Stern Pinball has revealed Metallica Remastered, a modern reworking of its 2013 Metallica pinball machine. The announcement arrived during Pinball Expo 2024, and the new machine was available to order at launch.
Metallica Remastered: What Has Changed?
The remastered edition keeps the original game’s layout while introducing refreshed artwork, redesigned toys and updated electronics. The original dot-matrix display has also been replaced by an LCD screen, with Stern Insider Connected included as part of the modernised package.
LED technology allows the machine to react more closely to its music and sound, an especially appropriate enhancement for a game centred on Metallica’s catalogue. Stern is offering the machine in Premium and Limited Edition versions. See the two available models.
Discussion at Pinball Expo suggested that Metallica Remastered could be the first in a wider series of Stern remasters. No further titles have been confirmed, but classic releases such as TRON are already natural candidates for fan speculation.
Metallica Remastered Videos
Stern’s initial announcement included the following videos, with more details expected to follow. For readers comparing dedicated pinball with other home entertainment options, RETROCADE also covers virtual pinball machines and a broad range of arcade machines.
Stern Pinball at Pinball Expo 2024
Metallica Remastered was announced during Pinball Expo 2024, but neither model was displayed at the Stern booth until the show’s final day. The LE and Premium machines were brought in for Saturday, meaning many visitors had no opportunity to see them in person.
The timing may have helped Stern maintain attention on X-MEN, although that was not confirmed by the company. The machines’ late arrival also meant there was no additional show photography or footage available from the event coverage.
Stern’s Pinball Expo booth was considerably larger and more elaborate than its presentations at events such as Amusement Expo or IAAPA. The show’s location near Stern’s home base, along with its strong collector and residential focus, helps explain that difference.
Approximately 80% or more of pinball buyers now come from the collector and residential market. That makes this audience particularly important at Pinball Expo, even though some operators continue to keep pinball machines active in public venues. Operators may instead favour equipment such as cranes or alley bowlers when choosing new attractions.
Why This Matters for Arcade Collectors
Metallica Remastered shows how established pinball hardware can be refreshed without abandoning its original playfield layout. New displays, electronics, lighting and interactive elements can give a familiar machine a substantially different presentation.
Anyone planning a dedicated games room can use RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide to compare space, format and ownership considerations. Our arcade news and gaming coverage also follows developments across the wider industry.
With both the Premium and LE versions now announced, the main unanswered question is which Stern pinball title might receive the next remaster.
Leave a Reply