GoKawiilStern Pinball opens Elk Grove factory tour ahead of Pinball Expo 2026
Stern Pinball hosted a public tour of its Elk Grove, Illinois headquarters and factory floor ahead of the 2026 Pinball Expo in nearby Schaumburg. Founder Gary Stern and designer George Gomez led visitors through the facility, with Gomez stating that Stern currently controls about 90 percent of the pinball market. The tour coincided with a wave of new licensed machines from the company, including a Fallout-themed table.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The reported 90 percent market share figure, if accurate, underscores how dominant Stern has become even as the broader pinball industry experiences a resurgence after years of decline. Public factory tours and expo visibility suggest Stern is leaning into its brand identity and nostalgia appeal to court both new and longtime enthusiasts. The presence of competitors at Pinball Expo alongside Stern hints that smaller manufacturers are trying to carve out space in a market one company largely controls.
- Stern Pinball gave public tours of its Elk Grove, Illinois factory ahead of Pinball Expo 2026.
- Designer George Gomez says Stern holds roughly 90% of the current pinball market.
- Stern continues releasing new licensed machines, including a Fallout-themed table, amid the pinball industry's broader revival.
Stern Pinball Fallout Machine — For diehard pinball fans inspired by stories like this, owning an actual Stern machine is the ultimate way to bring the arcade home. The Fallout table mentioned in the article blends licensed theming with Stern's legendary craftsmanship straight from their Chicago-area factory. It's a great centerpiece for any game room and a direct link to the pinball resurgence covered here.
See Stern Pinball Fallout Machine on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-10-21
Published there as: “The past, present, and future share a show floor at Pinball Expo 2026”
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