Stern Pinball Star Wars Fall of the Empire REVEALED!

By knapparcade

2025-09-22T14:49:21.616This morning, Stern Pinball officially revealed its next cornerstone pinball machine, Star Wars Fall of the Empire. Designed by John Borg and coded by Raymond Davidson, the game features over 1,000 video clips from Star Wars movies and callouts by voice actor Chris Bartlett as C-3PO. It takes players on a journey to various parts of the Star Wars world, including to Hoth where players attempt to take down an AT-AT with a tow cable, Endor where players attempt to destroy the Death Star, Tatooine where players will try to survive the Pit of Sarlacc and more. The game is the first machine to utilize Stern Pinball's new "Spike 3" board set, featuring a custom-programmed Raspberry Pi module, 4x the performance for computing and video processing, twice the memory, 3x faster larger MicroSD memory and better hardware video decoding and playback. Other parts of the Spike 3 upgrade include a new, larger 18.5" HD display that is 35% larger than the screen on Spike 2 games. The new HD resolution features 125% more pixels than the old screen and True Color, enabling 256 times as many colors. The audio system in the machines has also been greatly improved with an upgraded amplifier that features 2x the wattage, integrated equalization and crossover filter, improved mid-range speakers, separate tweeters (Limited Edition only) and wireless headphone support. Beyond the better processing power, bigger screen and improved sound system Spike 3 has better WiFi with an internal antenna, advanced power handling featuring sleep / wake modes, HDMI monitor output and a number of other minor changes. Pricing for Star Wars Fall of the Empire remains unchanged from recent Stern releases, $6,999 for the Pro, $9,699 for the Premium and $12,999 for the Limited Edition. Pricing for Stern pins has not changed in three years. 770 Limited Edition machines will be produced, though interestingly the press release states "in the initial launch territories." I wonder if this leaves the window open for Stern to build additional LEs when it receives approval to sell the game in other areas? Below are links to the official Stern press release, launch videos and all of the pictures. I will continue to update this article as I get new information. So what does everyone think?

PRESS RELEASE: "Stern Pinball Announces Star Wars: Fall of the Empire, the Newest Line of Star Wars™-Inspired Pinball Machines Featuring Next Gen Technology, Stern Pinball Launches Players Into The Legendary Star Wars Galaxy CHICAGO, IL – September 12, 2025 – Today, Stern Pinball, Inc., the largest designer and manufacturer of pinball games in the world, revealed their newest collection of pinball games inspired by one of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world. Stern Pinball is excited to bring Star Wars™ to existing and new generations of pinball players, taking them on an epic adventure to save the galaxy once and for all with a fresh take on the original trilogy. Star Wars: Fall of the Empire pinball games are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models. Initial availability will be in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. Availability in additional markets will be communicated at a later date. In Stern Pinball’s Star Wars: Fall of the Empire pinball games; players will take part in the adventures that started it all and experience iconic Star Wars-inspired moments through a pinball experience like no other. Players will take down the AT-AT by attaching their snowspeeder’s tow cable and shooting the spiral ramp to send it crashing down, mirroring the breathtaking scene from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back . Destroy the Death Star II from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi by lowering shields on the battle station during Death Star Multiball to save the galaxy. Players can also escape from Cloud City when reactivating the Millennium Falcon ’s hyperdrive by hitting the center jump ramp to escape to hyperspace. Throughout the pinball experience, players will enter Jabba the Hutt’s Sarlacc Pit, battle stormtroopers, defeat TIE fighters, and even mimic using the Force to save your ball on the journey to defeating the Empire. Feel the power of the dark side as you enjoy special Darth Vader-inspired modes. Accompanying the over 1,000 high-quality film and a udio assets integrated into the gameplay, the Star Wars: Fall of the Empire pinball games feature the iconic movie score in addition to hand-drawn, vibrant artwork. The games feature custom audio call-outs from actor Chris Bartlett as C-3PO. “Star Wars is one of the most iconic franchises in entertainment history and bringing it to life with a fresh take in our new pinball machine is a dream come true for our team who grew up as fans,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball. “At Stern Pinball , we always want to deliver an immersive, high-energy experience for our players, and there’s no better way to do that than with Star Wars.” The Star Wars: Fall of the Empire pinball games launch on Stern’s next-generation SPIKE 3 technologyplatform, which includes a larger 18.5” full HD display with true color depth, along with a more powerful processor, and a new immersive audio system. SPIKE 3 electronics also feature more efficient power handling, improved Wi-Fi support, and wireless headphone capabilities. To honor the original release of Star Wars in 1977, the Limited Edition model will be limited to 770 games in the initial launch territories. This highly collectible model includes the Expression Lighting System™ and Speaker Expression Lighting System with Star Wars-themed game effects, a full-color mirrored backglass, full-color high-definition cabinet decals, exclusive custom Star Wars: Fall of the Empire pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, a signed Certificate of Authenticity, and a digital Insider Connected LE owner’s badge on registration. The Star Wars: Fall of the Empire pinball games are available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world, which can be found here. Stay up to date by following Stern Pinball on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Pricing and Availability: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*: *MSRP for sales to USA end-users before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes. Pro Edition: $US 6,999 Premium Edition: $US 9,699 Limited Edition: $US 12,999 The Star Wars: Fall of the Empire pinball games are available now through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile or via request for availability on the game information page" Star Wars Fall of the Empire Limited Edition 2025-09-12 11_19_49-EmpireCabineRightx.jpg.png