the 40th anniversary of A New Hope. Ritchie is also known for classics like Black Knight and Terminator 2.
How much space do I need for this pinball machine?
Plan for the footprint of a standard Stern cabinet, roughly 25 inches wide by 52 inches deep, with a height of about 6 feet once the backbox is upright.
Does the machine come with a warranty?
Yes. Every unit we sell is inspected and refurbished in-house, and it’s backed by our warranty plus ongoing support for setup, troubleshooting, or replacement parts.
Ready to Take On the Empire?
The Star Wars Pro pinball machine delivers the full Star Wars ruleset in a fast, flow-focused package that plenty of players rate above tables with far more bells and whistles. Reach out today to check current availability and get a straight answer on condition and pricing.
WhatsApp or call us: +1 360 428 9268 Email: sales@retroarcadegames.us Open daily, 9 AM – 6 PM PST
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