Godzilla turns 70 this year, and Stern Pinball is joining the celebrations with a new Premium edition of its acclaimed Godzilla pinball machine. The release follows Raw Thrills’ Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR arcade game, giving operators and collectors another way to mark the milestone.
Godzilla 70th Anniversary Premium Pinball
Stern originally released its Godzilla pinball machine in 2021. Since then, the Premium model has earned an exceptional reputation: the Premium model is the #1 player rated pinball machine of all time on IPDB. It has also performed strongly in Replay Magazine’s monthly surveys, while several operators have reported that it is among their best-performing machines.
The anniversary version gives the machine a substantially different visual identity. Its artwork uses a black, white and red palette, with a finish designed to create a metallic sheen across the package. Stern is also planning matching accessories for the release.
A Premium release with ongoing production
The announcement also addresses a concern that has affected some collectors in the past: re-releases of machines originally presented as Limited Editions. Rather than making this anniversary version another limited run, Stern is keeping it as a Premium model and says production will continue “as long as there is demand”.
The official pricing is the same as the standard full-colour Premium model: an MSRP of $9,699, with freight and tax additional. Stern’s Godzilla page lists the same price for the new game.
Godzilla’s growing arcade presence
Arcade venues now have several Godzilla-themed options. Alongside Raw Thrills’ Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR, UNIS offers Godzilla Vs. Kong Smasher games. These whac-a-mole-style attractions stand out for their innovative approach, while Taito has also been seen testing a Godzilla medal game in Japan.
For readers comparing dedicated machines with other home entertainment options, RETROCADE’s virtual pinball machines provide another way to explore the format. Our arcade machine buying guide can also help with planning around space, budget and delivery requirements.
Would you choose the anniversary edition?
The new Godzilla Premium is an appealing proposition for operators and collectors who missed the original release or want a visually distinctive version. It may also force some owners to consider selling an existing machine to make room, particularly with Stern’s next post-John Wick theme already the subject of industry rumours.
That rumoured theme was reportedly being discussed through a reliable source before wider online speculation appeared. If it proves accurate, it could become the next planned pinball purchase for some collectors, leaving the Godzilla 70th Anniversary edition on the wish list for later.
Is Stern’s Godzilla 70th Anniversary Premium table on your radar, or have you already placed an order?
For more arcade coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog and browse the latest arcade machines.
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