Funhouse remains one of Williams’ most recognisable pinball machines. Designed by Pat Lawlor and Larry DeMar, the 1990 table arrived as pinball was building towards its major 1990s resurgence, combining inventive toys, memorable mechanics and a strong sense of character.
Thirty-four years later, Italian company Pedretti Pinball is preparing an official remake. For Australian collectors considering how a machine might fit into a games room, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide is a useful starting point for planning the wider setup.
What the Funhouse Remake Includes
Modern remakes of classic pinball machines are not unusual. Chicago Gaming has previously released updated versions of Medieval Madness, Attack From Mars and Monster Bash. A new Funhouse has been anticipated by fans for years because the original helped shape later pinball through its interactive features, distinctive toys and personality-led presentation.
Pedretti Pinball has announced two versions: the Classic Edition, or CE, and the Midnight Limited Edition, or LE. Both are based on the original gameplay while adding updated technology and reworked artwork.
Each model includes a 21.5-inch XL LCD display, a four-inch LCD mini display in the playfield, integrated RGB lightshows and RGB target lighting.
This is Pedretti’s first game, so its long-term quality and reliability will become clear only after the machines have been in use. The company is working with Planetary Pinball Supply on parts. That supplier also assisted with the Chicago Gaming remakes, providing relevant experience for the project.
Two Funhouse Cabinet Designs
The Midnight LE may appeal more to collectors who prefer its darker visual treatment, while the Classic Edition offers a more familiar presentation. Whether either version captures the feel of the original will depend partly on how much experience a player has had with the 1990 table.
There is also an operator case for considering a machine such as this, assuming the budget is suitable. Older tables can remain highly competitive on location: the 1992 The Addams Family, for example, can still perform strongly against newer Stern machines. Age alone does not determine player appeal, although the remake’s real-world performance has yet to be established. Operators researching maintenance can also review RETROCADE’s arcade repair and maintenance service information.
How the Two Editions Differ
The CE and LE share the same layout and major gameplay features, including Rudy’s animatronic head. The backbox uses a 21.5-inch ultrawide LCD rather than an XLED display.
A new four-inch vertical display on the playfield replaces the sign positioned to the left of Rudy’s head. On the original machine, that section used six indicator lights for selected bonuses and modes. Its long-term durability will be something owners can assess once the remake has seen regular play.
The Midnight LE adds a different artwork package, art blades and a shaker motor. Rudy’s eyes also illuminate on this edition, bringing a feature previously seen in the pinball modding community into an officially supported machine.
Early Distribution Details
At the time of the announcement, Pinball Star and Pinball Traders had been identified as United States distributors, with additional partners potentially appearing later. Australian buyers should confirm local availability, shipping arrangements and after-sales support before importing a machine.
For technical background on the original table, see Funhouse by Williams. Further discussion can be found in the Funhouse Remake thread on Pinside, with additional coverage from PinballNews.com and Knapp Arcade.
Readers weighing up different formats can browse RETROCADE’s virtual pinball machines, while broader arcade news and developments are collected on the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
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