Stern Pinball has revealed a special James Bond 007 machine celebrating six decades of the legendary spy. Unlike the earlier edition based on Sean Connery’s Bond, this limited model features every actor who has played 007.
The original game, released the previous year, used a playfield designed by George Gomez. This 60th Anniversary Edition takes a different approach, with Keith Elwin responsible for the playfield design.
A different kind of Bond pinball machine
The layout has an early-1980s feel and notably avoids ramps and additional playfield levels. That gives it a simpler, more traditional appearance, with a design approach reminiscent of The Beatles, which was based on Sea Witch.
It is not yet clear whether the playfield draws directly from an older machine or is an entirely new design. The machine also includes an LCD screen built into the playfield, a feature that recalls techniques previously used by Heighway Pinball.
Community discussion has placed the price in the region of $20,000 to $22,000. That would make the machine primarily a collector’s item rather than a practical choice for most commercial locations, although some bars and pinball venues may still pursue one.
Stern is producing only 500 examples. Members of the company’s All Access group receive first opportunity to purchase, and the machine represents the first coin-operated game release of 2023.
For Australian buyers comparing a collector pinball machine with other home entertainment options, our arcade machine buying guide covers the key considerations before committing to a large cabinet.
Playfield hardware
A parts list shared in the pinball community identifies the machine’s main playfield elements:
- Two flippers
- Two slingshots
- Four opto spinners
- Two saucers
- One four-bank drop-target group
- One three-bank drop-target group
- One three-in-line drop-target group
- One horizontal spinner bash toy
- Two pop bumpers
- One captive ball
- Additional stand-up targets
More details about the listed playfield elements can be found in a quote from Pinside.
Collector appeal
The topper has a streamlined appearance, while the combination of the Bond theme, Keith Elwin’s design and the 500-unit production run gives the machine strong collector appeal.
Its relatively uncluttered layout may divide opinion at this price. For buyers focused on a home arcade setup, alternatives such as virtual pinball machines can provide a broader range of tables, while arcade machines offer a different style of coin-operated entertainment.
For those drawn to the Bond theme and limited production, however, the 60th Anniversary Edition is positioned as a premium display and playing piece rather than a high-volume location machine.
Would this limited-edition Bond machine earn a place in your collection?
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