King Kong Pinball Machine – the Pinball Rumour Mill
King Kong Pinball Machine – the Pinball Rumour Mill
Rumours abound about a possible Stern King Kong Pinball Machine and after all, it would be the perfect follow up to Stern’s innovative Godzilla. However, Data East’s attempt at producing a Kong pinball in 1990 proved to be something more than challenging.
Data East King Kong Pinball Machine
The Data East King Kong pinball machine is a fascinating rarity in the world of pinball, created in 1990 but never reaching mass production. Designed by Jerry Armstrong around the legendary movie monster, it promised an immersive experience featuring Kong’s epic adventures. Its detailed artwork by Kevin O’Connor and captivating sound design by Brian Schmidt brought the jungle and cityscapes to life, immersing players in the beast’s world.
The machine’s gameplay included thrilling features such as ramps, drop targets, pop bumpers, and multiball modes. A striking mechanical King Kong toy on the playfield added a unique interactive element, making the game both visually impressive and engaging. However, licensing complications halted production after only a few prototypes were made. This makes the machine extraordinarily rare and highly coveted among collectors, symbolising a piece of pinball history that combines bold design with untapped potential. So, if Stern Pinball were to look to produce King Kong pinball 35 years on, how could they make it happen and how would it look?P
Universal Pictures and King Kong
Universal Pictures has released several King Kong films and is one of the key rights holders to the franchise. Films they have been involved with include: King Kong (1976), King Kong Lives (1986) and King Kong (2005). With Stern having previously licenced titles such as Jurassic Park and The Munsters from Universal Pictures, surely this must pave the way for a 35th anniversary launch of a new Stern produced Kong pinball machine.
King Kong pinball machine by Stern?
A King Kong pinball machine by Stern would combine an immersive cinematic spectacle with innovative gameplay. The playfield could feature a towering, motorised King Kong toy gripping a skyscraper, swiping at planes, with multi-level ramps mimicking his climb to the top of the Empire State Building, while a subway loop shot simulates urban chaos. A jungle-themed lower playfield with custom pop bumpers could represent Skull Island, transitioning to a brightly lit cityscape as Kong is transported to New York. High-resolution displays would show iconic King Kong movie clips, with custom modes such as Skull Island Adventure or Empire State Multiball challenging players’ skill. Advanced LED lighting effects, synced with roaring sound effects and original film audio would further immerse players, while Stern’s Insider Connected would track players’ achievements, creating an engaging and immersive world.
Watch this space…
So, would we like to see a Stern King Kong pinball machine? Yes, we would. But will we see it? Only time will tell. Watch this space…



















































