Pinball Brothers has unveiled its third pinball machine, ABBA, bringing the Swedish pop group’s music and imagery to a new licensed table. The release follows the company’s earlier Alien and QUEEN machines.
ABBA’s launch coincided with the 50th anniversary of the band’s breakthrough performance of “Waterloo”. To mark the occasion, Pinball Brothers held a launch event for the game on that day.
For Australian collectors comparing dedicated pinball with other home entertainment options, RETROCADE’s virtual pinball machines provide another way to explore the format.
Two ABBA editions
The machine is offered in two limited-production versions: Voyage, capped at 300 units, and Arrival, limited to 500 units. Distributor listings indicate approximate pricing of US$11,000 plus freight for Voyage and US$10,000 for Arrival, although those figures are not Australian retail prices.
Voyage takes its visual direction from the band’s more recent holographic revival, while Arrival draws on ABBA’s signature 1976 album. The playfield itself is shared between the two editions, with the main differences appearing to be the artwork package and production quantity.
Pinball Brothers describes the project as a celebration of ABBA’s 50-year musical legacy, which has also been represented through films, musicals, museums and the ABBA Voyage show. ABBA was a Swedish pop band that was big in the ’70s, making the theme a distinctive change from the rock-focused licences often seen in music pinball.
What is on the playfield?
Both versions include three flippers, six balls, two ramps, four pop bumpers and drop targets. The layout also features a motorised disco ball and a helicopter ball-lock toy, while the soundtrack includes 20 ABBA songs.
The rules have been described as somewhat unusual, though experienced players and ABBA fans should have plenty of room to learn the game’s objectives. The shared playfield means that buyers are primarily choosing between the two editions’ theme presentation and relative scarcity.
ABBA Pinball in action
The available gameplay footage offers an early look at the machine in operation, including its music, lighting and physical toys.
Pre-orders and the wider pinball market
Distributor listings were accepting pre-orders when the machine launched, with some US-based sellers mentioning deposits rather than full availability. Australian buyers should confirm freight, taxes, service arrangements and delivery terms before committing to an imported table. RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide offers useful general considerations for planning a home or commercial game room.
Reaching a third release is a notable milestone for Pinball Brothers, particularly with high-profile licences such as Alien, QUEEN and now ABBA. The company’s approach also raises an interesting design question: could future music tables incorporate rhythm-game mechanics, allowing players to feel more directly involved in creating the soundtrack?
For operators and collectors considering a broader lineup, RETROCADE’s arcade machines and arcade news and gaming coverage are useful places to continue browsing.
ABBA Pinball is a particularly distinctive option for anyone building a music-focused collection or venue. Would this table suit your collection or business?
Leave a Reply